This is the last of the series of three beers that I have from Athletic, and let's just say they are still finding their feet. It's not easy to come out with a nonalcoholic beer, and these guys are proving the rule. Will they fare better with a light beer? Here's my argument for why this may be the case: the hop-heavy nature of NA beers that are trying to taste like beers is inevitably their downfall. But light beers are watery, and that may mellow the hops to the point that the beverage becomes refreshing, if not flavorful.
The pale yellow beer isn't as pale as some others in the category, so they're making an effort. The head doesn't know that this is beer, so it scatters quickly and leaves a completely naked top on my beer. Needless to say, there's no lacing. The aroma is vague, musty hops with very little malt, and the malt was going to be the thing that would save this.First sip is not good. It's the hoppy water thing again, but it's somehow even less good. The pine hops are musty and aggressive, despite the fact that they are also not particularly flavorful. They really needed to lean into the citrus, if they were going to make this work, and that's not the direction they went. So, we have a bitey beverage that also lacks flavor. That's two strikes right there.
Tip-in is mild carbonation burn with lots of water and a hint of floral and pine hops. The middle grows into a loud carbonation ruckus with no discernable flavor whatsoever. The finish brings bite and bitterness as musty pine clings on for the trail off.
Bottom Line: I could find better uses for 25 calories.
0.75/5