Athletic Free Wave

Free Wave is a non-alcoholic beer from Athletic, a brewer that makes only alcohol-free beer. It is generally known as the brand's hazy IPA. Because the product details here don't list a measured flavor profile, treat the notes below as what to expect from the style. Hazy IPAs usually pour a cloudy, pale gold to straw color with a soft, full body and low bitterness. The aroma leans toward citrus peel, tropical fruit and a little resinous hop. Non-alcoholic versions often finish slightly sweeter and fuller than their alcoholic counterparts, so the hop character is more about aroma than bite. Serve it cold, around 38 to 45°F (3 to 7°C). Colder than that mutes the hop aromatics, and a can left to warm toward room temperature emphasizes the malt sweetness. It is best poured rather than drunk from the can, since a glass releases the hop aroma and lets the haze show. A tulip, a shaped IPA glass or a standard pint glass all work. Tilt the glass for the first two-thirds of the pour, then straighten it to build a modest head. Free Wave doesn't need mixing, but it works in a few simple builds. A shandy-style pour over a splash of grapefruit soda or fresh grapefruit juice suits its citrus lean. A squeeze of lime over ice gives a lighter, more refreshing drink. A beer-based michelada also works, with tomato juice, lime, hot sauce and a salted rim. For food, the usual hazy IPA matches apply. Fish tacos, grilled shrimp, chicken wings, burgers and Thai or Indian dishes all work, because the hops and carbonation cut through fat and spice. Fresh goat cheese and sharp cheddar are good choices for a cheese board.