The Fundamental Difference: Fermented vs. Distilled
To understand why a Truly is not hard liquor, it's essential to grasp the core difference between fermentation and distillation. Hard liquor, or distilled spirits, is made through a two-step process: fermentation, followed by distillation. Distillation involves heating the fermented liquid to concentrate the alcohol, resulting in a much higher Alcohol by Volume (ABV), typically between 40% and 50%. Conversely, a beverage like standard Truly Hard Seltzer is solely fermented and not distilled, placing it in a different category entirely.
What is Hard Liquor?
Hard liquor refers to distilled alcoholic beverages that have a significantly higher alcohol content than fermented drinks. The base for hard liquor—be it grains, fruits, or vegetables—is fermented to produce a low-alcohol wash. This wash is then distilled to increase the alcohol concentration. Common examples of hard liquor include:
- Vodka
- Whiskey
- Rum
- Gin
- Tequila
Because of their high potency, hard liquors are often consumed in smaller quantities, either neat, on the rocks, or as part of a cocktail.
How Standard Truly Hard Seltzer is Made
Standard Truly Hard Seltzer uses a base of fermented cane sugar, water, and natural flavorings. The process mirrors brewing in some ways, where yeast consumes the sugar and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide. The resulting product is filtered to create a clean, crisp taste before fruit flavors and carbonation are added. The ABV for standard Truly Hard Seltzer typically falls around 5%.
The Truly Vodka Soda Exception
The complexity of this topic increases because Truly also offers a line of spirit-based products, such as Truly Vodka Soda. Unlike their standard fermented hard seltzer, these products are true canned cocktails containing vodka, a distilled spirit. It is crucial to read the label to distinguish between Truly's fermented seltzers and their spirit-based offerings. The standard hard seltzer remains a fermented product, not hard liquor.
Legal and Regulatory Classifications
In the United States, regulatory bodies like the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classify and regulate these beverages differently, adding to the consumer confusion. Standard hard seltzers, often considered flavored malt beverages (even if based on fermented sugar), have different labeling requirements and tax rates than distilled spirits. Spirit-based canned cocktails, like Truly's vodka line, are regulated under the same rules as other spirits. This regulatory divide reinforces the distinction between the two types of products.
Why the Confusion Exists
Several factors contribute to the public's misunderstanding of hard seltzers. The use of the word 'hard' in the name and the rise of canned cocktails containing actual spirits have blurred the lines for consumers. The similarity in packaging and marketing can make it difficult to tell the difference without a close look at the ingredients and ABV. Additionally, some myths about alcohol consumption persist, including the idea that light-colored beverages are all low-alcohol.
Comparison: Truly Hard Seltzer vs. Hard Liquor
| Feature | Standard Truly Hard Seltzer | Hard Liquor (e.g., Vodka) |
|---|---|---|
| Production | Fermentation of cane sugar | Fermentation followed by distillation |
| Alcohol Base | Fermented cane sugar | Distilled from grains, potatoes, or fruit |
| Typical ABV | ~5% | ~40-50% |
| Classification | Flavored malt/sugar beverage | Distilled spirit |
| Consumption | Often consumed from the can like beer | Typically used for cocktails or shots |
Conclusion
In summary, standard Truly Hard Seltzer is definitively not hard liquor because its alcohol is produced through fermentation, not distillation. Its lower alcohol content and production method align it more closely with other fermented beverages like beer. While Truly does offer some spirit-based products that contain hard liquor, it's crucial to differentiate these from their original hard seltzer line. For consumers, understanding the difference between fermented and distilled beverages is key to navigating the diverse and sometimes confusing world of alcoholic drinks. For more information on standard drink sizes and alcohol content, consult the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) at their website: NIAAA Standard Drink Information.
