The headline on this non-alcoholic collaboration beer from Athletic Brewing and Super Coffee is “World’s First Pre-Workout Brew” which I can’t attest to, but the result is Suped Up, an extra dark brew with coffee. More interestingly, in addition to the coffee, the other unusual ingredient contributing to the character of this NA beer is spent grains—specifically, upcycled barley rice protein (according to the press release I’d posted here).

Athletic sent me a six-pack of Suped Up to sample, and I noted that this would be the first Athletic brew I’ll have tried (I’m not sure how I haven’t tried the Athletic NA beer lineup yet). I also have not had any of the Super Coffee line of drinks, which aren’t just coffee, but also contain various natural sweeteners and so-called superfood ingredients. They read almost more like energy drinks with a sugar-free, health food angle.

So yes, this is absolutely a lifestyle drink that is going after the active, workout-conscious consumer.

Suped Up is less than 0.5% ABV (as per legal definition of non-alcoholic), with 130 calories and 23 grams of carbs per 12-ounce serving. I don’t know if Super Coffee crafted a special coffee blend for this brew, or if it’s simply straight coffee.

Appearance: Dirty brown with a murky look as I poured it into the glass. Nice tan head with good cling.

Smell: Coffee and a bit of milk chocolate, a touch of toasty/roasty grain and… turnip greens stems? Something green and “garden-y” here. Nut shells, coffee grounds.

Taste: Thin, grainy, with wheat and cold brew coffee, a touch of golden fruit, a bit of nuttiness, some straw or hay. A bit of coffee acidity, with well-toasted wheat bread. Spent grains, a bit of drip coffee, no typical non-alcoholic beer markers.

Mouthfeel: Medium-thin body, a bit of a “muddy” texture that gives a bit more body to keep it from being overly watery; fruity coffee-light finish.

Overall: There’s a good coffee profile here, and nice graininess. I’d like it a bit cleaner but it’s a good, different NA beer.