What kind of Alcohol is in white claw? Before we get into the main question, it is essential to acknowledge the fact that there has been a rising demand for ‘healthy Alcohol-based beverage’ options. We all would prefer a low-carb, low-calorie option any time of the day, and the White Claw is just that. More about the beverage in this blog and why it can be your next ‘big favorite.’ Also, it is mandatory for most of us to be able to take into account the kind of Alcohol and the ABV in a particular beverage.
The White Claw is one of the first brands to be launched in America in the year 2016 and has since only experienced a massive rise in popularity. Today it enjoys a reigning position when it comes to production in the Hard seltzer industry, with its reach all across the US and beyond. The brand has experienced a massive increase of about 264.7% in sales from 2019 to 2020, and this is in the US alone.
Owned by Mark Anthony Brands International, you can easily spot a White Claw all across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. But is the product worth the hype? Well, ask the regulars, and they will swear by it. The taste is a characteristic light, crisp, and clean, along with a fruitiness to it as well. The best part is that you do not have to suffer the ‘after-taste,’ unlike many other beverages. This is mainly because the Hard Seltzer is made from relatively simple ingredients like water, a gluten-free malted triple distilled alcohol base, and fruit flavor.
Currently, four different flavors are available in White Claws: Black Cherry, Mango, Natural Lime, and Raspberry. But first, let us take a step back and check out what is a Hard Seltzer. Essentially this is nothing but the ‘Alcoholic version’ of Carbonated water. Most times, these also comprise a nice Fruity flavor that offers a distinctive Summer taste. The ABV in these beverages falls from 4% to 5%.
Types of Alcohol Used in Alcoholic Beverages
What type of liquor is in white claw? First, let us take a look at what is the Alcohol we gulp down all about.
Simply speaking, the only type of Alcohol that humans can consume and enjoy is Ethanol. The other types of Alcohol are used for various other purposes. Methanol is used as a fuel for automobiles and is used as an antifreeze, fluid remover, windshield wiper fluid, and others. Rubbing Alcohol is the Isopropanol that is the common disinfectant we know of.
The alcohol content varies in the different kinds of Alcoholic beverages; let us take a look at some of these:
Beer: This is perhaps the oldest Alcohol-based drink in Human history. It has an ABV in the range of 4% to 6%.
Wine: Another favorite that goes great with meals and dining. The ABV is less than 14%.
Hard Cider: This is nothing but fermented Apple Juice with an ABV of 5%.
Mead: This is a fine blend of water and fermented Honey with an ABV of 10% to 14%.
Sake: A popular Japanese drink that has an ABV of 16%.
Tequila: A ‘pop-culture’ iconic drink with an ABV of 40%.
Vodka: Made from fermented grains and Potatoes, this has an ABV of 40%.
Rum: A distilled drink that has been prepared from fermented Sugarcane has an ABV of 75.5%.
So, as you can see, there is a wide range of ABV in various Alcoholic beverages. However, it is essential that you make sure that you consume your favorite beverage responsibly. You need to know that Ethanol is rather toxic to your system. It can severely damage your Liver and Brain if you consume too much. Also, Ethanol is known to inhibit the Central Nervous system. Hence this can greatly affect your judgment and decision-making.
The Alcohol Content in White Claw
Is it white Claw rum or vodka? Well, none. Despite the rather ‘Cocktail’ kind of taste that the White Claw has, it is not made from vodka. Also, there are others who believe that the White Claw is made from beer, another misconception. Flip to the back of your can, and you will find the ingredients enlisted below:
Purified carbonated water, Alcohol, natural flavors, cane sugar, citric acid, natural juice concentrate, sodium citrate.
So, you see, there is nothing stated in definitive terms about the kind of Alcohol used here. However, it comprises a blend of Seltzer Water, which is a Gluten-free Alcohol base with a slightly fruity flavor to it. This is because the Alcohol derived comes from the Malted Gluten-free grains.
Is it white claw beer?
Well, another great misconception, generally because the White Claw is made from Malt. However, for a beverage to be classified as ‘Beer,’ it has to contain Malt, Water, Hops, and Yeast. As the White Claw does not contain Hops, hence it is not a beer.
Next, most people end up indulging liberally with the White Claw because it tastes ‘fruity.’ But this is not the case. The beverage has a considerable about of Alcohol, with an ABV of 5%, hence making it easily comparable to various other stronger alcoholic beverages. Hence, if you gulp down three cans of a 12 Oz White Claw, it is as good as downing three cans of beer; and you can get just as intoxicated.
So, is white claw rum or vodka? Well, none, to be precise, as it is a category on its own; however, if you are on an ‘alcohol-recovery program,’ it is not the best choice to have.
The Origin of White Claw and Its Production
As mentioned earlier, the White Claw was introduced in the year 2016 with nine different 100-Calorie flavors to start with. Essentially, this is a Malt-flavored alcoholic beverage with a fruity twist to it. But did you know that White Claw dates back to the 18th Century? This was done when a Chemist by the name of Joseph Priestly Infused Water with Carbon dioxide, hence earning him the title of the ‘father of soft drink.’ Eventually, this invention was improvised by the manufacturers who flavored the bland soda water with different flavors like Orange, Lemon, Apple, Pear, and more. It was in the 1950s that the Seltzer water was introduced, where the simple Soda water was replaced with Sparkling water. So, this is how the origins of the very popular Seltzer water came into being.
