Beer of the Week: Athletic Lite

From the Beer Writer: It takes a lot to make non-alcoholic (N/A) beer palatable, much less interesting, but that’s what Athletic Brewing has done. A Connecticut-based business that went bi-coastal by taking over the former Ballast Point Brewing facility on Miramar’s Trade Street, it has revitalized the near-beer market, doing so, in part, with a number of veteran San Diego brewers. Many are the craft-beer fans who are taken with Athletic’s brand of sub-0.5% (alcohol-by-volume) beer, which spans various styles and flavor profiles. That’s quite the accomplishment, but the company isn’t stopping there. Last week, it debuted a new beer to change the game within the light-beer segment. That low-cal N/A newcomer, Athletic Lite, is this week’s featured beer. Like most light beers, it pours pale gold and comes across extremely refreshing on the palate. But unlike its alcoholic contemporaries, it comes in at just 25 calories with five grams of carbs. The latter is on par with macro lights, but the calorie count is roughly a fourth of Bud’s, Coors; and Miller’s offerings. Also different, Athletic Lite’s lack of sweetness or corn-like flavors. The beer is bone dry with a touch of grassiness, and easygoing with a snappy finish. While some may lament the lack of alcohol, this beer is intended for those who won’t. (And I’d argue those traditional “lite” beers don’t offer much in the way of buzz fuel, anyway.)

From the Brewer: “Athletic Lite is our first foray into the world of ‘lite’ beer, and we love it so much we’re going to make it available year round. As brewers, we love all of our beers: the flagships, seasonals and limited-time offerings that run from stouts to fruit brews to sours. But we were missing something in our portfolio. After some experimentation on our Pilot Program and some incredible feedback from our consumers and team, we knew exactly what we needed: a light, bright and ridiculously refreshing low-cal, low-carb brew that we could have anytime, anywhere and still be at our best. The brew crew spent the better part of two years crafting a unique process with custom ingredients that could bring to life all of the delicious and refreshing qualities we all love in pilsners and lagers. We’ve made it with all-organic grain and the best German Noble hops in the world, and it drinks like the most refreshing lite brew you’ve ever had. It features bright floral, earthy and spice notes from the Czech Saaz and Hallertau hops, plus a delicate, crisp mouthfeel and amazing malt characteristics from organic Munich and organic brown rice. It is designed to be the universal brew to be enjoyed doing something or nothing, or paired with almost any food. We’re pumped to share it with the world!”—John Walker, Co-founder & Chief Product Officer, Athletic Brewing