JUNEAU, Alaska– Alaskan Brewing Company, Alaska’s oldest continuously operating brewery since 1986, has made waves in the beverage world with its Alaskan Hard Seltzer. Known for its award-winning craft beers, the Juneau-based brewery ventured into the booming hard seltzer market in October 2019, bringing a uniquely Alaskan twist to this trendy, effervescent drink. By incorporating locally foraged Sitka spruce tips, Alaskan Hard Seltzer offers a crisp, refreshing experience that captures the essence of Alaska’s pristine wilderness.
A Distinctive Alaskan Base
What sets Alaskan Hard Seltzer apart from competitors like White Claw is its use of Sitka spruce tips, a nod to the brewery’s 20-year tradition of infusing beers with this local ingredient. According to Product Development Lead Dave Wilson, spruce tips lend a “citrusy, berry-like character” that complements the seltzer’s flavors, creating a complex and layered taste profile. Brewed with fermented dextrose instead of malt and without hops, the seltzer is sugar-free, gluten-free, and low in carbs (2 grams per can) and calories (95 per can), with a moderate 4.5% ABV.
Flavors of Alaskan Hard Seltzer
Alaskan Hard Seltzer is available in variety packs, featuring a range of flavors designed to appeal to diverse palates. Below are the core flavors, each crafted to highlight the spruce tip base while delivering distinct taste profiles:
Lemon-Lime: A crisp and slightly tart seltzer with vibrant lemon and lime notes, reminiscent of lemon-lime soda but with a subtle spruce backbone. Reviewers praise its authentic citrus zest and refreshing finish, making it a standout for those seeking a classic, clean taste. One taster at Juneau’s Imperial Saloon noted it was “a lot better” than White Claw’s lemon-lime offering. Gold Medal Winner at the U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship!
Cherry Grapefruit: This flavor strikes a perfect balance of sweet black cherry and tart grapefruit, harmonizing with the spruce’s berry-like undertones. The aroma features cherry and citrus zest, leading to a sweet-tart peak and a semi-dry finish with lingering spruce notes. Fans describe it as “bright and cherry-forward,” ideal for a delightful sipping experience.
Mango Peach: A tropical escape, this seltzer blends juicy peach and mango notes with the crisp citrus and pine finish of spruce tips. It’s fruit-forward yet balanced, offering a refreshing taste that evokes a sunny Alaskan shore. Consumers appreciate its smooth, effervescent quality and subtle spruce complexity.
Mixed Berry: Inspired by Alaska’s bountiful berry harvest, this flavor combines blackberry and blueberry for a fruity, effervescent profile. The spruce tips enhance the berry notes, creating a well-rounded, slightly sweet seltzer that’s both vibrant and refreshing.
Watermelon: A fan favorite, this seltzer delivers a cool, crisp taste reminiscent of candied watermelon or Jolly Ranchers. It’s slightly sweet with subtle spruce undertones, making it a refreshing choice for warm days or après-adventure relaxation. Users on Untappd rate it highly, with a 3.9/5 score, praising its clean finish and drinkability.
Mandarin: Bright and citrusy, the Mandarin flavor bursts with fresh mandarin orange notes, complemented by the spruce’s subtle citrus zest. It’s crafted for refreshment, offering a nuanced aroma and a lively, effervescent finish.
Additional Offerings
In February 2022, Alaskan Brewing introduced a line of spicy seltzers, adding a bold twist to the traditional lineup. While specific spicy flavors aren’t detailed in available sources, this innovative move reflects the brewery’s commitment to pushing boundaries and catering to adventurous drinkers.
Reception and Availability
Alaskan Hard Seltzer has garnered praise for its craft approach and distinctive flavors. Consumers on platforms like Reddit and Untappd highlight the seltzers’ “actual flavor” compared to other brands, with the spruce tips setting them apart. Tasters at early release events in Juneau, such as at the Imperial Saloon and Triangle Club Bar, were impressed by the taste, low calorie content, and gluten-free profile. One first-time seltzer drinker, Karen Wood, declared the Spruce Lemon-Lime her favorite, while others, like Darla Madden, envisioned sipping Cherry Grapefruit after a round of golf.
Initially launched in Alaska with two flavors (Spruce Lemon-Lime and Spruce Cherry Grapefruit), the seltzer is now available in variety 12-packs across multiple markets, including online retailers like CraftShack and BevMo!.
For more information on Alaskan Brewing, visit www.alaskanbeer.com.
Top 10 Beer Festivals in America plus a few more: Click Here!