Athletic Upside Dawn Non-Alcoholic 12Pk

Athletic Upside Dawn Non-Alcoholic 12Pk is a 12-pack of non-alcoholic golden ale brewed to under 0.5% ABV by Athletic Brewing Co. in Connecticut. This flagship expression earned Gold at the 2025 London Beer Competition and Silver at the 2024 World Beer Awards, establishing it as one of the most decorated non-alcoholic beers on the market.

Quick Facts: ABV: <0.5%  |  Origin: Milford, CT & San Diego, CA  |  Style: Non-Alcoholic Golden Ale  |  Brewery: Athletic Brewing Co.

Production & Heritage

Athletic Brewing Co. was founded in 2017 by Bill Shufelt and John Walker with the singular goal of making non-alcoholic beer that tastes like real craft beer. Rather than brewing a full-strength beer and stripping the alcohol out, Athletic uses a proprietary process to brew its beers naturally to an ultra-low alcohol content — a distinction that sets it apart from most competitors who rely on dealcoholization. Upside Dawn is built on a grain bill of malted barley, wheat, oats, and organic Vienna malt, hopped to deliver a clean, sessionable golden ale. The beer is also crafted to remove gluten and tested every batch to confirm levels below 20 ppm.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Delicate floral and earthy hop notes open the nose, followed by subtle hints of chamomile and honey. A light cracker-like malt sweetness rounds out the aromatics.

Taste: The first sip delivers clean grain character with a gentle citrus brightness. Mid-palate, the organic Vienna malt contributes a biscuity depth, while the wheat and oats provide a soft, rounded mouthfeel. The balance between malt sweetness and hop bitterness stays restrained throughout.

Finish: Crisp and light-bodied with a dry, refreshing close. Lingering notes of earthy hops and mild spice fade cleanly without any residual sweetness.

How to Drink Upside Dawn

Upside Dawn is best served cold, ideally between 38–45°F, straight from the can or poured into a pint glass to release its subtle aromatics. For a non-alcoholic take on a Shandy, combine it with fresh lemonade — the ale's biscuity malt balances the tartness beautifully. It also works well in an NA Michelada, where the clean golden ale body pairs with lime, hot sauce, and tomato juice without competing flavors. For something simple, try a Hop Spritz by topping a half-pour with sparkling water, a squeeze of grapefruit, and a sprig of rosemary.

Best For

• Post-workout or midweek refreshment when you want craft beer flavor without the alcohol
• Stocking the fridge for guests who prefer non-alcoholic options at gatherings
• Dry January participants looking for a credible, full-flavored beer alternative
• Pairing with weeknight meals where a light, crisp beer complements the food

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Upside Dawn taste like? Upside Dawn delivers a clean, balanced golden ale profile with light citrus brightness, biscuity malt, and subtle floral hops. It finishes crisp and dry with no cloying sweetness.

How does Upside Dawn compare to Heineken 0.0? Heineken 0.0 is a dealcoholized lager with a more pronounced sweet malt character, while Upside Dawn is a golden ale brewed natively to under 0.5% ABV with a drier, more hop-forward profile. Upside Dawn also uses a more complex grain bill including wheat, oats, and organic Vienna malt.

Is Upside Dawn good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — its balanced grain-and-hop profile and light body make it one of the most drinkable standalone non-alcoholic beers available, widely praised by both craft beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers.

Where is Upside Dawn made? Upside Dawn is brewed by Athletic Brewing Co., which operates production facilities in Milford, Connecticut, and San Diego, California. The company was originally founded in Stratford, CT in 2017.

What foods pair well with Upside Dawn? Grilled chicken or fish tacos work well, as the ale's citrus notes complement charred flavors. Light salads with vinaigrette benefit from the beer's dry finish. Margherita pizza pairs naturally with the biscuity malt character. Mild cheeses like gouda or havarti echo the soft grain sweetness. Roasted vegetables with herbs align with the earthy hop undertones.

What sizes does Upside Dawn come in? This listing is a 12-pack of 12 oz cans. Athletic Brewing also offers Upside Dawn in 6-packs of 12 oz cans.

Is Upside Dawn worth the price? Upside Dawn positions as a premium non-alcoholic craft beer, priced above mass-market NA options like O'Doul's but justified by its proprietary brewing method, craft-quality ingredients, and consistent award recognition including Gold at the 2025 London Beer Competition.

Why Upside Dawn?

What separates Upside Dawn from the growing field of non-alcoholic beers is Athletic Brewing's commitment to brewing natively at low alcohol rather than removing alcohol after the fact — a process that preserves more of the hop and malt character that typically gets lost in dealcoholization. The results speak through the awards: Gold at the 2025 London Beer Competition and Silver at both the 2024 World Beer Awards and the New York International Beer Competition. With a grain bill that includes organic Vienna malt, wheat, and oats, Upside Dawn achieves a texture and complexity uncommon in the NA category. For anyone serious about non-alcoholic beer that actually tastes like beer, this is the benchmark expression.