As we head into a new year, it couldn’t be clearer that hard seltzer is here to stay.
Seltzer is less heavy in the gut than beer, is often sweeter tasting, has fewer calories, is gluten-free, and allows for a delightful array of flavors hard to achieve in brewing. The process is entirely different from beer as well, which is why some breweries have refused to venture into those unknown waters.
At this point, maybe we shouldn’t even be seeing seltzer as an alternative to beer (or cider, or liquor). Seltzer is its own category — a highly successful category — and a huge number of breweries are jumping on board. I wouldn’t be too surprised if someday soon, we our first seltzer-exclusive “brewery.”
For now, as people set their resolutions to be healthier or try something new, let’s take a look at the amazing buffet of local seltzer options here in West Michigan.
Odd Side Hard Seltzers
41 Washington Ave., Grand Haven
oddsideales.com
No craft brewer in Michigan — or perhaps, anywhere — has been leaning into seltzers as hard as Odd Side Ales. In their words, they’re going “Willy Wonka with it,” and have released nearly 50 different flavors so far, available in stores all over. Look around and you may find Cotton Candy, Pink Lemonade, POG, Blueberry Mojito, Sparkling Wine, Moscow Mule and many, many more. If nothing else, the seltzer craze has given us an incredible playground for Odd Side to do their thing.
TwoGuys Brewing
2356 Porter St. SW, Wyoming
twoguys-brewing.com
TwoGuys has a totally different approach to seltzer, starting with a bigger, boozier base seltzer that’s then mixed with flavored syrups and/or fruits. It’s so delicious and versatile, it’s on tap at other locations as well, such as GR’s House Rules Board Game Lounge. You won’t find it in cans, so find it on tap!
Speciation Artisan Ales
928 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
speciationartisanales.co
Speciation has done an incredible job branching out from beer into other liquids, and seltzer is no exception. Their natural seltzers have a distinct, complex funkiness, like everything Speciation makes. For instance, the Space Elevator is made with Michigan beet sugar, whole mango chunks, and fresh ginger and lime. Or, head to the taproom for a Smoothie Seltzer, starting with a vanilla base and adding fruit puree.
Founders Brewing Mas Agave
235 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
foundersbrewing.com
Founders knew if they wanted to create a seltzer, they had to stand out. The result is Mas Agave, a line of seltzers brewed with real fruit juice and blue agave nectar, coming in at 4.5% ABV. You can pick up a variety 12-pack now with strawberry, lime and watermelon flavors, or head to the taproom for an exclusive taste!
New Holland’s Lake Life
and Dragon’s Share
417 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids
newhollandbrew.com
New Holland has two seltzer lines, both taking advantage of their distillery. The first starts with Lake Life Vodka, then adds in seltzer and fruit flavors, such as White Peach Honey, Cranberry Lime, and Pineapple. These come in at just 4% ABV, great for beach sipping. Then there’s Dragon’s Share, seltzers aged in freshly dumped bourbon barrels to get an amazing oak flavor. Still at just 4.6% ABV, grab a pack of cherry, orange, blackberry — or just “original” if you love bourbon as much as me!
Atwater Brewing
201 Michigan St. NW, Grand Rapids
atwaterbeer.com
Atwater has a line of seltzers available both on tap and in cans! Five percent ABV, 100 calories, available in lime, cherry, and mango — what more can you ask for? Head to the taproom or find a 12-can variety pack.
Perrin Brewing Rewired
5910 Comstock Park Dr.,
Comstock Park
perrinbrewing.com
Perrin used to have Clear Coast seltzers, which were great, but they’re pushing things in a new direction with local feedback under the Rewired rebranding. These new innovative flavors are “created to relax, recharge, and reconnect.” I can’t promise it will help you do all that, but I can say you’ll love the new flavors: Yuzu Elderflower, Lemon Raspberry, and Pineapple Tangerine.
Wise Men Distillery
4717 Broadmoor Ave. SE, Grand Rapids
wisemendistillery.com
Wise Men is one of the rare distilleries to branch out into seltzers, actually using vodka as a base and mixing it up with fruit juice and soda water. Their seltzer won a gold medal at the Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards, so we suggest finding a six-pack and trying it for yourself. Look for lime, blueberry, raspberry, watermelon, black cherry, and peach flavors.