As for the brewing process that goes into the making of the now-popular White Claw is quite similar to that of the beer. The process of brewing involves a combination of Seltzer water, a Gluten-free Alcohol base that has been distilled from Corn, and Natural fruit flavorings. As for the exact methods, it is a trade secret, and we don’t blame them. However, we can easily agree to the fact that the Company is solely committed to quality and taste, something that is evident in its triple-digit annual sales rate. With 28 current flavors divided into 5 categories, it is not surprising that it is common for the bars to run out of the beverage! However, there is a flavor for everyone: dad, mom, bro, sis, vamp, good girl, bad boy, the nerd, the hero, you name it.
Where is White Claw Made?
The White Claws was initially made at Mark Anthony’s innovation center in Ireland. It was only later that it was introduced in the US; due to the raging popularity it soon gained. Currently, the White Claws manufacturing plant is located in Glendale, Arizona, and has a distribution center in Hillside, New Jersey. It was in May 2022 that the second manufacturing plant was launched in Richland Country. However, did you know that it all started in Vancouver, Canada, and was marketed out of a car by Anthony Von Mandl in the 1970s?
Despite its rage, the quality remains the main force behind the brand’s success, and there seems to be no difference in the taste or the flavor, irrespective of the region we are considering. The only aspect that makes it to the ‘news’ is that White Claws is always ‘Sold-out,’ and there is a shortage in almost all bars, irrespective of the region you are talking about.
Who Distributes White Claw?
So, who makes sure that your favorite White Claw seltzer flavor reaches your region? Well, there are quite a few distributors that do a commendable job; these are:
- Filshill
- Nisa
- Booker Retailer Partners (BRP)
- Soho Cash and Carry
- United Wholesale Grocers
- MILLENNIUM C&C
- PARFETTS C&C
- AF BLAKEMORE & SONS LTD
White Claw Hrd Seltzer is what the ‘Summer of 2019’ was all about. A lot has to do with the Social media video that circulated the trend with the slogan “Ain’t no laws when you’re drinking Claws.” This was widely popularized by Trevor Wallace and gained a massive 4.2 million views.
Comparing Alcohol Bases in Other Hard Seltzer Brands
While the White Claw has grown to become a synonym with Hard Seltzer, nevertheless, some other great brands are worth a mention too:
Truly: 100 calories, 1 gram of sugar, 5% ABV
High Noon: 100 calories, 4 grams of sugar, 4.5% ABV
The main difference in the taste between the various Hard seltzers is because of the presence of the base Alcohol in them. For example, it is the presence of Vodka in High Noon that offers it the characteristic taste. As for Truly, it is far less carbonated as compared to the other brands. However, it is much more fruity as well.
Health Considerations and Responsible Consumption
Let us take into account some prime considerations before you indulge in a white Claw of your favorite flavor:
The Ingredients: White Claw essentially contains Carbonated water, natural flavors, and Alcohols derived from fermented sugars.
Consumption: As mentioned earlier, you now know that it is as good as a can of beer. Hence consumption in moderation is essential.
Responsible Drinking: Plan a safe ride back home and ensure you drink under your limits.
Stay Hydrated: Do not drink continuously, and make sure that you gulp in a glass or two of water in between.
Do Not Mix and Match: Mixing your White Claw with sugary sodas or other energy drinks is not a great idea as it will only increase the number of Calories and Sugars.
Does Root Beer Have Caffeine?: Conclusion
The White Claw Hard Seltzer is a wonderfully refreshing alcohol-based carbonated drink. Much against popular belief, this is a malt-based, non-Vodka and non-Beer beverage. The popularity of the drink lies in the fact that it has a manageable ABV percentage, something you can easily swig in the middle of the day. However, it is much advised to make sure that this is done in moderation, as one can also get drunk if gone overboard; as they say, “ain’t no laws when you’re drinking Claws,”
Does Root Beer Have Caffeine?: FAQ's
Question 1. What kind of Alcohol is used in White Claw?
Answer: Ethanol is used in White Claws.
Question 2. Is White Claw made with vodka?
Answer: No, there are no natural ingredients that offer a Caffeine boost.
Question 3. Can I safely consume root beer if I'm sensitive to Caffeine?
Answer: No, it is not.
Question 4.What is the alcohol percentage in White Claw?
Answer: It is produced in Glendale, Arizona.
Question 5. Is White Claw gluten-free due to the type of Alcohol used?
Answer: Yes, it is made from Gluten-free grains and not due to the type of Alcohol used in it.
Question 6. How does the alcohol content in White Claw compare to beer or other alcoholic beverages?
Answer: The alcohol content in White Claw is almost equal to that of the beer at 5% ABV.
Question 7. Can you get drunk from drinking White Claw?
Answer: Yes, one can get drunk from drinking too much White Claw.
Question 8. Are there any health risks associated with consuming White Claw regularly?
Answer: Yes, just like any other alcoholic beverage, one can suffer from consuming too many White Claws.
Question 9. Can White Claw be considered a type of beer?
Answer: No, it is not a beer.
Question 10. Is White Claw available internationally?
Answer: Yes, it is available internationally.
Question 11. Who are the major distributors of White Claw?
Answers:
Some of the major distributors are:
- Filshill
- Nisa
- Booker Retailer Partners (BRP)
- Soho Cash and Carry
- United Wholesale Grocers
- MILLENNIUM C&C
- PARFETTS C&C
Question 12. How does White Claw's alcohol content compare to other alcoholics beverages?
Answer: It has an ABV of 5%, which is almost equal to that of the beer.