Athletic Brewing Athletic ESB is a limited release within the brand's non-alcoholic lineup, taking the traditional Extra Special Bitter as its reference point. The ESB, historically regarded as the premium tier of pale ale, is here hopped with a classic English pairing of East Kent Golding and Fuggles, with a malt bill designed to deliver a bready, biscuity backbone. It sits outside the core year-round range as a small-batch offering.