NA IPA Comparison
Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA

Athletic Brewing Company

Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA

4.7/5
VS
Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects IPA

Brooklyn Brewery

Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects IPA

4.1/5

Athletic Brewing Company vs Brooklyn Brewery

Expert comparison with in-depth taste testing, ingredient analysis, and clear verdict to help you choose the perfect option.

Our Verdict at a Glance

WINNER

Best Overall IPA

Athletic Brewing Company

Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA

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Best Sessionable IPA

Brooklyn Brewery

Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects IPA

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Best for Hop Heads

Athletic Brewing Company

Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA

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Detailed Comparison

Side-by-side breakdown of key features, ingredients, and specifications to help you make an informed choice.

Detailed comparison between Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA and Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects IPA
Feature
Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA
Athletic Brewing Company
Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects IPA
Brooklyn Brewery
Overall Rating
4.7/5
4.1/5
Flavor ProfileBalanced bitterness, malty body, citrus & pineBright citrus, floral, crisp, less bitter
Best ForAuthentic IPA experience, craft beer loversSessionable drinking, fans of lighter IPAs
Key BotanicalsBlend of five Northwest hops, including Citra & MosaicCitra, Mosaic, Herkules, Simcoe, Jester
Calories (per 50ml)65100
Sugar (per 50ml)0g0g
Bottle Size355ml355ml
Price$13.99$13.99
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Expert Taste Test

Our expert panel conducted blind taste tests to give you the most honest, unbiased comparison of flavor, aroma, and overall drinking experience.

Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA

Athletic Brewing Company

Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA

Taste Profile

Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA is crafted to be the "ultimate sessionable IPA for craft beer lovers". It pours a clear amber with a respectable head and delivers an aroma rich in citrus and pine, characteristic of classic American IPAs. The taste profile is defined by an "approachable bitterness" that is expertly balanced against a solid specialty malt body, preventing the thinness that plagues many NA beers. Reviewers consistently praise its authenticity, highlighting the "zesty, pine-forward American hops" and noting that it "tastes just like the real deal". The blend of five Northwest hops, with Citra and Mosaic at the forefront, provides the complex, hoppy character that IPA enthusiasts seek. For the best experience, it is recommended to serve the beer very cold to maintain its crispness.

Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects IPA

Brooklyn Brewery

Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects IPA

Taste Profile

Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects IPA presents a more complex case, with reviews that are often contradictory but reveal a distinct product identity. The brewery describes it as having "bright hop aromas and crisp citrus flavors" with a "dry, bitter finish". Many drinkers agree, finding it to be a light, crisp, and highly enjoyable session IPA that is less about a powerful hop punch and more about refreshment. However, this lighter profile is also the source of criticism. Some reviewers find it tastes "like extract or stale," suggesting it lacks the depth and body of a traditional IPA. This division suggests that Special Effects is less a direct IPA clone and more of a "hoppy lager" hybrid, prioritizing drinkability and bright citrus notes over the malty backbone and aggressive bitterness of its competitor.

Strengths & Weaknesses

An honest breakdown of what each product does well and where it falls short.

Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA

Athletic Brewing Company

Strengths

  • Authentic American IPA character
  • Award-winning, impresses craft beer lovers
  • Brewed with a blend of five Northwest hops

Weaknesses

  • May be too bitter for those who prefer lighter beers
Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects IPA

Brooklyn Brewery

Strengths

  • Highly sessionable and easy to drink
  • Crisp and refreshing with bright citrus notes
  • From a trusted and legendary craft brewery

Weaknesses

  • Flavor profile can be divisive; some find it tastes artificial
  • Lighter body may not satisfy traditional IPA drinkers

The Final Verdict

Which should you choose? Here's our honest recommendation based on your preferences and needs.

Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA

Choose Athletic Brewing Company If:

Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA

Choose Athletic Run Wild IPA if: You are a craft beer enthusiast who wants a non-alcoholic IPA that does not compromise on the authentic, balanced bitterness and complex hop profile of a classic American IPA. You value a product from a brewery that is 100% dedicated to the art of non-alcoholic beer.

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Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects IPA

Choose Brooklyn Brewery If:

Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects IPA

Who Should Actually Buy Brooklyn Special Effects IPA? While Run Wild is our champion for its authentic IPA flavor, Brooklyn Special Effects is an excellent choice for a different type of beer drinker. If you find traditional IPAs to be too bitter or heavy and are looking for a lighter, more refreshing, and highly sessionable "hoppy lager" with bright citrus notes, Special Effects will be perfect for you. It's a fantastic "all day" sipper for those who prioritize crispness and drinkability over a heavy hop bite.

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Honesty-as-a-Strategy

While our top pick may lean Athletic Brewing Company, it’s important to acknowledge where the other bottle shines. If you want the most faithful classic in its category, you’ll likely prefer Brooklyn Brewery. If you’re seeking a unique, modern profile with bold complexity, Athletic Brewing Company stands out. Your best choice depends on whether you value familiarity or innovation.

Ready to Elevate Your Home Bar?

Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA offers an unparalleled non-alcoholic experience.

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