When White Claw unveiled its new higher-ABV variety, White Claw Surge, last month, it felt like the popular hard seltzer brand was signaling the start of summer festivities. With a new season comes a new product, and White Claw Surge delivers an alcohol content of 8%, a notable increase from the standard 5% found in regular White Claw. This new line seems tailored for those looking to ramp up their celebrations with a bit more intensity.
When hard seltzer first gained popularity a couple of summers ago, I wasn’t immediately on board. But now, I can comfortably admit that I’ve grown to enjoy it. I’m especially looking forward to spending a warm day outdoors with friends, catching up over a few cold drinks.
That said, I’ve never sipped on a hard seltzer and thought, “This could use a lot more alcohol.” One of the key appeals of hard seltzer is its light, refreshing nature. If I were aiming for a more intense party vibe, I’d probably just carry a box of Franzia like a boombox and take a swig every so often.
In my view, White Claw is making a strategic move on several levels. With summer approaching and many people getting vaccinated, there’s bound to be a surge in social gatherings, as everyone is eager to let loose after a year of restrictions. Additionally, as the original hard seltzer giant, White Claw needs to keep innovating to capture our ever-wandering attention spans, especially with new hard seltzer brands popping up on store shelves almost every week.
Flavors of the White Claw Surge
At present, White Claw Surge is available in just two flavors: Blood Orange and Cranberry. One thing I admire about White Claw is its straightforward approach to flavors. Each one is based on a single fruit, avoiding the overly complex or vague combinations like “Strawberry Sunset Mist” or “Cucumber Tailgater Explosion.”
Unfortunately, neither of these new flavors stands out as exceptional. A common issue I have with hard seltzers is the lack of strong flavor, with much of the experience relying on the aroma. Once you crack open a can, you’d better catch that initial scent quickly, as the aromas tend to fade fast.
That said, I’d have to pick Blood Orange as my favorite between the two, but only by a slight margin. Honestly, distinguishing it as “blood orange” is impossible—it’s really just a fancy way to say “citrus.” The real appeal of a fresh blood orange comes from its striking ruby-red color and tart, vibrant flavor, but since you don’t pour hard seltzer into a glass to admire its hue, the visual aspect is lost when drinking straight from the can.
As for Cranberry, it has a soapy taste in my opinion. Like the Blood Orange, there’s no way you’d recognize it as cranberry based on taste or smell alone. It mostly tastes like a berry-scented hand lotion smells. I get the appeal of artificial berry flavors—every now and then, I crave berry-flavored candy or a blue raspberry Slurpee—so if you prefer fake berry flavors over citrus, this might satisfy your taste buds.
Recommended Pairings
If drinking a PBR makes me want to grow a mustache and don a beanie, then White Claw Surge has me reaching for a V-neck and tossing empty cans off someone’s rooftop (yes, these are classic stereotypes, but they still resonate). So, my advice for pairing this drink? Enjoy it outdoors with friends, blasting late-2000s pop through your phone’s speaker. This is for those who want to skip the small talk and dive straight into the chaos. While it’s not quite Four Loko-level madness, after a few of these, you might just find yourself approaching that territory—just be sure to keep things in check.
Final Verdict
At the end of the day, the original White Claw Surge wins in terms of flavor. The extra 3% ABV in White Claw Surge only matters if you’re someone who’s serious about PTM (Party Time Management—yes, I just coined that term, but feel free to use it). White Claw Surge seems to be aimed more at those seeking the stronger effects of alcohol—looking at you, college seniors—rather than those who just want to unwind and enjoy a relaxing summer evening.