Hard Seltzer Summer (2021)

Hard Seltzer Summer is back in 2021!

Before setting off on my Hard Seltzer Summer journey I wanted to gather my thoughts and recap what I learned from last year’s adventure. I’ve developed a few hot takes, wanted to give thanks, and also recap my favorites from 2020.

More Than a Fad

Last summer I knew I was late to the hard seltzer party yet more and more were coming out. Each week seemed to have a new batch to try and see how they stacked up with the previous week’s finds. I also noticed more shelf space was dedicated to hard seltzers. The trend makes sense, though, in terms of nutrition. With more people being health conscious and still looking to get a buzz, hard seltzers hit the spot. And, you don’t feel like absolute garbage the next day.

Summer Seasonals?

In my opinion, hard seltzers are summer beverages. The majority of hard seltzers on the market are fruity, dry, and crisp, which are perfect for hot summer days. MiddleCoast Brewing Co out of Traverse City attempted to convince me that hard seltzers could be enjoyed all year round. At the end of 2020 they sent me a shipment of their Winter Hard Seltzers – Ginger Snap and Peppermint Bark. Both were delicious and fit the bill as winter seasonal hard seltzers, but they were the only hard seltzers I enjoyed after September. I prefer my hard seltzers when it’s warm.

Better on Draft Hard Seltzer

Boyne City’s only brewery, Stiggs Brewery & Kitchen, was gracious enough to host me last year for a collaboration brew to create the first and currently only Better on Draft hard seltzer on the market. We created a Piña Colada flavored hard seltzer. I had a great time getting to know Michael Castiglione, head brewer and owner of Stiggs, as he put me to work to make the hard seltzer. I’m extremely thankful for him taking me under his wing to learn all about the quick brewing process of hard seltzers along with how to come up with a strong flavor profile.

Last Year’s Favorites & 2021’s Goal

Last year I tried 50 different hard seltzers ranging from macro-made to small batch brews. Flavor profiles ranged in all sorts of ways. Some seltzers were strong and fruity, while others had light flavors that you really needed to look for. I would like to try another 50 new-to-me hard seltzers this summer.

My favorites for each flavor from 2020 were:

• Cherry – Corona Hard Seltzer – Cherry
• Zesty Citrus (Grapefruit/Orange) – Stiggs Brewery and Kitchen – Tangerine Orange
• Lemon – Odd Side Ales – Pink Lemonade
• Mango – Odd Side Ales – Mango Hard Seltzer
• Peach – Eastern Market Brewing Company – Peach Tea Glitz
• Lime – Atwater Brewery – Spiked Sparkling Water – Lime
• Cocktail-Inspired – Great American Beverages – Breakfast Seltzer – Bellini
• Berries – Breakwater Hard Seltzer – Blackberry
• Speciation Artisan Ales – Orbital Ring
• Coffee – Great American Beverages – Breakfast Seltzer – Coffee
• Hard Seltzer Bases – Block Brewing Company – Block Water

To see the full list from 2020, click here.

Any and all suggestions are welcome as I embark on 2021’s Hard Seltzer Summer!

Cheers!