Athletic Brewing isn't available in the UK. Here's what actually is.

Started seeing Athletic Brewing everywhere. Reddit, Instagram, US podcasts. "Run Wild IPA", "Free Wave", "Upside Dawn". Looked genuinely good. Properly brewed AF beer, not the supermarket stuff.

So I tried to order some.

You can get it through a handful of UK import retailers, but you're paying £5-6 per can by the time shipping's in. Or you wait for the odd one to appear on eBay. Not really viable.

I spent about three months finding the best UK alternatives to Athletic. This is what I found.

Why Athletic is so hyped

Athletic Brewing is genuinely impressive. They built a dedicated AF brewing facility in Connecticut, which means they brew AF beer from scratch rather than removing alcohol from regular beer. The result is cleaner, less malty, more drinkable.

Run Wild IPA in particular has a following because it actually tastes like craft beer. Dry-hopped, bitter, complex. Not like the vague "beer-flavoured" AF stuff from the big lager brands.

That's what people are searching for: actual craft. Not just "0.0% Heineken" or "Peroni but alcohol-free."

The best UK alternatives

After working through about 20 different options, these are the ones that actually compete.

Beavertown Lazer Crush

The closest thing in the UK to Athletic's Run Wild IPA. Heavily dry-hopped, tropical and citrus notes, 0.3%. It's not identical - it's a bit fruitier, less bitter - but if you're after that craft IPA experience without the alcohol, Lazer Crush is the benchmark.

Available in most big Tesco and Sainsbury's stores. About £2-2.50 per 330ml. No waiting, no import fees.

Lucky Saint Unfiltered Lager

If you prefer lager to IPA, Lucky Saint is the UK equivalent of Athletic's lagers. It's unfiltered, which gives it a slightly hazy, fuller body. Clean and very drinkable. Available on draught in a growing number of pubs.

About £1.80-2.20 per 330ml in most supermarkets.

IMPOSSIBREW Triple Hopped IPA

Different proposition to Athletic but worth mentioning. Athletic focuses purely on taste. IMPOSSIBREW adds L-theanine and ashwagandha - the relaxation-inducing compound from green tea and the adaptogen that takes the edge off.

If you're switching from real beer and you want something that does more than just taste like beer, IMPOSSIBREW fills a gap Athletic doesn't. You actually feel something. Not the same as alcohol - nothing is - but noticeably different from fizzy water with hops in it.

The Triple Hopped IPA is genuinely good. Bitter, hoppy, solid craft quality. I've had it alongside proper IPAs at a beer tasting and it held its own.

Mash Gang

UK-based, entirely dedicated to AF craft beer, similar philosophy to Athletic. They do a solid range including dark ales and sours - categories Athletic doesn't really cover. If you want variety beyond IPA and lager, Mash Gang is worth a look.

Big Drop

Another UK AF specialist. Pine Trail Pale Ale is a consistent choice. Available in more Waitrose and Co-op stores than most AF craft options.

The honest comparison

Athletic Brewing is very good. If you're in the US or can get it cheaply, buy it.

But for UK drinkers: Beavertown Lazer Crush is the direct taste equivalent, and it's £2 in your local Tesco. If you want something that also does something functional - takes the edge off, promotes that end-of-day feeling - IMPOSSIBREW is the only UK option I've found that competes on that level.

You're not missing out as much as the internet hype suggests.

Where to actually buy AF craft beer in the UK

• Supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose): Lazer Crush, Lucky Saint, Big Drop
• Direct from IMPOSSIBREW online: their IPA and Pale Ale (usually bundle discounts)
• Craft beer delivery: Beer52, Honest Brew often carry a rotating AF selection
• Local independent off-licences: increasingly stocking Mash Gang and Big Drop

Import Athletic at your own cost from RateBeer marketplace or import beer specialists if you really want to try the original. Just be ready for £4-5+ per can landed in the UK.