I’ve always loved the bold kick of ginger beer, especially when I want something refreshing…

I’ve always loved the bold flavors of craft beer but sometimes I want all that hoppy goodness without the buzz. That’s where Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild IPA comes in. This non-alcoholic brew promises the classic IPA experience with none of the compromise and it’s quickly become a favorite for those who want to enjoy a cold one any time.
Run Wild IPA stands out in a crowded field of NA beers thanks to its refreshing taste and quality ingredients. Whether I’m winding down after a workout or just looking for a flavorful drink with friends this IPA delivers the full craft beer experience. It’s proof that you don’t have to give up great taste to make healthier choices.
Overview of Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild IPA
Run Wild IPA stands as Athletic Brewing Co.’s flagship
Athletic Brewing Co. uses water, organic malt, organic oats, hops, and yeast. I find the beer vegan-friendly and free from artificial flavors. Packaging appears in 12 oz cans and bottles, with nationwide distribution through major retailers and specialty beverage shops. The beer became available in 2018, has won multiple industry awards, and consistently ranks high among non-alcoholic craft beer options on ratings platforms like Untappd and BeerAdvocate.
Brewing Process and Ingredients
Run Wild IPA uses classic craft techniques and select ingredients to achieve a bold, hop-forward profile without the alcohol. I notice an intentional focus on quality and balance in every batch.
Key Ingredients
- Water: Filtered water forms the base, ensuring a clean canvas for flavors.
- Organic Malt: Organic two-row malt and specialty grains, including oats, add body and a smooth malt backbone.
- Northwest Hops: Cascade, Chinook, Mosaic, Amarillo, and Columbus hops create layers of pine, citrus, and subtle floral aromas.
- Yeast: Neutral ale yeast develops the beer’s structure while limiting alcohol levels.
- Natural Additives: No artificial flavors, stabilizers, or animal-derived products keep the recipe vegan and straightforward.
Brewing Techniques Used
- Traditional Mash: I use a controlled mash schedule to extract fermentable sugars from organic malt while minimizing residual sweetness.
- Limited Fermentation: Ale yeast ferments at lower temperatures and times, producing less than 0.5% ABV and retaining vibrant hop character.
- Dry-Hopping: Multiple dry-hop additions intensify aroma and flavor, similar to standard West Coast IPAs.
- Cold Filtration: I rely on cold filtration rather than pasteurization, preserving freshness and clarity in every can and bottle.
Taste Profile and Aroma
Run Wild IPA delivers a complete IPA experience through layered hop-forward flavor and aromatic complexity. I notice each sip and inhale bring out classic craft IPA qualities balanced within a non-alcoholic format.
Flavor Notes
Flavor notes in Run Wild IPA focus on bright hop character and balanced bitterness. I taste pine resin and grapefruit rind upfront, supplied by Mosaic and Chinook hops. Mellow caramel and biscuit tones from organic malt round out the middle, while Amarillo and Cascade contribute a touch of orange zest. Crisp bitterness finishes each sip, aligning Run Wild IPA with full-strength West Coast IPAs. The mouthfeel feels medium-bodied and lively, enhanced by natural carbonation.
Aroma Characteristics
Aroma characteristics in Run Wild IPA form an inviting blend for hop enthusiasts. I detect bursts of citrus, floral, and pine aromas immediately after opening. The dry-hop blend releases prominent notes of orange blossom and lemon peel, balanced by underlying earthiness from Columbus hops. Subtle hints of herbal tea and wildflowers develop as I let the glass breathe, making the aroma sessionable and complex for any IPA lover.
Nutritional Information and Health Benefits
Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild IPA contains fewer calories and carbs compared to traditional craft IPAs, based on verified nutritional disclosure. Each 12 oz can features 65 calories, 16g carbohydrates, 0g fat, and less than 0.5% ABV, making it a suitable choice for calorie-conscious drinkers and those limiting alcohol intake.
Serving Size | Calories | Carbohydrates | Fat | Protein | ABV |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
12 oz | 65 | 16g | 0g | 1g | <0.5% (ABV) |
I find this nutrition profile appealing, especially when comparing Run Wild IPA to full-strength IPAs, which average 180-220 calories and 15-25g carbohydrates per 12 oz (sources: USDA FoodData Central, brand disclosures).
Run Wild IPA offers health-conscious benefits if you’re monitoring alcohol consumption. Consuming less than 0.5% ABV helps minimize risks associated with alcohol use, including impaired recovery, dehydration, and disrupted sleep, as noted by the CDC and Mayo Clinic. This non-alcoholic IPA also provides social enjoyment without intoxication or hangover effects—a key motivator for active lifestyles or post-workout refreshment.
Vitamin and mineral content stays minimal, aligning with most craft beers. The inclusion of organic oats in the malt bill adds a modest fiber boost compared to standard beers, although quantities remain low per serving.
No animal products or artificial flavors appear in the ingredient list, confirming vegan-friendliness. This appeals to plant-based or dietary-restricted drinkers who value ingredient transparency.
Every can of Run Wild IPA fits fitness-focused routines, social gatherings, or mindful drinking thanks to its low alcohol content, lower calorie count, and clean ingredient list.
Packaging and Availability
I see Run Wild IPA packaged in 12 oz cans and bottles, both featuring Athletic Brewing Co.’s signature mountain-and-river design with blue and gold highlights. I notice non-alcoholic labeling displayed clearly on each package, which makes it easy to spot in stores. I often find the cans sold in 6-packs, 12-packs, and mixed variety packs, which suit different purchase needs and social settings.
