Best Athletic Brewing Beers
Where I would start with Athletic, depending on whether you want hazy IPA, a drier IPA, a lighter can, or a dark beer.
Athletic has enough beers now that “try Athletic” is not specific enough. The right first can depends on what kind of beer you already miss.
If you like hazy IPA, start with Free Wave. If you want a drier IPA, start with Run Wild. If you want something easier and less hop-heavy, try Upside Dawn. If you want a light beer for a cooler, try Athletic Lite. If you miss dark beer, look at All Out.
Where to buy
I would use ProofNoMore for a mixed Athletic order or Amazon for a straightforward pack when the price is right.
Best first pick: Free Wave
Free Wave is the Athletic beer I would suggest first for most craft-beer drinkers. It has citrus, tropical fruit, and enough body to taste intentional. It is not the driest can, but it does a good job of giving hazy IPA drinkers something familiar.
Best for a drier IPA: Run Wild
Run Wild is the better pick if Free Wave sounds too soft. It has more bitterness and a firmer finish, which makes it better with burgers, pizza, tacos, and other food where a sweeter beer can get tiring.
Best lighter pick: Upside Dawn
Upside Dawn is where I would send someone who wants Athletic without making hops the whole point. It is easier, lighter, and better for lunch, beach food, and casual daytime drinking.
Best low-calorie pick: Athletic Lite
Athletic Lite is not the can to buy for complexity. Buy it when you want a light beer that can sit in a cooler and disappear with food. That is a real job, and it does not need to be fancy.
Best dark pick: All Out
All Out is the one to try if you miss darker beer. It brings roast, coffee, chocolate, and a colder-weather beer mood that most NA lineups do not cover well.
What I would buy first
If you are new to Athletic, I would buy Free Wave and Run Wild together. Those two cans tell you quickly whether you prefer the hazy side or the drier side. Add Upside Dawn if you want something easier. Add All Out if you miss stout.
Bottom line
The best Athletic beer depends on your normal beer taste. Free Wave for hazy IPA. Run Wild for drier IPA. Upside Dawn for lighter drinking. Athletic Lite for coolers. All Out for dark beer.