I have tried many of Athletic Brewing Company‘s beers, and have been surprised by how much I really like them. Their Free Wave Hazy IPA is one of my favorites. I picked up a few 6-packs of this gem after seeing that it took 2nd place at the 2021 Great American Beer Festival in the Non-Alcoholic Beer Category

The downside? This beer is a limited edition! I was able to pick up mine at Boisson and have them shipped to my house before they sold out, however they do have an “email me when available again” option on Athletic’s website and will hopefully produce more in future.

Athletic Brewing brews non-alcoholic beers as well as flavored seltzer waters with hops. They are one of the easiest “good” brands to find on shelf at liquor stores, and they ship to my house in Michigan, which is an added bonus!

Closer by the Mile is just a really good all-season beer. As an IPA, it’s not overly hoppy or bitter. If you want a really hoppy IPA, look for my review on Two Roots Straight Drank IPA. It’s not super fruity or hazy, any fruit picked up is from the hops. It’s crisp and delicious with the body of a “real” beer. While it’s a full-bodied beer (I don’t like light beers!), it also isn’t overly filling if you’re wanting to drink a few in a row (or drink one with pizza). It has 70 calories and 16g of carbs and, like most N/A beers, 0.5% ABV.

Can’t find it? Free Wave Hazy IPA is an excellent alternative. Carrying several awards of it’s own, it has a little more juiciness, and is a newer member of Athletic’s usual line-up.