I finally cracked open a tequila smash devils backbone after seeing them all more than my social press feed, and am have got to say, it's quite a interesting shift to get a brewery that's typically regarded for the Vienna Lager. If you've spent any kind of time in the particular Mid-Atlantic, you understand Devils Backbone as a staple from the craft beer scene. But like everyone else these days, they've jumped into the particular ready-to-drink (RTD) tropical drink game, and so they didn't just dip a toe in—they went all in with tequila.
Usually, whenever a beer company tries to make a canned tropical drink, I'm just a little skeptical. A lot of times, you get along with something that likes like "malt beverage" with a sign of artificial lime green. Require are different. They're made with actual tequila, that is a big deal if you actually like the taste of agave. I actually chose to spend the weekend working our way through the particular variety pack in order to see if they will actually lived upward to the hype or if these people were just another sugary mess within a pretty may.
What Precisely Is the Tequila Smash?
So, the tequila smash devils backbone isn't just one beverage; it's a series of 4 different flavors that will usually come in a number pack. You've got Lime Margarita, Strawberry Margarita, Grapefruit Paloma, and Watermelon Margarita. They most sit at about 8% ABV, which is truthfully a bit higher than your standard seltzer or light beverage. You definitely need to remember that just before you start mashing them like they're LaCroix.
The "Smash" part associated with the name indicates something refreshing and fruit-forward, and that's pretty much the particular vibe they're heading for here. These people use real tequila and real juice, which you may actually taste. 1 of the initial things I discovered was that will they have a bit of carbonation, but this isn't aggressively fizzy. It's more like a gentle shimmer that helps cut through the sweetness of the fruit.
Wearing down the Tastes
The Vintage Lime Margarita
You can't really judge a tequila-based lineup without starting with the Lime green Margarita. It's the gold standard. Honestly, this one has been my favorite associated with the bunch because it felt probably the most balanced. It's obtained that sharp, citrusy bite you need from the lime, but it isn't so sour that it can make your eyes water.
What I liked many about the tequila smash devils backbone lime version was that it didn't taste like floor cleaner. A great deal of canned margaritas use a quite artificial lime flavoring that feels greasy or chemical. This felt clean. It's sweet, for sure, but it offers that salty-citrus surface finish that makes a person want to take another sip instantly. If you pour it over glaciers with a salted rim, you can almost convince your bartender just shook it upward for you.
Strawberry Margarita
Next up was the Strawberry Margarita. Now, I'm usually cautious about strawberry-flavored anything because it often ends up tasting like the melted lollipop. This one is definitely for the sweeter aspect of the spectrum, but the tequila helps ground it. You get a quite distinct "jammy" blood flavor right at the front.
It's the kind of drink that's perfect for a hot day when you want something fruity and simple. It's not complex, but it's pleasing. I found that this one gained the most from being bone-cold. If it warms up even a little bit, the particular sugar becomes the bit much, yet straight out of the cooler filled with snow? It's a good choice for people who don't love the particular "burn" of alcohol.
Grapefruit Paloma
The Grapefruit Paloma is probably the nearly all "grown-up" tasting drink in the tequila smash devils backbone pack. If you aren't familiar with a Paloma, it's a vintage Mexican tropical drink that always mixes tequila with grapefruit soft drink. This version fingernails that slightly sour, slightly tart user profile that makes grapefruit so refreshing.
I think this one provides the best aroma out of all four. As soon as you crack the can, you get that vivid, zesty grapefruit aroma. It's less sweet than the Strawberry or the Watermelon, which usually makes it experience a bit more "crushable" over a lengthy afternoon. It's got a crisp end that really highlights the agave notes in the tequila. If you're a fan of things like Fresca or dried out ciders, this will be going to be your own go-to.
Watermelon Margarita
Then we have the Watermelon Margarita. This 1 is the "wild card. " Watermelon is an infamously hard flavor to get right in a can. Sometimes it's too subtle, and sometimes it tastes like a Jolly Rancher. The particular tequila smash devils backbone melon falls somewhere within the middle.
It's very relaxing, and it definitely screams "summer. " This has a bright, pinkish hue if you pour this into a glass, which looks great for photos, yet the taste is certainly aimed at the "sweet tooth" crowd. It's fun, it's light, and it's a good change associated with pace if you're fed up with lime, but I probably couldn't drink significantly more than 1 of these in one sitting.
The 8% ABV Factor
One thing you really have to respect concerning the tequila smash devils backbone is the punch this packs. Most refined cocktails or seltzers hover around 4% or 5%. These types of are 8%. That means one can is roughly comparable to two standard light beers.
Because they flavor so much such as juice and soft drink, it's incredibly easy to lose track of the number of you've experienced. I noticed that midway through my second can, I had been feeling much more "buzzed" than I expected to be. They're smooth—dangerously smooth. In the event that you're taking these to a seaside day or the tailgate, you might want to rate yourself. The alcoholic beverages is hidden nicely behind it plus the bubbles, that is a testament to the recipe, but also a warning for the unsuspecting consumer.
Why True Tequila Matters
We've all observed the "margarita-style" beverages that come within big packs from the food store yet are actually simply flavored malt liquor (basically fancy beer). Those usually leave you with an enormous headache because associated with the sugar as well as the low-quality fermentation.
The tequila smash devils backbone uses actual tequila distilled through blue agave. You are able to tell. There's a particular earthy, peppery note that only comes through real tequila. This gives the beverage a backbone—pun intended—that malt-based drinks just can't replicate. It makes the whole experience feel even more premium. You're paying out a bit more for these types of than you should for a pack associated with budget seltzers, however the quality of the spirit makes this worth the extra few of bucks.
Best Way in order to Serve Them
While these are usually designed to become drunk straight from the can, I've found a few ways to associated with tequila smash devils backbone encounter even better. First off, they need to be cold. Like, "just above freezing" cold. The carbonation is usually light, so if they get warm, they can start in order to feel a little syrupy.
If you have the particular time, pour them over a glass of crushed ice. For the Lime green and Grapefruit flavors, adding a new squeeze of lime green juice or perhaps a small pinch of ocean salt really improves the flavors. This cuts the sweet taste just enough for making them taste like a craft cocktail. For your Strawberry and Melon, a sprig associated with fresh mint will wonders for the aroma.
Last Thoughts within the Experience
Overall, I actually think Devils Backbone did an excellent job with these types of. They didn't simply churn out the generic product to keep up with trends. They made something that will actually tastes like a cocktail. The particular tequila smash devils backbone range pack is really a solid addition to any cooler, especially when you're hanging out by a swimming pool or a bonfire and don't would like to handle the particular hassle of mixing drinks.
It's interesting to observe a brewery changeover so successfully straight into spirits. It shows they're making time for exactly what people actually desire to drink when they aren't in the mood for a heavy IPA or a dark strong. These are vivid, fun, and top quality. Whether you're a tequila aficionado or simply someone looking intended for a tasty drink that's just a little stronger than a seltzer, these are certainly worth a try out. Just remember they're 8%, so maybe keep some water nearby too. All in all, I'll definitely be obtaining another pack prior to the summer is over.