We review so many energy drinks (over 200 now) that sometimes we have to switch it up to keep things fresh.
What better way to break our seltzer hiatus during AAPI Heritage Month than Nectar Hard Seltzer, an AAPI-owned brand taking the country by storm?
If Lychee, Asian Pear, Mandarin, and Yuzu didn’t already catch your eye, how about no aftertaste, 90 calories, zero sugar, and 4.7% ABV? Still not intrigued? How about the handwritten note that came with the cases Nectar sent us, from our buddy Jeremy:
“If you’re tired of all the repetitive, Big Brand toilet water seltzers that have that weird aftertaste… Look no further! Nectar is here to bring salvation to your tastebuds. Enjoy crisp Asian flavors with no weird aftertastes. It’s like sipping on Gods tears.” – Cheers, Jeremy
High praise, Jeremy. Possibly the highest praise there is, depending on your worldview. When we opened the box and saw that note on top, we were dying laughing. When you roast the competition with toilet water, you have my attention, and God’s tears is the cherry on top.
All of that left us with mixed expectations. Ninety calories, no sugar, and no artificial sweetener? The consensus going in was that there was no way it would be sweet enough, and definitely no way it could live up to God’s tears.
Boy, were we wrong.
Get your own case of Nectar Hard Seltzer (affiliate link; it supports Caffeine Shark).
The scores
| Flavor | Jared | Cam | Matt | Daniel | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lychee | 9.8 | 9.6 | 8.9 | 9.4 | 9.4 |
| Yuzu | 7.6 | 7.5 | 8.7 | 8.4 | 8.1 |
| Asian Pear | 8.9 | 7.9 | 7.8 | 7.2 | 8.0 |
| Mandarin | 6.5 | 7.1 | 5.9 | 7.8 | 6.8 |
Lychee
Jared, 9.8: A great smell hit my nose as soon as I cracked it. Amazing first sip. Lychee might be my favorite fruit, and this didn’t disappoint. The flavor is a bit stronger than most seltzers, and it’s amazingly sweet for zero sugar, 90 calories, and no artificial sweetener.
Cam, 9.6: Easily one of the best seltzers I’ve ever had. Incredible taste, unimaginably refreshing, and it genuinely tastes like the fruit, with a light, unparalleled mouthfeel. It earns the highest rating I’ve ever given a seltzer.
Matt, 8.9: The lychee is unmistakable without being overwhelming. It reminds me of Reign Lilikoi Lychee without the syrupiness. I prefer Nectar’s cleaner taste, though the Reign is undeniably bold. If lychee appeals to you, try this.
Daniel, 9.4: This was my first Nectar, and my taste buds were confused for a solid three minutes. I don’t think I’ve ever had a seltzer this true to flavor, with zero artificial notes or aftertaste. I don’t even love lychee, but I loved this. My favorite seltzer I’ve ever tried.
Asian Pear
Jared, 8.9: Another great first sip and smell. Not as strong as Lychee, but that might be a feature, not a bug, since the fruit itself is subtle. I’m struggling to find negatives. It’s going down so smoothly I have to slow down.
Cam, 7.9: Not in Lychee’s tier, but still one of the smoothest seltzers out there. Pear isn’t my personal flavor, but it’s delicious and a fun novelty if you’ve never had it.
Matt, 7.8: Another smooth one. The pear is distinct without being controversial, and Nectar deserves props for unique flavors. Not the best fit for me, but worth a try if you’re curious.
Daniel, 7.2: Disclaimer: I really dislike pears. Even so, this is well executed and balances sweet and sour nicely. Like every Nectar, it finishes clean with no lingering taste.
Mandarin
Jared, 6.5: Good, not great. It lacks the sweetness of Asian Pear and Lychee. The smell is just as sweet, but the taste doesn’t live up to it, and there’s a slightly bitter aftertaste I didn’t expect. Closest comparison: White Claw.
Cam, 7.1: The lack of aftertaste is astonishing. The flavor hits hard, then disappears completely.
Matt, 5.9: I’ve had better mandarin flavors. If you seek out mandarin drinks, give it a shot. Otherwise, the other Nectar flavors are better.
Daniel, 7.8: This one left the longest aftertaste of the four, though still far shorter than other hard seltzers. Mandarin is more sour than sweet, but I enjoyed it the whole way through.
Yuzu
Jared, 7.6: This is the only flavor where I’m not sure I’ve had the real fruit, so I can’t say if it’s true to taste. It fits nicely in the lineup: mild sweetness, a hint of bitterness, and no real aftertaste.
Cam, 7.5: Again, no real aftertaste, and that doesn’t mean the flavor is weak. It’s an interesting blend of citrus notes. Not Lychee, but one of the better seltzer flavors out there.
Matt, 8.7: After one sip I wondered how I’d describe it. I still don’t exactly know, but it tastes unique. Smooth, tropical, not artificial, and unlike the overdone flavors on the market.
Daniel, 8.4: I expected lemon from the yellow can, but this was awesome. It balances sweet and sour so well, something other seltzers often swing too far on. My first can was a little warm and leaned sour; ice cold, it was phenomenal. Now I know what God’s tears taste like.
The verdict
Nectar nailed clean, accurate flavors that aren’t overpowering. Lychee is a must-try, and Yuzu and Asian Pear aren’t far behind. Sold? Grab a pack of God’s tears for yourself.
More seltzer reviews: Three Birds, Wild Basin, and Mom Water.
