Is High Noon a Malt Beverage? The Truth Revealed
High Noon is not a malt beverage; it is a hard seltzer made with vodka, sparkling water, and natural fruit flavors, offering a refreshing alternative.
High Noon has become a popular choice among hard seltzer drinkers, but many wonder about its alcohol base. Unlike most hard seltzers that use malt liquor, High Noon stands out by using real spirits. This gives it a cleaner taste profile that appeals to many consumers.
What Makes High Noon Different?
High Noon distinguishes itself in the crowded hard seltzer market through its unique production process and premium ingredients:
- Uses real vodka or tequila instead of malt liquor
- Contains real fruit juice (4% juice content)
- Available in both carbonated and non-carbonated varieties
- Offers multiple flavor profiles including tropical options
Alcohol Base: Spirits vs. Malt
While most hard seltzers like White Claw and Truly use fermented malt as their alcohol base, High Noon uses distilled spirits. This creates a significant difference in taste and mouthfeel. The vodka and tequila base provides a cleaner, crisper finish compared to malt beverages which can sometimes have a heavier, beer-like quality.
Nutritional Comparison
| Brand | Calories | Carbs | ABV | Base Alcohol |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Noon | 100 | 4g | 4.5% | Vodka/Tequila |
| White Claw | 100 | 2g | 5% | Malt |
| Truly | 100 | 2g | 5% | Malt |
Flavor Profile and Varieties
High Noon offers an extensive range of flavors that go beyond typical hard seltzer offerings. Their product line includes:
Vodka-Based Seltzers
- Lime
- Peach
- Pineapple
- Watermelon
- Black Cherry
Tequila-Based Seltzers
- Grapefruit
- Pineapple
- Passionfruit
Vodka Iced Tea Varieties
- Half & Half
- Green Tea
- Peach Tea
For those interested in other beverage-making equipment, check out our guide to the best blender for mixed drinks or the best commercial blender for smoothies.
Why Choose High Noon Over Malt-Based Seltzers?
Several factors make High Noon a preferred choice for many consumers:
- Cleaner taste: The spirits base eliminates the malt aftertaste
- Better mixability: Works well in cocktails without clashing flavors
- Premium positioning: Appeals to spirits drinkers looking for lighter options
- Variety: Offers more unique flavor combinations than most competitors
According to High Noon’s official website, their products are designed specifically for consumers who want “real vodka and real juice” in their beverages. This differentiates them from the majority of the hard seltzer market that relies on malt fermentation.
Market Position and Popularity
High Noon has carved out a significant niche in the alcoholic seltzer market. While brands like White Claw and Truly dominate the malt-based segment, High Noon leads the spirits-based category. According to industry reports, spirits-based hard seltzers represent about 15% of the total market, with High Noon holding the majority share.
Their success comes from targeting a slightly different demographic – spirits drinkers who want a lighter, more refreshing option without compromising on alcohol quality. This strategy has proven effective, with High Noon experiencing consistent growth since its launch.
For more insights on beverage equipment, explore our review of the best hard seltzers according to taste tests.
