What is the difference between hard seltzer and malt beverage?

Answered by Ian Ramirez

The difference between and lies in their ingredients and production process, as well as their legal classifications. Let's dive deeper into each of these aspects to understand the distinction.

Ingredients and Production Process:
Hard seltzers are typically made by fermenting a base of sugar, , and . The fermentation process converts the sugar into , resulting in a clear and carbonated alcoholic beverage. The flavor in hard seltzers is usually derived from added natural or artificial flavors, giving it a subtle taste. The absence of malted barley is a defining characteristic of hard seltzers.

On the other hand, malt beverages are made using malted barley as the primary ingredient. Malted barley is barley that has been soaked in water, allowed to germinate, and then dried in a process known as malting. This malting process activates enzymes in the barley, which convert the grain's starches into fermentable sugars. These sugars are then fermented by yeast to produce alcohol. Malt beverages can also include other grains such as wheat, corn, or rice, but malted barley remains the key ingredient.

Legal Classification:
From a legal standpoint, the classification of a beverage as a malt beverage or hard seltzer depends on the percentage of alcohol and the ingredients used. In the United States, a malt beverage is legally defined as any drink made from malted barley with an alcohol content of 0.5% to 5% by volume. This definition encompasses traditional beers as well as some flavored malt beverages like malt coolers and malt-based .

Hard seltzers, on the other hand, are typically classified as beers when they are made with sugar, as opposed to malt. A beverage made with sugar and not malt is legally considered a rather than a malt beverage. This distinction is important for regulatory purposes and affects how these beverages are labeled, marketed, and taxed.

Taste Profile:
In terms of taste, hard seltzers are known for their light and refreshing flavor. The flavors are often subtle and can range from fruit-infused to more unique options like botanical or herbal blends. The low calorie and low sugar content make hard seltzers popular among those seeking lighter alcoholic options. However, it's worth noting that the flavor profiles of hard seltzers are generally less pronounced compared to traditional beers or malt beverages.

Malt beverages, on the other hand, can offer a wider range of flavor profiles due to the variety of ingredients and techniques employed. Beers brewed with malted barley can showcase a range of flavors, including malty sweetness, hop bitterness, fruity esters, and complex aromas. Craft breweries, in particular, have been pushing the boundaries of flavor innovation, offering a plethora of options to cater to diverse palates.

The main differences between hard seltzers and malt beverages lie in their ingredients, production process, legal classifications, and taste profiles. While hard seltzers are typically made with sugar and lack the use of malted barley, malt beverages rely on malted barley as a key ingredient. Understanding these distinctions can help individuals make informed choices based on their taste preferences and dietary needs.