Welcome back to FTW’s Beverage of the Week series. Here, we mostly chronicle and review beers, but happily expand that scope to any beverage that pairs well with sports. Yes, even cookie dough whiskey.
Hard seltzer remains an inescapable part of the drinking landscape. And if trends continue, there’s little downside to jumping into an already crowded market.
Sales revenue for boozy seltzers increased by another 22 percent between 2022 and 2023, per Statista. Overall sales volume is projected to increase by nearly four percent next year. Young drinkers are starting with bubbly citrus instead of skunky bargain beers. Older ones are opting for the lower calorie counts and diverse flavors of slim 12-ounce cans over lagers.
That leaves plenty of room for new competitors to join the fray, though they’ll need a hook to set them apart on a crowded horizon. For Berczy, that’s a touch of London class and the distinction of an “alcoholic sparkling water.” The British import promises classic flavors and 75 calories — though the cans I received clock in at 110, which is a pretty significant difference.
Does it stand out for anything other than its origin across the pond? Let’s give it a shot.
Peach & Raspberry hard seltzer: B+
The first sip backs this up. The seltzer harshness is minimal, taking a back seat to the fruit flavors at play. The peach is front and center, and while the raspberry makes only a token appearance it’s enough to set Berczy’s offering apart from other peach canned cocktails.
That flavor is crisp and clear. Berczy opted for a slightly higher calorie count and less alcohol than most canned seltzers (110 and 4 percent, respectively — though Berczy’s website suggests their latest cans only contain 75 calories) and it pays off in flavor. That real fruit makes this more like a light soda than anything boozy. It’s a great start-up drink or a cool-down. I’m in favor.
Lemon & Lime hard seltzer: B
It’s more tart and less sweet than a soda, but not as dry and bitter as your typical citrus seltzer. It is, again, entirely pleasant. Crisp and easy to drink.
That’s not especially interesting or unique, but it’s totally fine! While I’d like a little more sweetness or a little more booze, I can appreciate the flavor we’re getting at 110 calories.
Passionfruit & Turmeric hard seltzer: D+
This pours with more color than any of the other flavors, but the stale smell of passionfruit — not a Berczy problem but a passionfruit problem — is pervasive. If you have positive feelings about the fruit you might not notice but, woof.
The fruit is overpowering and acidic, with the aftertaste of … well, it’s sort of like what’s left on your lips after blowing up a bunch of balloons for a party. The earthen qualities of the turmeric don’t help. It’s just sorta gross.
Refreshing? Maybe, but this is thoroughly not my jam. I’ll finish the can, but I don’t want another one.
Would I drink it instead of a Hamm's?
The peach and raspberry? Sure. Otherwise, nah. I’m good.
