Hops + seltzer = absolute pure joy for me. That’s why I’m so excited to see more and more companies releasing their own versions of hop-infused sparkling waters.
Sierra Nevada Brewing is yet another big-name brewery to join this trend, releasing Hop Splash in January 2022. Find out if I enjoyed this hop water in this Sierra Nevada Hop Splash review.
A Quick Look At Hop Splash
Hop Splash is a non-alcoholic hop water made from sparkling water that’s been infused with two varieties of hops: Amarillo and Citra.
When used in brewing, Amarillo hops provide very sweet citrus notes similar to those found in oranges. Citra hops provide flavors like peach, apricot, passion fruit, lemon, melon, and other tropical fruits.
These notes, especially peach, mango, and grapefruit, are present in the flavor profile of Hop Splash.
Sierra Nevada Hop Splash Review
Looks
Hop Splash pours a slightly hazy clear color. As expected from a hop seltzer, there was no head. I’d say the carbonation level was medium.
Aroma
The promised notes of peach and grapefruit were there, but they were by no means overwhelming or particularly fruity. In fact, I smelled more of the spice and mustiness from the Amarillo hops.
Taste
The flavor is subtle but it packs lots of hoppy bitterness.
As expected from the aroma, I get slightly bitter and spicy notes when drinking Hop Splash. There are also some faint notes of dry citrus and a hint of pepper.
Compared to other hop seltzers I’ve tried, this one’s flavor is subtle, a bit dry, and probably most in line with what you’d expect from hop water if you’ve never tried one before.
Sierra Nevada Hop Splash Ingredients
Hop Splash contains three simple ingredients: water, carbon dioxide, and hops (Amarillo and Citra).
The water used to make Hop Splash is carbon-filtered and pH adjusted, while the hops are steeped in water (dry-hopped) for a short, precise amount of time to ensure the liquid contains all of the fruity hop flavors but none of the bitterness.
Sierra Nevada Hop Splash Calories
A 12oz/355mL can of Hop Splash contains 0 calories, 0g of fat, 0g of carbohydrates, and 0g of sugar. If you’re looking for a hoppy drink with a guilt-free experience, the Sierra Nevada is the perfect drink for you.
If you’re interested in other low-calorie non-alcoholic beers, check out our article on the 61 Lowest Calorie Non-Alcoholic Beers – Ranked By Calories.
| Avg Quantity Per Serving (355ml/12oz) | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 0 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
Final Verdict Of Our Sierra Nevada Hop Splash Review
As someone who loves hoppy IPAs, Hop Splash is a perfect non-alcoholic alternative. I’ll even go out on a limb and say Hop Splash gets closer to bitter IPAs than most of its competitors brewing non-alcoholic IPA-style beers.
Don’t get me wrong–this is definitely lighter-bodied and more refreshing than a beer, but flavor-wise, there’s no competition for me. I’d gladly drink Hop Splash over any of the other NA IPAs I’ve tried thus far.
On top of the punchy hop flavor, I love that Hop Splash contains 0 calories, 0g carbs, and 0g sugar. Knowing this is a healthy, guilt-free option I can reach for any time makes it that much more appealing.
All of that said, this won’t be your drink if you’re not one for IPAs in general. You’ll likely find it way too bitter to appreciate the subtle fruity notes. Similarly, if you favor juicier, fruitier IPAs, then you might have more luck with Lagunita’s Hoppy Refresher.
Best For:
- Those who like a higher level of bitterness
Not Recommended For:
- If you’re looking for a flavored hop water because the taste is subtle
Where to Buy Sierra Nevada Hop Splash
If you’re in the United States, you can purchase Hop Splash from Amazon. You can also find it at Whole Foods.
Other Hop Splash FAQs
Is Hop Splash gluten-free?
Hop Splash contains just three ingredients: water, hops, and carbon dioxide. Therefore, it is gluten-free.
Learn more about gluten-free non-alcoholic beers in our Ultimate Guide To Gluten-Free Non-Alcoholic Beer
How much alcohol is in Hop Splash?
Although Hop Splash’s flavor may remind you of beer, you can rest assured that there’s absolutely no alcohol in Hop Splash.
By themselves, hops don’t have any intoxicating properties. On top of that, Hop Splash doesn’t contain yeast, nor does it go through any kind of fermentation process.
Is Hop Splash vegan?
Yes. Containing only water, hops, and carbon dioxide, Hop Splash is a 100% vegan drink.
Also Read: Is Non-Alcoholic Beer Vegan?
We hope you found this Sierra Nevada Hop Splash helpful. If you’re curious about other hop-infused drinks, check out our other articles:
I really enjoyed this hop water. It is a bold, hop-forward seltzer that's drinkable day or night.