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2 NE Ohio breweries win hard seltzer medals in competition

Northeast Ohio Breweries Shine in National Hard Seltzer Competition with Medal Wins

In a refreshing twist for the craft beverage scene, two Northeast Ohio breweries have bubbled to the top of a prestigious national competition, earning medals for their innovative hard seltzers. The accolades highlight the region's growing prowess not just in traditional beers but in the burgeoning world of spiked seltzers, which have exploded in popularity over the past decade. This achievement underscores how local producers are adapting to consumer trends, blending creativity with quality to stand out in a crowded market.

The competition in question is the annual U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship, a highly regarded event that draws entries from across the country. Held virtually this year due to ongoing logistical considerations, the contest evaluates submissions based on criteria like flavor balance, carbonation, clarity, and overall drinkability. Judges, comprising industry experts, sommeliers, and certified tasters, blind-taste hundreds of entries to ensure impartiality. This year's edition saw a record number of participants, reflecting the hard seltzer category's rapid growth, which has seen sales skyrocket as health-conscious consumers seek lower-calorie, gluten-free alternatives to beer and cocktails.

Leading the charge for Northeast Ohio is Saucy Brew Works, a Cleveland-based operation known for its bold flavors and community-focused ethos. Founded in 2017 by Brent Zimmerman and Eric Anderson, Saucy has quickly become a staple in the local scene, with its flagship location in Ohio City serving as a hub for craft beer enthusiasts. But it's their foray into hard seltzers that earned them a gold medal in the Fruit-Infused category for their "Tropical Punch Seltzer." This vibrant offering features a medley of pineapple, mango, and passionfruit notes, clocking in at a crisp 5% ABV with just 100 calories per can. The judges praised its "explosive tropical aroma and clean finish," noting how it avoids the artificial aftertaste that plagues many mass-market seltzers.

Zimmerman, in an exclusive interview, expressed his excitement about the win. "We've always aimed to push boundaries at Saucy," he said. "Hard seltzers were a natural extension for us—something lighter for summer patios or post-workout refreshment. Winning gold validates our approach: using real fruit purees and no added sugars to let the flavors shine naturally." The brewery's journey into seltzers began during the pandemic, when demand for at-home drinking options surged. Saucy invested in new equipment to perfect their carbonation process, ensuring each batch delivers that signature effervescence. This medal isn't just a trophy; it's a boost for their distribution, with plans to expand the Tropical Punch line into neighboring states like Pennsylvania and Michigan.

Not to be outdone, Market Garden Brewery, another Cleveland gem, snagged a silver medal in the Classic Seltzer category for their "Lime Basil Seltzer." Located in the historic Ohio City neighborhood, Market Garden has been a pioneer in the region's craft revival since 2011. Co-founders Sam McNulty and Andy Tveekrem envisioned a space that combines European-inspired brewing with local flair, and their seltzer line embodies that spirit. The award-winning entry infuses subtle basil herbs with zesty lime, creating a herbaceous twist on the standard hard seltzer formula. At 4.5% ABV and under 90 calories, it's marketed as a "garden-fresh" option perfect for pairing with light meals or enjoying solo.

McNulty shared insights into the creative process behind the seltzer. "We drew inspiration from our rooftop garden at the brewery," he explained. "Basil grows abundantly here, and pairing it with lime was an experiment that paid off. The silver medal is huge for us—it shows that Northeast Ohio can compete with coastal heavyweights in this space." Market Garden's seltzer production emphasizes sustainability, sourcing ingredients locally where possible and using eco-friendly packaging. This win comes on the heels of their expansion into canned cocktails, signaling a broader diversification strategy amid shifting market dynamics.

These victories are more than isolated triumphs; they reflect a larger narrative in Ohio's beverage industry. Northeast Ohio, often dubbed the "Rust Belt Renaissance" for its revitalized urban cores, has seen a craft beer boom in recent years. Breweries like Great Lakes Brewing Co. and Fat Head's have put Cleveland on the map, but the rise of hard seltzers represents a pivot toward inclusivity. According to industry reports, hard seltzer sales in the U.S. topped $4.5 billion last year, driven by millennials and Gen Z consumers prioritizing wellness and variety. In Ohio alone, the category has grown by over 200% since 2019, with local producers like Saucy and Market Garden leading the charge.

What sets these Northeast Ohio seltzers apart is their artisanal approach. Unlike big-name brands that rely on synthetic flavors, these breweries emphasize natural ingredients and small-batch brewing. For instance, Saucy's Tropical Punch undergoes a meticulous fermentation process using a proprietary yeast strain to enhance fruit profiles without overpowering the seltzer's lightness. Similarly, Market Garden's Lime Basil incorporates fresh herbs steeped during production, adding complexity that mass-produced options often lack.

The competition itself has evolved since its inception in 2018, initially as a niche offshoot of beer judging events. Now, it includes subcategories like flavored, spiked teas, and even non-alcoholic variants, mirroring the category's diversification. Past winners have gone on to national distribution deals, and experts predict that this year's medalists could follow suit. For Saucy Brew Works, the gold opens doors to collaborations, perhaps with fruit suppliers or other breweries for limited-edition releases. Market Garden, meanwhile, is eyeing seasonal variants, like a winter cranberry-basil blend, to capitalize on the momentum.

Community impact is another angle worth noting. Both breweries are deeply embedded in Cleveland's fabric. Saucy hosts events like trivia nights and charity fundraisers, while Market Garden's Prosperity Wheat beer supports local agriculture. Their seltzer successes could draw more tourists to Ohio City, boosting the area's economy. As Zimmerman put it, "This isn't just about us—it's about elevating Northeast Ohio as a destination for innovative drinks."

Looking ahead, the hard seltzer landscape is poised for further innovation. Trends point toward functional additions like electrolytes for hydration or CBD infusions for relaxation, areas where these Ohio breweries could experiment. With consumer preferences leaning toward low-ABV, flavorful options, Saucy and Market Garden are well-positioned to thrive.

In a market saturated with fizzy contenders, these medal wins affirm that quality and creativity still reign supreme. For beer lovers and seltzer sippers alike, Northeast Ohio's latest achievements are a toast-worthy reminder of the region's brewing renaissance. Whether you're cracking open a Tropical Punch on a sunny afternoon or savoring a Lime Basil at a backyard barbecue, these local gems prove that innovation doesn't have to come from afar—it's brewing right here in the heartland.

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Read the Full Cleveland.com Article at:
[ https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2025/07/2-ne-ohio-breweries-win-hard-seltzer-medals-in-competition.html ]