Judge’s Seltzer Review: 81 Rating – NÜTRL Cranberry Grapefruit Vodka Seltzer by Anheuser-Busch

Fruited Seltzer | Year-Round | Canada

By Alex Sheftel

Judges Rating: 81
Aroma: 17
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 33
Mouthfeel: 10
Overall Impression: 15

NÜTRL Cranberry Grapefruit Vodka Seltzer by Anheuser-Busch is being evaluated as per The Beer Connoisseur Hard Seltzer Definitions & Judging Guidelines (2022) as a Fruit Seltzer. This seltzer is well-balanced and refreshing with pleasant grapefruit character. Note that this is listed as a “vodka seltzer,” in contrast to seltzers from breweries that ferment their seltzers and do not include a distilling process.
Grapefruit aroma that begins as gummy candy that develops into strong, fresh grapefruit with white grape accents.
Appears a clear salmon hue with no head and quickly dissipating “soda” bubbles. Slightly effervescent.
Flavor is sweet grapefruit, not as potent as in the nose. Slightly tart and with some chemically sweet flavor at the end. The finish is decidedly dry and accompanied by some tart, green apple. Clean, with no fermentation character.
Medium-high carbonation with a slight carbonic bite and a medium-light body.
Overall, clean and refreshing grapefruit with a good balance of tartness, carbonation and just enough residual sweetness. No cranberry character to speak of in any aspect. Out of the four seltzers in this series, this has the best balance.