What Exactly is a Flavored Malt Beverage (FMB)?
To understand what kind of alcohol is in Hard Dew, you must first define a flavored malt beverage, or FMB. An FMB is an alcoholic beverage that starts as a fermented malt base, similar to how beer is made. However, during the production process, the traditional beer flavors from hops are largely stripped away. This process leaves a relatively neutral base to which natural and artificial flavors are added. This approach is what allows Hard Dew to mimic the taste of Mountain Dew soda so closely while containing alcohol.
The Brewing Process Behind Hard Dew
- Malting: The process begins with malting barley grain, which involves soaking it in water to begin germination before drying it.
- Fermentation: The malted grain is then fermented to create a liquid with an alcohol content. Unlike traditional beer, the focus is on creating a neutral base, not on retaining malty or hoppy characteristics.
- Filtration: The fermented liquid is filtered to remove color and flavor, resulting in a clean canvas for adding flavors.
- Flavoring: Artificial sweeteners, like Acesulfame Potassium and Sucralose, along with natural flavors, are added to achieve the distinct Mountain Dew taste.
- Carbonation: The liquid is then carbonated and packaged, ready for distribution.
How Does Hard Dew Differ from Hard Seltzer or Beer?
Because of its malt base, Hard Dew occupies a different category than other popular alcoholic drinks. While it's often grouped with hard seltzers or hard sodas, the fundamental ingredient sets it apart. This table provides a clear comparison to help distinguish between these beverage types.
| Feature | Hard Dew (Flavored Malt Beverage) | Hard Seltzer | Beer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Base | Fermented malted barley | Fermented cane sugar | Fermented malted barley, hops |
| Key Flavors | Adds flavors after fermentation | Infused with fruit flavors | Retains malt and hop flavors |
| Gluten Content | Contains gluten | Typically gluten-free | Contains gluten |
| ABV | 5% | Varies (often 4-6%) | Varies (e.g., 4-10%+) |
| Sugar | Zero sugar | Zero or low sugar | Varies greatly |
| Caffeine | Zero caffeine | Zero caffeine | Varies (most are zero) |
Hard Dew’s Specifics: Ingredients and Flavor Profile
Hard Dew contains more than just alcohol and Mountain Dew flavor. The official ingredients include a fermented malt base, natural and artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners (Sucralose and Ace-K), and certified color (like FD&C Yellow #5 for the original flavor). This combination is what gives Hard Dew its zero-sugar, zero-caffeine profile while maintaining its caloric content at around 100 calories per 12 oz. can.
The flavor varieties available include the original citrus-flavored Hard Mountain Dew, as well as popular variants like Baja Blast, Livewire, and Code Red. Some limited-edition or regional flavors have also appeared. The taste is distinctly different from the original soda, with many consumers noting the artificial sweetener flavor more prominently, though it does offer a nostalgic citrus kick.
The Role of Boston Beer Company
The Boston Beer Company, known for its Samuel Adams beer and Truly Hard Seltzer, is the manufacturer behind Hard Dew. This partnership with PepsiCo leverages Boston Beer's expertise in brewing flavored malt beverages and producing alcoholic versions of non-alcoholic classics. The choice of a malt base for Hard Dew is a strategic one, allowing for different tax classifications and sales channels compared to spirit-based ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails.
Conclusion
In summary, the alcohol in Hard Dew is a fermented malt base, classifying it as a flavored malt beverage. This is a crucial distinction that separates it from spirit-based drinks and hard seltzers, which are typically made from fermented cane sugar. By understanding the malt beverage classification, consumers can better appreciate how this drink is made and its unique position in the market. The brewing partnership between PepsiCo and the Boston Beer Company allows for the creation of an alcoholic drink that closely mimics the classic soda's flavor while being delivered via a different base. As such, Hard Dew contains gluten and lacks the sugar and caffeine of its soft drink counterpart, offering a specific type of adult beverage experience.
For more information on Hard Dew and its offerings, please visit the official FAQ page on the Hard MTN Dew website.
