Hard seltzers in Andover: what Esplanda carries

Esplanda, the liquor store at 100 Woodview Way in Andover, Massachusetts, does not currently stock a range of hard seltzers. What is in stock right now is one product from one brand: Mayflower Brewing Company's "The Earth Laughs In Flowers", a New England hazy beer. This page explains what that means for you, how to order from us, and what to look for in a hard seltzer wherever you shop.

Does Esplanda in Andover stock hard seltzers?

Not a variety, no. Esplanda is a small shop right now: 1 product in stock, from 1 brand, in 1 category. If you came looking for a shelf of flavors and brands to compare, you will find that elsewhere, and we would rather say so plainly than have you make the trip or place an order for nothing.

What we do have is a specific, current product, and the rest of this page tells you exactly what it is so you can decide whether it suits you.

All sales are for adults 21 and over, and that applies to pickup, delivery and shipping alike.

What is in stock at Esplanda right now?

The one product in stock is Mayflower Brewing Company "The Earth Laughs In Flowers". It sits in our New England / Hazy category, which is the only category with anything in it at the moment.

Mayflower Brewing Company is the one brand we carry, and you can see everything under its name on the Mayflower Brewing Company brand page.

Stock changes, so the product page is the best place to confirm what is available before you order.

What is a hard seltzer, and how is it different from a hazy beer?

A hard seltzer is a sparkling, lightly flavored alcoholic drink. It is usually made by fermenting a sugar base, then adding fruit flavor and carbonation. The result is clear, light in body and tends to taste crisp and clean, with the flavor coming mostly from the added fruit rather than from grain or hops.

A New England hazy is a different drink. It is a style of India pale ale that is left unfiltered, which gives it a cloudy, opaque look. Brewers use generous amounts of hops late in the process, so the beer smells of citrus, tropical fruit or flowers without tasting sharply bitter. The body is soft and rounded rather than crisp.

So the two are not substitutes for each other. Both are usually served cold and both can be fruit-forward in aroma, but a hazy has the weight and flavor of beer, while a seltzer is closer to flavored sparkling water with alcohol.

Is a New England hazy worth trying if you usually drink seltzer?

It can be, if what you like about seltzer is the fruit-forward, refreshing quality rather than the lightness itself. Hazy beers are known for juicy hop aroma and low perceived bitterness, which is why they are often a first step into craft beer for people who find traditional IPAs too sharp.

If you want something very light and neutral, a hazy will feel fuller than you expect. If you enjoy aroma and flavor that comes through on the first sip, it may suit you.

Serve it cold, in a glass if you can, so the aroma has room to open up. And as with any alcohol, drink at your own pace.

How do you order from Esplanda: pickup, delivery or shipping?

Besides walking in, Esplanda offers pickup, delivery and shipping. You can start from the product page for The Earth Laughs In Flowers and choose the option that works for you.

Our shop is at 100 Woodview Way in Andover, Massachusetts, and that is the address for pickup. For questions about a specific order, use the contact page and we will get back to you.

Because alcohol is involved, expect to show that you are 21 or older when you receive an order.

What should you look for when buying a hard seltzer?

Whatever store you choose, a few things on the can are worth checking. The first is alcohol by volume. Hard seltzers commonly sit in the range of about 4 to 6 percent, similar to many beers, so a can is not the same as a glass of sparkling water. Read the label.

The second is the base. Some seltzers are made from fermented sugar, others from malt, and some use a distilled spirit. The label or the maker's website usually says which.

The third is flavor style. Some brands use real fruit juice or natural flavor, while others are almost neutral with only a hint of fruit. If you are choosing for a group, a mixed pack lets people try several without committing to one.

Finally, check the packaging date where one is printed. Fruit flavors in light drinks are best fresh and kept cold.

How can you see what else is new at Esplanda?

Because the shop's stock is small and can change, the collection pages are a quick way to see what is currently listed. The New Arrivals collection shows items as they are added, while Top Rated and Trending group products in other ways.

If a hard seltzer appears on the site later, it will be listed in the same way as any other product, and you will be able to order it through the same pickup, delivery or shipping options.

To learn more about the shop itself, see the about page.

Which Andover shop should you choose for hard seltzer?

If a wide range of seltzer flavors and brands is what you want today, choose a store whose shelves show that range, and check its stock before you go. If you would like to try a New England hazy from Mayflower Brewing Company, or simply want a small, specific selection from an Andover shop, Esplanda has that.

We would rather be accurate about our shelves than overpromise. The product, the brand and the ways to order are all above, and the rest is up to what you are in the mood to drink.