Hard Seltzer
 

Hard Seltzer

 

The Fifty Best Hard Seltzer Tasting 2023

 


The Tasting: The Fifty Best held a "blind" tasting of hard seltzers with eight members of our spirits judging panel. Strict tasting rules were applied. The hard seltzers were poured into fresh glasses from sealed cans, and served well-chilled. Additional ice cubes were made available to the judges, to add at their discretion. Only ice water, unflavored unsalted crackers and chips were available to cleanse the palate.

The judges wrote down their impressions of each product on score sheets. Scoring was done on a 5-point system, with 5 as the highest. Double-Gold, Gold abd Silver medals are awarded according to a set range of final point scores received from the judges. There were no Bronze medals awarded for this tasting. Medals are provided based entirely on merit and only to products judged worthy of such award. The tasting notes that follow are summaries of the judges’ opinions, with all replicated commentary eliminated. The ABVs are identified for each brand. Clicking on the brands' names will link to their websites.



DOUBLE-GOLD MEDAL WINNERS

Ola Hawaiian Lemongrass Hard Seltzer
(Hawaiian Ola Brewing Co, HI)  4.8% ABV

Palate: Natural lemongrass flavor, great lemongrass, lemon zest, lemon finish, green tea notes, sake essence, would pair wonderfully with Asian food, soft, easy drinking, refreshing.

Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



Ola Hawaiian Lemongrass Hard Seltzer



San Juan Seltzer White Peach
(San Juan Seltzery, WA)  8.4% ABV

Palate: Fresh cut peaches, natural ripe peach, exactly like peach, a bite of a summer peach, juicy, malty, spicy, great flavor, nice finish, lots of body, very approachable, nicely done, excellent.

Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



San Juan Seltzer White Peach



GOLD MEDAL WINNERS

Ola Dragon Fruit Lemonade Juicy Hard Seltzer
(Hawaiian Ola Brewing Co., HI)  6% ABV

Palate: Dragon fruit, lemony, sweet lemonade, natural taste, pleasant tartness, the right amount of tart, nice mouthfeel, nice texture, nice blend of flavors, great flavor combo, excellent paring of flavors, well balanced, good for the beach, bright & bubbly.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Ola Dragon Fruit Lemonade Juicy Hard Seltzer



Ola Lilikoi Orange Juicy Hard Seltzer
(Hawaiian Ola Brewing Co, HI)  6% ABV

Palate: Lychee notes, light orange, citrus, faint passionfruit, exotic flavors, blend of sweet/tart, fragrant, effervescent, refreshing, delicious.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Ola Lilikoi Orange Juicy Hard Seltzer



San Juan Seltzer Huckleberry
(San Juan Seltzery, WA)  8.4% ABV

Palate: Tart huckleberry, pleasant berry, lovely berry, wood notes, nice approach, complex, interesting, approachable, a fresh porch sipper, super refreshing. fun, enjoyable.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



San Juan Seltzer Huckleberry



Ola White Pineapple Juicy Hard Seltzer
(Hawaiian Ola Brewing Co, HI)  6% ABV

Palate: Natural pineapple flavor, fruity mix, tropical, white wine essence, not too sweet, very balanced finish, easy to drink, great summer beverage, refreshing.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Ola White Pineapple Juicy Hard Seltzer



San Juan Seltzer Cucumber Mint
(San Juan Seltzery, WA)  8.4% ABV

Palate: Natural cucumber flavor, mint, lemon/citrus note, jalapeño note (but not hot), earth, nicely blended flavors, good flavor combination, nice weight on the palate, soft, nice mild finish, easy summer drink, refreshing, beautiful.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



San Juan Seltzer Cucumber Mint



Ola Tangelo Juicy Hard Seltzer
(Hawaiian Ola Brewing Co, HI)  6% ABV

Palate: Tangy orange, Orangina, orange soda, tangerine, lime, nice citrus, mint, crisp, a tropical sipper, you can almost feel the ocean breeze, refreshing.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Ola Tangelo Juicy Hard Seltzer



SILVER MEDAL WINNERS

Ola Hawaiian Orange-Vanilla Hard Seltzer
(Hawaiian Ola Brewing Co, HI)  4.8% ABV

Palate: Creamy creamsicle, creamsicle with bubbles, orange soda, well balanced, easy drinking.

Silver Medal
Silver medal



Ola Hawaiian Orange-Vanilla Hard Seltzer



Ola Chili Lili Juicy Hard Seltzer
(Hawaiian Ola Brewing Co., HI)  6% ABV

Palate: Orange juice, black pepper, red pepper flakes, jalapeño, pleasant chili, strong chili, spicy, nice peppery bite, has a kick, a great mixer, refreshing, fun, exciting.

Silver Medal
Silver medal




Ola Chili Lili Juicy Hard Seltzer

 

 

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