The world of non-alcoholic beer has come a long way in recent years, with many breweries now offering high-quality, low-ABV options that rival their traditional counterparts. Two such products that have gained significant attention are Athletic Brewing Company's Run Wild IPA and Brooklyn Brewery's Special Effects. In this comparison, we'll delve into the details of each brew, exploring their flavor profiles, ingredients, and overall drinking experiences.
Athletic Brewing Company Run Wild IPA
Run Wild IPA is a non-alcoholic beer that embodies the spirit of traditional IPAs, with a focus on bold flavors and aromas. Brewed with a blend of hops, including Mosaic, Simcoe, and Citra, this beer boasts a complex profile that's both fruity and bitter. The aroma is characterized by notes of citrus, pine, and tropical fruit, while the flavor follows suit with a balanced blend of hoppy bitterness and malty sweetness.
One of the standout features of Run Wild IPA is its remarkably low calorie count, weighing in at just 70 calories per serving. This makes it an attractive option for health-conscious beer enthusiasts who still want to enjoy the taste and experience of a traditional IPA. Additionally, Athletic Brewing Company uses a unique brewing process that involves fermenting the beer to a very low ABV, then removing any remaining alcohol through a proprietary technique.
Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects
Special Effects is Brooklyn Brewery's take on non-alcoholic beer, designed to mimic the taste and character of their popular brews without the booze. This hoppy lager is brewed with a blend of hops, including Hallertau Mittelfrüh and Saaz, which impart a crisp, refreshing flavor profile. The aroma is marked by notes of grassy hops, citrus, and a hint of spice, while the flavor is clean and crushable, with a subtle bitterness that's balanced by a touch of sweetness.
Brooklyn Brewery's approach to non-alcoholic beer involves using a combination of traditional brewing techniques and modern technology to remove the alcohol from the finished beer. This process allows them to preserve the delicate flavors and aromas that are often lost during the dealcoholization process, resulting in a beer that's remarkably similar to its full-strength counterpart.
Comparison
So, how do these two non-alcoholic beers stack up against each other? In terms of flavor profile, Run Wild IPA is undoubtedly more aggressive, with a bold, hoppy character that's sure to appeal to fans of traditional IPAs. Special Effects, on the other hand, is more subdued, with a crisp, refreshing quality that's perfect for those looking for a lighter, easier-drinking option.
In terms of ingredients and brewing process, both beers are made with high-quality ingredients and employ innovative techniques to remove the alcohol. However, Athletic Brewing Company's proprietary brewing process gives Run Wild IPA a slight edge in terms of calorie count and overall healthiness.
Ultimately, the choice between these two non-alcoholic beers will depend on personal preference. If you're looking for a bold, hoppy IPA experience without the booze, Run Wild IPA is an excellent option. If, on the other hand, you prefer a lighter, more approachable lager-style beer, Special Effects is definitely worth trying.
In conclusion, both Athletic Brewing Company's Run Wild IPA and Brooklyn Brewery's Special Effects are outstanding examples of non-alcoholic beer, offering unique flavor profiles and innovative brewing techniques that set them apart from the competition. Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or just looking for a healthier alternative to traditional brews, these two products are definitely worth exploring.
