Truly, a leading hard seltzer brand, offers a diverse range of alcoholic beverages, and their alcohol content varies depending on the specific product line. While the original and most common Truly products contain 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), the brand has expanded its offerings to include stronger seltzers and vodka-based drinks. Understanding the ABV of each line is essential for making informed consumption choices.
Truly's Standard 5% ABV Products
The majority of Truly's hard seltzer beverages, including their classic seltzer and hard lemonade lines, have a standard 5% ABV. This puts them on par with many standard beers, making them a common choice for casual sipping and social gatherings. A standard 12-ounce can of these 5% ABV products typically contains around 100 calories and just 1 gram of sugar.
Classic Hard Seltzers
The original Truly Hard Seltzer flavors are all 5% ABV. They are known for their light, crisp, and refreshing taste. The alcohol is derived from fermented cane sugar, resulting in a cleaner flavor profile than malt-based products. Popular varieties include:
- Wild Berry
- Cherry
- Pineapple
- Lime
- Mango
Hard Lemonades and Punches
Beyond the classic seltzer, Truly also applies the 5% ABV standard to its Hard Lemonade and Hard Punch varieties. These drinks offer a bolder and sweeter flavor profile while maintaining a consistent alcohol content and relatively low calorie count. This allows consumers to enjoy a sweeter, flavored option without a significant increase in potency.
Truly Vodka Seltzers
In a departure from their fermented cane sugar base, Truly introduced a line of vodka seltzers, featuring six-times distilled vodka. Interestingly, these spirits-based drinks also come in at 5% ABV, though with a slightly higher calorie count of 110 calories per 12-ounce can. They offer a clean, crisp taste that distinguishes them from the malt-based versions.
The Stronger Truly: Extra and Unruly
For those seeking a more potent option, Truly introduced higher-ABV products with their Truly Extra and Truly Unruly lines, which boast an 8% ABV.
Truly Extra
Launched in 2021, Truly Extra hard seltzer is over 50 percent stronger than the original Truly. Available in 16-ounce cans, it provides a more significant kick with bold fruit flavors. A 16-ounce can of Truly Extra contains 220 calories, 1g of sugar, and 8% ABV.
Truly Unruly
More recently, Truly launched the Unruly lineup, which also features an 8% ABV. This series includes turned-up versions of popular flavors, such as Unruly Lemonade, offering the same high-alcohol punch as Truly Extra while maintaining a good taste.
How Truly's Alcohol Content Compares
For context, it's helpful to compare Truly's ABV to other alcoholic beverages. A standard 12-ounce can of 5% ABV Truly is roughly equivalent to a standard 12-ounce can of regular beer. Stronger options like Truly Extra and Truly Unruly, with their 8% ABV, contain a much higher concentration of alcohol. A single 16-ounce can of an 8% Truly contains a higher amount of alcohol than many beers and is comparable to a generous mixed drink.
The Source of Truly's Alcohol
The alcohol in Truly's hard seltzers, lemonades, and punches is derived from fermented cane sugar, a process that is similar to brewing beer but without the use of grains. This results in a cleaner, more neutral base alcohol that allows the fruit flavors to stand out. In contrast, the Truly Vodka Seltzer line is made with distilled vodka, offering a different character.
Comparison Table: Truly Product Line ABV
| Product Line | ABV | Base Alcohol | Calories (12oz) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Hard Seltzer | 5% | Fermented Cane Sugar | ~100 | Light, crisp flavors. |
| Hard Lemonade | 5% | Fermented Cane Sugar | ~100 | Bolder, sweeter lemonade taste. |
| Hard Punch | 5% | Fermented Cane Sugar | ~100 | Fruity punch varieties. |
| Vodka Seltzer | 5% | Distilled Vodka | ~110 | Made with six-times distilled vodka and real fruit juice. |
| Truly Extra / Unruly | 8% | Fermented Cane Sugar | ~165* (12oz equiv) | Higher alcohol content, bolder flavors. (*Based on 220 calories for a 16oz can) |
Conclusion
Truly offers a variety of hard seltzers and spirits-based options to suit different preferences, with the alcohol content being a key differentiator. The standard 5% ABV for most products is consistent and comparable to many beers, providing a refreshing, low-calorie option. For those who prefer a more potent drink, the 8% ABV Truly Extra and Unruly lines offer a significant increase in alcohol content. By checking the ABV on the label, consumers can easily choose the right Truly product for their desired drinking experience. For more information, the brand's website or retailers provide specific details on each product. Truly Extra is over 50 percent stronger than the original, according to Food & Wine.
