Hop water
Hop water is an American carbonated water, mainly flavored with hops, a primary flavoring of beer.[1][2]
Hop water was first sold by Californian homebrewer Paul Tecker, as H2OPS, in 2014.[2][3] Production method varies between makers, but they all include adding hops in some form, like cones or oil, to water and steep it. The water is then carbonated, or carbonated water is added. Additional flavorings, including cannabis, are sometimes used. The drink is non-alcoholic,[2][4][5] and generally low calories.[6]
Sales were $1.9 million in 2019 and $5.5 million or $13.6 million in 2022.[2][7] As of 2022, there are more than a dozen brands, and Lagunitas Brewing Company is one of the producers.[5][7]
The New York Times' writer said "...essentially LaCroix for beer fans. At its best, it’s crisp and refreshing, and it delivers a bit of what folks love about a good beer, without any of the alcohol-induced side effects."[1] Men's Journal's writer said that while hop water doesn't taste like beer, it can "provide a refreshing beer-like experience."[2] Taste of Home's writer said "Generally, I find that hop waters taste like a refreshing seltzer with a vibrant botanical edge and fresh notes of forest and citrus peel."[6] One maker said "It's a placebo, like you are really stressed and there's an inclination to say you need a beer or you need to take a breath, but while a beer takes the edge off, it's still alcohol and can bog you down. Hop water, it tricks your brain into thinking you’re drinking a beer."[8]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Keough, Ben (19 April 2024). "Hop Water Isn't Trying to Be Beer. That's Why We Like It". The New York Times. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
- ^ a b c d e Johnston, David (28 June 2023). "Is Hop Water the Best Non-Alcoholic Alternative to Beer?". Men's Journal. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
- ^ Arnold, Allison (13 February 2024). "WTH Is Hop Water & Why Is It So Popular?". Delish.com. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
- ^ Coppolino, Andrew (8 May 2021). "Local breweries get creative with hop water, seltzers and pop flavours". CBC News. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
- ^ a b Goldfarb, Aaron (25 August 2022). "Don't Care for Non-Alcoholic Beer? Try This Zero-Calorie, Full-Flavored Alternative". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
- ^ a b Naglich, Mandy (6 November 2023). "What Is Hop Water?". Taste of Home. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
- ^ a b Cebula, Tim (12 April 2024). "Hop water infuses Maine breweries with new market potential". Portland Press Herald. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
- ^ Covington, Linnea (1 February 2024). "Hop water helps beer drinkers keep Dry January going all year long". The Denver Post. Retrieved 14 August 2024.