Sierra Nevada is far from an unknown name in the craft beer world. With their new lineup of NA beers, headlines with the Trail Pass IPA, they are becoming much more familiar in the NA craft beer world, as well. If beer is not your jam, though, but you don’t mind a hint of hops to hamper down your thirst, their latest release is sure to make a big splash.
Hop Splash Hop Water from Sierra Nevada is a refreshing sparkling water mixed with juice and a tiny dash of sweetness. Think Spindrift, if a brewery made it. While this market is no stranger to hop water, as Lagunitas paved the way with it back in 2018, this new batch of binge-worthy bevs from Sierra Nevada takes the flavor profile to a whole new level.
Instead of hop-flavored sparkling water, Sierra Nevada has fruit-flavored hop water. There’s the traditional Lemon-Lime, another citrus slicer, Grapefruit & Blood Orange, and the weird and wild Peach & Passion Fruit. This is a lot of options for those looking to grab an easy bevvie, but as someone who keeps his La Croix in constant stock and in a wide variety, I was happy to see it.
Perhaps the coolest little detail about these waters is the fact that they have paired specific hops with each flavor. The Peach & Passion Fruit is paired with Krush hops, and with a ‘TM’ logo after the name, I must imagine that’s proprietary. The Lemon Lime is paired with crystal hops. Then, finally, the Grapefruit and Blood Orange is paired with a personal favorite: Mosaic hops. Yum!
As far as my preference and review, I think each one brings something different to the table. Let’s start with Lemon Lime. This one pops with the citrus flavors you would expect. It leans more towards a sparkling water lemon-lime than a Sprite, but it’s there and it’s pushy. The hops kind of get lost here, so this wouldn’t be my first choice. The Grapefruit and Blood Orange flavor finds its balance nicely with the mosaic hops and the blend allows you to pinpoint all three flavors. This might be the best balance of them all. For the Peach & Passion Fruit, the biggest surprise was the subtlety of the flavors. Whatever the Krush hops are, they definitely come out and leave your mouth feeling like you just emptied a well-balanced tropical IPA, but the fruit is a hard back seat.
With the Hop Splash Hop Water from Sierra Nevada, you will almost definitely feel satiated and quenched, but is that a recommendation? I guess if I’m picking a favorite, it’s the Grapefruit and Blood Orange. It just balances so well with the Mosaic hops and provides a full flavor profile where the others, while refreshing, still fall short and out of balance. Go grab some of these mainstream mouth muzzles and try them for yourself!
HAPPY EVERY HOUR – NA BEERS & 90s: Crack open a cold one—without the hangover. This guide, curated by resident NA Beer Nerd + Senior Sober Curator Contributor Justin Lamb, explores the ever-growing world of non-alcoholic and de-alcoholized beers, organized by style so you can find your perfect pour. From hop-forward IPAs to crisp lagers, plus alcohol-free ciders and hop waters, we’ve got reviews to help you sip smarter.
HAPPY EVERY HOUR – NA BEERS & 90s: Discover the Top 10 Non-Alcoholic Beers for a Flavorful Fall: Your Ultimate Guide
Welcome to HAPPY EVERY HOUR, your go-to hub for all things NA (non-alcoholic). We review alcohol-free beers, ciders, wines, spirits, RTDs (ready-to-drink), and share NA cocktail recipes that taste just as good—if not better—than the boozy originals. Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or just taking a break, this is where great taste meets zero proof.
TRIGGER WARNING: People in early sobriety may want to proceed with caution. Always read labels. Please hydrate responsibly … #becausedrunkneverlooksgood.
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