2020 Q3 Iowa Spirits - 11

such as black cherry, lime, raspberry
and mango-is low in calories, sugar
content and alcohol. Plus, it's tasty.
Nationwide, says IWSR Drinks
Market Analysis, hard seltzers are forecast to more than triple by 2023. In
fact, when it comes to the best-selling
White Claw hard seltzer, Iowa reportedly ranks fourth among the 50 states
in sales.
Wilson's Orchard in Iowa City,
known for its cider, hard cider, fresh
produce and baked goods, recently
started making the alcoholic beverage. Wilson's seltzer was immediately
popular, in pineapple, peach, blueberry and more.
As hard seltzer moves into the
future, look for new options, including
floral and herbal, such as Bon & Viv
Clementine Hibiscus and Black Cherry
Rosemary, or Truly Blueberry & Acai.
The rising popularity of low-alcohol
drinks gives further evidence of the
health-focused trend. In cocktails, look
for the bright orange Aperol Spritz
and similar spritzes. In beer, look for
sessionable beers and the resurgence
of lagers.
If you look hard, you might even
find drinks with healthful ingredients such as turmeric, ginger, blue majik, coconut water and
herbs-and even the occasional probiotic!

YOU CAN DIG IT
The first commercial canned beers were test-marketed in Virginia in 1935, followed by canned
sodas. Not too many years back, beer in cans
became passé, with bottles becoming the only
containers for drinkers of distinction. But then, you
see, it became clear that cans really do have their
advantages. For beers, cans eliminate the effect
that light can have if a bottle is left in the sunlight
(a "skunky" flavor is the chemical result-not
pleasant!).
Other drink products have taken their cue from
the resurging popularity of beer in cans-notably
wine and the oh-so-convenient, ready-to-drink,
single-serve cocktails.
Wine in single-serving cans means you don't

need to commit to finishing an entire bottle before
it imparts those vinegary notes.
And canned cocktails? Well, you can't beat the
convenience. When you get home from a long day
at work, or when you're sharing some good times
with friends, the mixing of multiple ingredients is
just a distraction.
To make the scenario just a little bit brighter,
ready-to-drink cocktails (in bottles as well as cans)
even come in healthier, low-ABV options.

LOCAL IS THE NEW BLACK
Locally made products continue to be popular in
communities across the nation, and Iowa provides
plenty of opportunities to support local businesses.
A recent IABD report on the top 25 Iowa spirits
included whiskies, vodkas, liqueurs and rums from
a diversity of distilleries.
Treat yourself and support the local economy.
It doesn't get much sweeter than that!

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2020 Q3 Iowa Spirits

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