Welcome back to FTW’s Beverage of the Week series. Here, we primarily focus on documenting and reviewing various beers, although we also include any beverage that pairs well with sports. Indeed, even cookie dough whiskey.

Hence, a notable stratification exists within hard seltzers and canned cocktails. There isn’t a real low-class option, save for Twisted Tea, which has a less than favorable taste! Nonetheless, there is a tier beyond the likes of White Claws and High Noons. This includes something slightly more luxurious, resonating particularly with audiences who desire more than the typical ‘no laws when you’re drinking Claws’ options.

For Vosa, the unique selling point is a higher-end variety of canned cocktail. It’s a crafted beverage that offers ‘the finer things,’ which happens to be the brand’s genuine slogan. However, given the stiff competition, especially from brands like Melograno and Spirited Hive, I feel that this is a rather crowded marketplace. This is evident when you consider Melograno’s stunningly designed cans which appeal more to the sophisticated drinkers than any wording on Vosa’s label possibly could.

Consequently, Vosa will need to differentiate itself by offering a taste that surpasses your average vodka-based beverage. Let’s find out if there’s something particularly refreshing about it.

The light effervescence bubbles to the surface as you pour, allowing for a scent that somewhat represents the advertised pineapple, yet predominantly reveals the vodka constituting the seven percent ABV. The pineapple flavor plays a more notable role upon initial tasting.

The flavor profile leans towards sweet rather than tart, fully embodying those elements that establish pineapple as an excellent, yet sometimes overlooked mixer. Essentially, it’s a juice that seemingly diminishes the presence of the alcohol within, particularly if the spirit is a neutral one like vodka. That’s exactly what we observe here; the effervescence lightly breaks up the sweetness, and no alcoholic heat accompanies the IPA-level of alcohol.

This results in a beverage that’s extremely palatable, leaving behind just a slight burp after a few gulps. You’ll detect a bit more of the vodka if you’re sipping directly from the can, but when poured into a glass, it tastes more akin to a flavorful, potent, yet sweet hard seltzer rather than a craft cocktail. This is meant as a praise. For a drink with a high ABV line, Vosa’s High Line Pineapple is remarkably easy to drink.

The scent is more invigorating than that of pineapple. It’s akin to a fresh, clean citrus that resembles a pleasant cleaning solution. Which, even though it may sound like mild commendation, I assure you is quite the positive.

The robustness of the pineapple High Line cocktail, in my opinion, can be attributed to the wonderful way pineapple melds with vodka. The lemon variant is equally impressive, imparting a citrusy sweet and sour taste that beautifully complements a strong alcoholic mix, only subtly hinting at the underlying spirit. While the vodka presence is noticeable, it never overwhelms, promoting a delightful drinking experience.

I hesitate to use ‘crushable’ as it implies certain notions; however, I must assert that these are among the most palatable high-alcohol-content canned cocktails I’ve come across. Although heavier on calorie count at 190 per drink compared to 110 caloric vodka waters, the tradeoff for the taste and experience is absolutely worth it.

Opening the can releases a veritable burst of refreshing fruitiness. The liquid flows out resembling tinted water with nary a bubble insight.

Despite the enticing pineapple aroma, the initial sip is surprisingly heavier on the spirit. The vodka taste hits you first before being balanced out by the acidic sweetness of the pineapple. Although enjoyable, it’s slightly disappointing considering the flavor richness of the other high-alcohol High Line variants.

If you’re partial to vodka, this product will suit your tastes. If you’re not, you might still find it drinkable. It boasts the appeal of a low-calorie slim can, with a flavor portrait that aligns more closely with the milder taste of a White Claw, but doesn’t quite match the superior offerings from the Vosa range.

On this occasion, the lemon component seems to blend more harmoniously with the vodka. It’s a little unexpected, especially considering the success of other pineapple-vodka mixtures – but it works.

As a cocktail, it’s acceptable yet unexciting. There’s a slight citrus note and the tartness of the lemon cleanses the palate, possibly too well, as it unfortunately reminds me a bit of a cleaning product. Notwithstanding, it’s drinkable.

For reference, I usually liken whatever I’m drinking to a standard cheap beer – in this case, Hamm’s, a reliable option from the land of sky-blue waters. The pertinent question is: would I choose to drink Vosa instead of a cold can of Hamm’s on a typical day?

The High Line, indeed. It conveys a stronger and more robust flavor, positioning it as a superior choice and igniting my regret for not sampling the cherry and peach variants.

At the end of the day, Vosa’s canned cocktails are agreeable but not uniquely different from other products on the market. A decade ago, it may have been considered groundbreaking. Now, it’s simply another addition to an extensive lineup of quality beverages that can provide mild inebriation with a dash of taste.

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