Jiant Hard Tea Variety

Jiant Hard Tea Variety 12pk is a mixed pack of hard teas from Esplanda in Massachusetts. A variety pack lets you try several flavors before settling on a favorite, so it suits a first look at the style. Check the individual can labels for the flavor lineup and exact ABV, since those are not listed here. Hard teas in general are brewed-tea-based drinks that typically sit in the 4 to 5 percent ABV range. They have no hop bitterness to speak of. Expect a flavor built around black tea's light tannin and dryness, softened by citrus, stone fruit or berry sweetness, and a lighter body than most beers. Serve these cold, roughly 36 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, straight from the refrigerator. Warmth makes sweetened teas taste syrupy and flattens the tea character. A tall pint glass or highball over a few ice cubes works better than drinking from the can, because the glass lets the tea and fruit aromas open up and keeps the drink chilled as it sits. A lemon wedge or a sprig of mint is an easy garnish if a can leans sweet. For food, styles like this usually do well with things that benefit from acidity and a clean finish: grilled chicken, barbecue pulled pork, fried fish, deli sandwiches, salads with vinaigrette, and salty snacks such as pretzels or kettle chips. Citrus-leaning flavors also handle mildly spicy dishes, where the cold, lightly sweet profile takes the edge off the heat.