Arriving via the Global Spirits Masters platform, the 2022 Hard Seltzer Masters awards celebrated the boundary-pushing distilleries, breweries and taste-makers in the emerging industry. Since 2013, the seltzer category has steadily grown in popularity, with the alcoholic sparkling water taking a major piece of the Ready-to-Drink (RTD) category, both here in Australia and overseas. With most cans offering around 4%ABV and fewer than 100 calories, the streamlined beverage has managed to provide a welcome respite from hard and heavy beers and wines traditional drunk Down Under.

The big winner on the night came from the most unexpected of places. Where most brands found success int the Spirit-Based category, Belgian distiller Young Heart’s Fermented approach delivered massive results, with the unique Green Tea & Muscat Grape named Best in Show for the 2022 Hard Seltzer Masters awards. According to the brand, the naturally brewed product is low in calories and sugars, naming it a low-carb option for those looking to trim the fat. Best of all, this award-winner makes use of two different types of reen Teas, Sencha & Gunpowder, which are blended with Muscat Grape and a hint of celery. While it might be a little out of left field, this release can now safely lay claim to being the best seltzer in the world.

Australian favourite FELLR pulled out all the stops, with its Passionfruit release named as the best seltzer in the world for the Brewed category. It’s a massive accolade for the Sydney business, which was only launched in July 2020 during the height of a global pandemic with co-founders and marketers, Andy Skora and Will Morgan building FELLR out of their garages.

Crafted by Finnish company Anora Group, Say Vodka’s Grapefruit-Lemon was commended for its vibrant nose and fruit-forward characteristics. According to the judges, the spirit-based seltzer delivered a strong hit of both major fruit components, with a solid balance that was capped off with a subtle sweetness.

Little known UK seltzer producer Yan Tan managed to knock it out of the park with its entirely unique Damson & Rhubarb release. The spirit-based drop was awarded a Master medal for its ability to deliver intense flavours of sweet stone fruit, coupled with a healthy dose of rhubarb spice.

One of the more recognisable releases to score a Master award this year, Mike’s Hard Seltzer crashed into the top 12 with its Raspberry release. Famous for its tartiness on the nose, this refreshing brew has only 2 grams of sugar per can and features a subtle hit of fresh-picked raspberries in each mouthful. With fewer than 100 calories and a rich finish, it’s not hard to see why this was named as one of the world’s best seltzers for this year.

The first of two Master award winners for Long Shot Drinks, the Pink Grapefruit Hard Seltzer was among the favourites of the judges, who noted the release’s light carbonation and a tart finish, which delivered a uniquely balanced finish. Over the past few years, the UK distiller has become renowned for using all-natural fruit juices and a neutral spirit, resulting in a lighter, cleaner drink that comes in under 70 calories per can.

Like its Pink Grapefruit stablemate, the Raspberry & Blackcurrant Hard Seltzer also performed strongly among the judging panel. The UK distiller’s alcoholic fruit-infused sparkling water was one of the major winners in the sprit-based category, highlighted by strong berry notes and a balanced alcohol integration.

Another UK label to take home a Master award at this year’s event, High Water was commended for its Mano and Peach spring water release. According to judges, the hard seltzer showcased a juicy, bold mango aroma and featured pleasant carbonation that delivered an impressively fruity finish.

While the UK was easily the best-represented region this year, the competition for the world’s best seltzer certainly embraced its international scope. New Zealand-based brewer Pals Vodka secured a Master award for its Central Otago, Peach, Passionfruit and Soda release, with the judges impressed with the tart passion fruit and juicy, fresh peach on the palate.

Another dual Master medallist, Two Brooks managed to secure major accolades for its Lime Cooler seltzer this year, courtesy of its zesty lime palate. The independent distiller’s process involves no added sugar and light sparkling carbonation that makes the final product a little lighter than normal, which is a huge plus in our books.

Similarly, Two Brooks also secured a master award for its Mango Hi Ball release, which is now one of the world’s best seltzers. The tropical and refreshing can is one of the more fruit-forward brews on the list and along with its stablemate, dominated the fermented seltzer category this year.

Finally, the judges were impressed with one of the most adventurous releases on the chopping block. Costa Rican brewer Adán & Eva took home a Master award in the Flavoured – Other category for its stunning and just a little bit bizarre Coconut Lemon hard seltzer. The low ABV release is among the most popular in the brand’s limited selection, however, industry recognition such as this is certain to swell the confidence.

With the Hard Seltzer Master awards done and dusted for this year, the world’s best seltzer producers are returning home with a swathe of accolades and industry recognition under their belts. Here is a list of all award winners from the night, across all major categories.