Review of White Claw’s Black Cherry Hard Seltzer (sparkling water).  They make this by fermenting sugar water until dry and adding carbonation and flavor.  This is part of an expanding alternative beverage market, and lower calories than hard soda.  This isn’t cider, but at times I include reviews of non-cider alternative beverages here (such as mead).

Producer:  White Claw Seltzer Works
Flavor:  Black Cherry
Location:  Memphis TN
ABV:  5%
How Supplied:  six pack of 12oz cans
Style:  commercial hard sparkling water

  

Availability:  wide release

Description:  Subtle yet unmistakable cherry flavor meets dry yet refreshing hard seltzer.  The result?  Crisp, clean spiked sparkling water with minimal sweetness and no aftertaste – just a light hint of deliciously dark black cherry.

Ingredients:  Purified carbonated water, alcohol from cold-brewed sugar, natural cane sugar, citric acid, natural flavors, natural cherry juice concentrate, sodium citrate.

Price:  ~$2 / single can (runs ~$10 / six pack)
Where Bought:  Whole Foods
Where Drank:  home
How Found:  Browsing.  I tried the other major brand of hard seltzer, Truly Spiked & Sparkling, and was curious how this one compared.  Once I found a single can, I gave it a try.

First Impression:  Clear.  Low carbonation.  Smells of cherry candy and maraschino cherries.

Tasting Notes:  Semi-dry.  Light bodied.  Low tartness.  Simple seltzer with sweet maraschino cherry flavor.  Very high sessionability.  Low flavor intensity and complexity.

My Opinion:  I enjoyed it.  Its light, refreshing, and just flavorful enough.

Most Similar to:  Other hard seltzers.  I liked this one better than Truly Spiked & Sparkling, as it seemed more flavorful.

Closing Notes:   I’m curious to try their Lime and Grapefruit flavors, although the Cherry sounded the most interesting.

Have you tried hard seltzer?  What did you think?