Judge’s Seltzer Review: 81 Rating – Bub2les Blue Raspberry Seltzer by Garage Brewing Co.

Fruited Seltzer | Year-Round | United States

By David Sapsis

Judges Rating: 81
Aroma: 17
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 34
Mouthfeel: 8
Overall Impression: 16

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.

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.