The Distilled Alcohol in Troubled Tea
Unlike many conventional hard teas on the market that use a fermented malt base, Troubled Tea from the Alberta-based Troubled Monk Brewery is crafted with a clean, distilled neutral spirit. This is a crucial distinction for consumers, especially those with gluten intolerance or those who prefer a crisper, less grainy flavor profile in their hard beverages. The neutral spirit serves as a blank canvas, allowing the other ingredients—the tea, natural fruit flavors, and beet sugar—to shine through without interference from the underlying alcohol base.
Troubled Tea vs. Malt-Based Hard Teas
Many well-known hard iced teas, such as Twisted Tea, are brewed from a malt base, similar to beer. The alcohol is derived from fermenting malted grains. While this is a common and cost-effective method for producing alcoholic beverages, it can leave a distinct malty or grain-like aftertaste. Troubled Tea's use of a distilled spirit creates a fundamentally different product. The spirit is essentially flavorless, odorless, and color-neutral, which results in a cleaner, purer iced tea taste. This allows the real tea flavors and natural fruit essences to be the star of the show.
The Brewing and Production Process
The production process for Troubled Tea is distinct because of its core alcohol component. While malt-based teas undergo fermentation, Troubled Tea is produced by blending its key ingredients with the pre-made neutral spirit. This is a more direct and less complex process than brewing from grains, but it places a greater emphasis on the quality of the non-alcoholic components. The ingredients include:
- Distilled Alcohol: The gluten-free, neutral spirit base.
- Alberta Beet Sugar: Used for sweetness, providing a clean sugar profile without the use of artificial sweeteners.
- Real Tea: Brewed from natural black or green tea leaves, depending on the flavor variety.
- Natural Flavoring: Extracts such as lemon, lime, peach, or cranberry are used to create the different flavor varieties.
- Water and Citric Acid: Used for balancing flavor and ensuring freshness.
A Comparison of Hard Teas
To better understand the differences, here is a comparison table outlining key features between Troubled Tea and traditional malt-based hard teas like Twisted Tea.
| Feature | Troubled Tea | Malt-Based Hard Tea (e.g., Twisted Tea) |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Base | Distilled neutral spirit | Fermented malted grains |
| Gluten | Gluten-free | Typically contains gluten |
| Flavor Profile | Cleaner, crisper, with a more pronounced tea and fruit flavor due to a neutral alcohol base | Can have a malty or grain-like aftertaste that can compete with the tea and fruit flavors |
| Sweetener | Uses real Alberta beet sugar | Can use various sweeteners, including high-fructose corn syrup or cane sugar |
| Source | Troubled Monk Brewery, Red Deer, Alberta | Produced by Boston Beer Company (for Twisted Tea) |
| Availability | Primarily available in Canada and select locations | Wide availability across North America |
Why Choose a Distilled Spirit Base?
The choice of a distilled spirit base for Troubled Tea offers several advantages. For starters, it is a significant marketing point for health-conscious consumers and those with dietary restrictions. The clear, neutral alcohol means no grain remnants are present, making it suitable for a gluten-free diet. Furthermore, it results in a more refreshing and less heavy drink, which aligns with the trend of lighter, more sessionable ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages. The absence of a strong base flavor allows for more vibrant and authentic tasting fruit and tea notes, which can appeal to a broader palate than some heavier, malt-based alternatives.
Varieties of Troubled Tea
Troubled Monk Brewery has expanded its Troubled Tea line beyond the original lemon-lime flavor. These variants also use the same distilled alcohol base, ensuring consistency in the quality and flavor profile across the brand. Popular variations include:
- Original Troubled Tea: The classic version with a balanced lemon-lime finish.
- Peach Troubled Tea: Features a juicy peach flavor for a sweeter, more summery taste.
- Cranberry Troubled Tea: Uses a green tea base and a tart cranberry flavor for a bolder profile.
Conclusion
In summary, the alcohol found in Troubled Tea is a neutral, distilled, and gluten-free spirit, not a malt-based alcohol like many competing hard teas. This key difference results in a cleaner, crisper flavor profile that highlights the real tea and natural fruit extracts used in its creation. The decision by Troubled Monk Brewery to use this specific type of alcohol base caters to a market looking for lighter, more refreshing hard beverages without the aftertaste of fermented grains. For those who prefer a purer iced tea flavor and require a gluten-free option, Troubled Tea presents a distinctive alternative in the hard beverage market.
For more information on brewing and ingredients, you can visit the official Troubled Monk website: troubledmonk.com.
