White Claw Surge is a high-potency hard seltzer designed to deliver a stronger flavor and more robust kick than the standard version. But what exactly is the alcohol that gives it its power? Unlike many preconceived notions that hard seltzers are made with a distilled spirit like vodka, White Claw Surge actually uses a specially crafted, gluten-free fermented alcohol base. This base is essentially a very clean form of malt liquor, although the taste and brewing process are distinctively different from traditional malt beverages.
The Fermented Sugar Alcohol Base
At its core, the alcohol in White Claw Surge is created through a process of fermentation. Instead of using a traditional grain base with gluten, White Claw uses fermented sugars to create a neutral alcohol. This process involves the following steps:
- Sugar Fermentation: A blend of simple sugars, often derived from cane sugar, is combined with a proprietary yeast strain. This yeast consumes the sugars and converts them into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
- Flavor Purification: The resulting alcohol is then filtered multiple times. This aggressive filtration process strips away any residual yeast character or flavor left from the fermentation, leaving behind a clean, neutral alcohol base that serves as a blank canvas.
- Blending and Carbonation: The purified alcohol is then blended with seltzer water, natural fruit flavors, and other ingredients like citric acid to achieve the final product.
This specific fermentation and filtration process is why White Claw products can achieve a clean, crisp finish without the heavy, malty taste associated with traditional beer or the harshness of unflavored liquor.
Why Surge has a Higher ABV
The most significant difference between White Claw Surge and the regular White Claw is the alcohol content. At 8% ABV, Surge packs almost double the alcoholic punch of the standard 5% ABV cans. The higher ABV is simply a result of adjusting the proportions of the fermented sugar base in the final blend. While the base alcohol type is the same, Surge is formulated to be a more potent product, which also leads to a higher calorie count per can. For example, a 12oz can of White Claw Surge contains 160 calories, while the standard 12oz White Claw has 100 calories.
White Claw Surge vs. Other White Claw Products
Beyond the original hard seltzer, White Claw has expanded its product line to include other offerings that use different alcohol bases. This can cause confusion for consumers. For instance, the White Claw Vodka + Soda line, which is not part of the hard seltzer series, uses a five-times distilled vodka base from corn. In contrast, White Claw Surge remains firmly in the hard seltzer category with its fermented sugar base. It's important to read the product label to understand exactly what type of alcohol is inside.
Comparison Table: White Claw Hard Seltzers
| Feature | White Claw Hard Seltzer | White Claw Hard Seltzer Surge | White Claw Vodka + Soda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Base | Fermented sugars from malted gluten-free grains | Fermented sugars from malted gluten-free grains | Five-times distilled vodka from corn |
| ABV | 5% | 8% | 4.5% |
| Standard Can Size | 12 fl oz | 12 or 16 fl oz | 12 fl oz |
| Calories (per 12oz) | 100 calories | 160 calories | Not specified, but generally low |
| Taste Profile | Light, crisp, subtle fruit flavor | Stronger, more intense fruit flavor | Clean, straightforward vodka soda with natural flavors |
Summary of Key Differences
For consumers, understanding the alcohol base is a matter of both taste preference and understanding the product's composition. While the end product of Surge offers a similar clean finish to the original, the higher alcohol content is the defining characteristic. The fermented sugar base, which is filtered to neutrality, keeps the fruity flavor at the forefront, masking the increased alcoholic strength. This allows the drink to remain approachable despite its potency, attracting consumers seeking a stronger hard seltzer option.
List of ingredients for Surge flavors (e.g., Strawberry):
- Purified Carbonated Water
- Alcohol (from fermented sugars)
- Natural Flavors
- Cane Sugar
- Citric Acid
- Sodium Citrate
Conclusion
In summary, the type of alcohol in White Claw Surge is a gluten-free fermented alcohol base, which technically classifies it as a flavored malt beverage. This is the same type of alcohol found in the standard 5% ABV White Claw, but Surge is produced with a higher concentration to reach its 8% ABV. Through a process of fermentation and aggressive filtration, the brand removes all but the purest alcohol, creating a product that is clean, crisp, and neutral, allowing the added fruit flavors to shine. This production method is also why the beverage is certified gluten-free. For those seeking a higher-alcohol version of the classic hard seltzer taste, White Claw Surge offers a powerful and refreshing option without venturing into the world of distilled spirits like vodka. For more on the production process of hard seltzers, check out this VinePair article.
