As someone who is passionate about beer and fitness, I have always been fascinated by the idea of non-alcoholic options. A company that has stood out to me is Athletic Brewing, a trailblazer in the realm of zero-alcohol craft beers. In this discussion, I will explore the process that Athletic Brewing uses to extract alcohol from their beverages while still preserving their remarkable flavor and intricacy.
The Basics of Alcohol Removal
Before we delve into Athletic Brewing’s specific process, let’s understand the general principles of alcohol removal from beer. The most common method is called vacuum distillation. This involves evaporating the beer at a lower temperature than traditional distillation, minimizing the loss of flavor compounds while removing alcohol.
Another method used is reverse osmosis, where the beer is passed through a membrane that selectively separates the alcohol from the other components. This allows the alcohol to be captured and removed, leaving behind the non-alcoholic liquid.
Athletic Brewing’s Approach
Athletic Brewing takes a unique approach to alcohol removal that involves a combination of vacuum distillation and reverse osmosis. Their goal is not just to create a beer with no alcohol but to preserve the flavors and aromas that make craft beer so enjoyable.
They start by brewing their beer like any other craft brewery, using high-quality ingredients and traditional brewing techniques. Once the beer is ready to be de-alcoholized, it goes through a vacuum distillation process. This gentle evaporation occurs at a lower temperature, helping to retain delicate flavors.
Next, the partially de-alcoholized beer goes through reverse osmosis. In this step, the beer is passed through a membrane under pressure. This membrane allows the alcohol molecules to pass through while trapping the non-alcoholic components like flavors, colors, and aromas.
Now the alcohol-free liquid is collected, and the remaining alcohol is removed through further distillation. This final step ensures that the beer meets the strict non-alcoholic standards set by regulatory bodies while maintaining the beer’s character and taste.
The Impact on Flavor and Aroma
One of the concerns I had when trying non-alcoholic beers was whether they would still have the same depth of flavor and complexity. Thankfully, Athletic Brewing’s process addresses this challenge. By using a combination of vacuum distillation and reverse osmosis, they can remove the alcohol while retaining the vibrant hop character, malty sweetness, and aromatic notes that we love in craft beer.
My Personal Experience
Having tried several of Athletic Brewing’s non-alcoholic beers, I can confidently say that they have succeeded in creating remarkable brews that can stand up to their alcoholic counterparts. Their Upside Dawn Golden Ale boasts a refreshing citrusy flavor, and their Run Wild IPA delivers a delightful hoppy punch without the alcohol.
Personally, as someone who enjoys the taste and ritual of having a beer after a workout or on a lazy Sunday afternoon, Athletic Brewing has provided a fantastic alternative that allows me to enjoy the social and sensory experience of drinking beer without the alcohol’s effects. It’s a win-win situation!
Conclusion
Athletic Brewing has truly revolutionized the world of non-alcoholic beers by employing a meticulous approach to alcohol removal that prioritizes taste and quality. Their combination of vacuum distillation and reverse osmosis ensures that their brews retain the essence of craft beer while being completely alcohol-free.
So, whether you’re an athlete looking for a post-workout refreshment or someone who wants to enjoy the flavors of beer without the alcohol, I highly recommend giving Athletic Brewing’s non-alcoholic offerings a try. They might just change your perception of what a non-alcoholic beer can be!
