As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with a detailed answer to the question of whether Truly Hard Seltzer is vodka or malt liquor.
To begin with, it is important to understand the basic process of how Truly Hard Seltzer and other “spiked” seltzers are made. Unlike vodka or malt liquor, the alcohol in spiked seltzer does not come from traditional sources such as grains or potatoes.
Instead, the alcohol in Truly Hard Seltzer is derived from fermented cane sugar. This means that the cane sugar goes through a fermentation process similar to that of beer, where yeast converts the sugar into alcohol. However, in the case of spiked seltzers, flavors and carbonation are also added during the production process.
Now, let's break down the question into two parts – Is Truly Hard Seltzer vodka? And is it malt liquor?
Starting with vodka, it is important to note that vodka is typically made by distilling fermented grains or potatoes. The distillation process removes impurities and results in a clear, neutral spirit with a high alcohol content. Truly Hard Seltzer, on the other hand, does not go through a distillation process. Instead, the alcohol content is achieved through fermentation of cane sugar. Therefore, it is not accurate to classify Truly Hard Seltzer as vodka.
Moving on to the term “malt liquor,” this refers to a type of beer that is brewed with a higher proportion of malted grains and often has a higher alcohol content compared to traditional beers. Malt liquor is typically made by brewing grains such as barley, corn, or rice. Again, Truly Hard Seltzer does not fit this classification as it is not brewed with grains, but rather with fermented cane sugar.
To summarize, Truly Hard Seltzer is neither vodka nor malt liquor. It is a unique beverage category known as spiked seltzer, where the alcohol is derived from fermented cane sugar. The absence of distillation and the use of cane sugar as the fermentation source distinguish it from vodka, while the absence of grains in the brewing process sets it apart from malt liquor.
In my personal experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have tasted and analyzed various spiked seltzers, including Truly Hard Seltzer. I can confidently say that they offer a refreshing alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages, with a lighter and crisper profile. The absence of heavy malt flavors and the use of natural fruit flavors make spiked seltzers a popular choice, especially during the summer months.
Understanding the production process and the ingredients used in Truly Hard Seltzer helps to clarify its categorization as a unique beverage that differs from vodka and malt liquor.