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David Sapsis's picture

Judge's Seltzer Review: 81 Rating - Bub2les Blue Raspberry Seltzer by Garage Brewing Co.

November, 2022

Bub2le Blue Raspberry Seltzer

Bub2le Blue Raspberry Seltzer

California
United States
Bub2les Blue Raspberry Seltzer, Garage Brewing Co.
Description 

Crisp, light, and refreshing with a taste of blue raspberry that lingers on the palate!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.0%

 

 


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Judges Rating: 
81
Aroma: 
17 / 24
Appearance: 
6 / 6
Flavor: 
34 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
8 / 10
Overall Impression: 
16 / 20

Bub2les Blue Raspberry Seltzer by Garage Brewing Co. is being reviewed per The Beer Connoisseur's Hard Seltzer Definitions and Guidelines (2022) as a Fruit Seltzer. The drink was poured into a kölsch glass and served at 42 degrees Fahrenheit.

The appearance is highlighted by a light but distinct azure blue color, brilliant clarity, proper outgassing for a sparkling cider, and no foam stand to speak of other than a thin ring at the glass edge.

The nose is bright and very aromatic, with strong sweet fruitiness and chemical perfume notes with a hint of yeast/ sulfur. It takes a while to cognate the fruit character but once it hits it is obvious; the same exact flavor in my brain associated with those bright blue popsicles from my youth: blue raspberry! In truth there is a raspberry-like element to it, and an overripe blueberry element as well; whatever it is, it is strong, quite sweet and very volatile. The flavor starts right off with bracing fruitiness and sweetness with the same blue popsicle flavor dominating. The mid-palate sees some acidity and strong, almost cloying, sweetness that is very powerful. Gassiness is high (nice) and the texture (thin) belies the body and residual sweetness that dominates the finish. Strength seems normal.

This is a very sweet and overtly fruity seltzer, with a chemical/artificial note that some will like and some will dislike (the memories of chasing the ice-cream truck are nice no matter what). As it turns out, the seltzer is made with stevia, a natural  sweetener that is many times more sweet per mass than table sugar, but does have a slightly different flavor that seems more enduring and chemical. Due the heavy flavors, the seltzer isn't as light as I might expect from the class of beverage, but under the right circumstances would satisfy a sweet craving. Almost like a hard candy in a glass.