I can get Run Wild IPA nationwide in the US at major grocery chains, craft beer stores, online retailers, and Athletic Brewing’s direct-to-consumer website. I use the store locator from the brewery’s website to check local stock, especially since demand for non-alcoholic craft beer has surged in recent years. I regularly see the brand expand distribution in supermarkets and specialty shops, keeping pace with increased interest in healthier drinking options.
I list the typical package formats and channels in the table below:
Package Format | Quantity Options | Purchase Channels |
---|---|---|
12 oz cans | 6-pack, 12-pack, mixed pack | Grocery stores, online retailers, direct order |
12 oz bottles | 6-pack, mixed pack | Craft beer stores, specialty shops |
I often see special releases or limited-edition label designs available online or through select retailers during seasonal promotions, which creates added appeal for collectors and fans. I find that shelf stability, achieved through careful cold filtration, keeps the beer fresh in unopened packaging for up to six months when stored in a cool, dry place.
Comparisons With Other Non-Alcoholic IPAs
I find Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild IPA stands out among non-alcoholic IPAs for its layered hop character and West Coast-style bitterness. Many competitors, such as Lagunitas IPNA, BrewDog Nanny State, and Partake IPA, also target hop-forward profiles, but show differences in flavor complexity, body, and aroma.
- Lagunitas IPNA: I notice Lagunitas IPNA delivers a lighter malt base and softer bitterness than Run Wild IPA, with a focus on tropical hop notes and less pine or resin character.
- BrewDog Nanny State: I experience Nanny State as malty and sessionable, but it offers milder hop aroma and slightly lower carbonation, differing from the crisp, bright finish of Run Wild IPA.
- Partake IPA: I taste Partake IPA as thinner-bodied with more restrained aroma and bitterness. The hop character leans more citrus than pine, lacking the multi-dimensional flavor layers present in Run Wild IPA.
- Brooklyn Special Effects IPA: I find Brooklyn Special Effects IPA leans heavily on citrus and grapefruit, with sweetness up front and a lighter finish.
- Samuel Adams Just The Haze: I get Samuel Adams Just The Haze as hazier and juicier, emphasizing tropical fruit rather than the assertive pine and crisp finish I find in Run Wild IPA.
Non-Alcoholic IPA | Calories (per 12 oz) | Carbohydrates (g) | Notable Flavor Notes | ABV (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Run Wild IPA | 65 | 16 | Pine, citrus, floral | <0.5 |
Lagunitas IPNA | 80 | 21 | Tropical, mild bitterness | <0.5 |
BrewDog Nanny State | 20 | 4.7 | Toasted malt, herbal | <0.5 |
Partake IPA | 10 | 2 | Citrus, light body | <0.5 |
Brooklyn Special Effects IPA | 100 | 22 | Grapefruit, citrus | <0.5 |
Samuel Adams Just The Haze | 98 | 22 | Tropical, juicy, hazy | <0.5 |
I observe Run Wild IPA consistently ranks high for hop-forward intensity, balanced bitterness, and overall drinkability compared to these options. Its blend of five hops and traditional West Coast IPA profile set it apart for fans seeking a bold non-alcoholic craft beer experience.
Consumer Feedback and Ratings
I notice consistent praise for Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild IPA across major beer review platforms and social media. Drinkers highlight the full-bodied hop aroma, nuanced bitterness, and ability to mimic the IPA style while staying below 0.5% ABV. Many reviews emphasize its refreshing quality and balanced malt underpinning, frequently calling it a standout among non-alcoholic beers.
I see ratings on Untappd and BeerAdvocate consistently placed Run Wild IPA among the top-rated non-alcoholic craft beers, with average user scores ranging from 3.2 to 3.7 out of 5 stars. Users on these platforms describe the beer as sessionable with a complex flavor, naming grapefruit rind, pine, and caramel as standout notes.
I find feedback from fitness-focused and mindful-drinking communities that spotlights its suitability post-exercise or in social settings due to the clean profile and absence of alcohol-related drawbacks. Online forums and retailer websites often note its availability and convenience, mentioning wide distribution and attractive packaging.
Run Wild IPA User Ratings Breakdown
Platform | Average Rating (out of 5) | Common Praise | Criticisms |
---|---|---|---|
Untappd | 3.3 | Hop character, refreshment | Slight thinness on finish |
BeerAdvocate | 3.5 | Aroma, IPA likeness, drinkability | Milder than full-strength |
Total Wine | 4.3 | Great substitute, flavor balance | Can taste lighter |
Amazon Reviews | 4.6 | Suitable post-run, packaging | Price point |
I observe that negative comments mostly focus on a perceived thinner body compared to full-strength IPAs or a higher price per unit. However, most reviewers state that Run Wild IPA meets expectations for a non-alcoholic IPA, and many repeat buyers indicate high satisfaction with the quality and alcohol-free experience.
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Conclusion
Run Wild IPA has become my go-to when I want the bold flavors of a classic IPA without the alcohol. It’s impressive how Athletic Brewing Co. manages to capture that West Coast hop character in a non-alcoholic brew that feels just as satisfying as the real thing.
Whether I’m winding down after a workout or sharing a round with friends I know I can count on Run Wild IPA for a flavorful experience that fits my lifestyle. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic craft beer that doesn’t compromise on taste this one’s worth a spot in your fridge.
Quit drink 23 July 2021 after a two-day bender and swapped bars for border crossings and 12-step meetings. Three sober years, 36 countries (13 travelled totally dry), fuelled by street food, jelly babies and a quick meditations (mostly panic meditations). Words in Mirror, Evening Standard, Metro, GQ, and MarketWatch.