It is painful to write this, because I LOVE Athletic Brewing Co.’s non-alcoholic beers – but this seasonal beer was not my fave.

Ripe Pursuit is a “Lemon Radler” – similar to a Shandy (see the shandy I made with Samuel Adams Just The Haze). Both Radlers and Shandys have light lager bases (nothing too dark, rich, or heavy) and lemon soda (Radlers) or lemonade (Shandys). Usually the ratio is two parts beer to one part lemonade – although sometimes it’s half and half.

Radlers and Shandys are uniquely refreshing if you order them at a bar – or make them at home.

But in a can? I don’t know why, but lemon flavor just does not bottle well in a can. There’s something about the acidity of the lemon that brings out the metallic taste in the can in a way grapefruit and orange doesn’t. Think about a can of Country Time Lemonade, or canned lemon iced tea. The “top note” is sweet and delicious, but there’s this odd metallic twang underneath when you swallow.

And that is what Ripe Pursuit reminds me of. Beer mixed with a can of Country Time Lemonade.

Not All Is Lost

All beers are better cold, but this one gets markedly better the colder it is. Store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to drink, move some cans to the freezer for a few minutes. Ask Alexa to set a timer so you don’t wind up with beer slushies. It makes a difference!

If You Dare

I know I’m going to get cr*p for saying this. I’ve already gotten cr*p for doing this. But adding a few cubes of ice makes this Radler taste like a cool, refreshing beer with actual lemonade!

Would I Recommend/Buy Again?

This is not my favorite beer from the Athletic Brewing Co. lineup. I will not be purchasing this again. If I want a Shandy or a Radler, I’ll just make my own.

Give It A Try If:

You looove lemons.

You don’t mind the taste of canned lemonade. In fact, you love canned Country Time lemonade.

You have the ability to keep the cans really cold.

You’ve already tried other Athletic Brewing Co. beers.

You’re feeling adventurous.

You never notice a metallic taste when you drink out of a can.

Pass If:

You don’t like lemons.

You like lemons, but don’t like canned lemonade or canned lemon flavored tea.

You think drinks taste better in a glass bottle, not a can.

You don’t have a way to keep the beer super chilled.

You’ve never tried Athletic Brewing Co. before. I’d hate for this to be your first experience, as they have some truly amazing non-alcoholic beers (including Run Wild and Free Wave).

Vegan? But Of Course!

Like all Athletic Brewing Co. beers, this beer is proudly vegan!

This is a seasonal summer beer. Regularly $14.99, it’s currently on sale in stores to make room for Athletic Brewing Co.’s next seasonal beer – Oktoberfest.