Not yet named food entry: Vanilla Seltzer (New England)

One of my newest treats is seltzer water. Not just any seltzer water, but Polar Seltzer with Vanilla. It is an intriguing beverage that starts with strong smell of vanilla before the salty taste of carbonation hits your palate and is follow up with sweet notes that compliment the aroma.  I love it ice cold on its own and I have used it as a mixer.

I was introduced to this new flavor in seltzer during a visit to Connecticut about two years ago. My dear friend, Julie, had offered us something to drink and rattled off about 5 flavored seltzers – one of which was vanilla. I was intrigued, but cautious. She offered me a sip of hers and from the first scent of vanilla, I was hooked. Later during my visit, I hit the area Stop and Shop and purchased 6 liters of vanilla for my drive back to Philadelphia.

The difficulty of this new treat is that it is not readily available in my neck of the woods. Polar Beverages are distributed mainly in New England and Upstate New York, with additional limited available in Metro New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and in 13 other states. This limited availability means that there is no vanilla seltzer in Philadelphia. Giant, notably, carries Polar Seltzer but I have yet to see more than plain, lemon, lime and a handful of other flavors in stock.

A dramatization of my checking in with duffel bags full of seltzer, image courtesy of The Malones Down Under

Now when I travel to New England, I try to pick up more whether I’m driving or flying. Now that I have silver status on Continental, it’s less of a hardship to pack a duffle bag of vanilla seltzer to bring home. The ticketing agents and cabbies, however, are none too pleased.

Vanilla seltzer isn’t the only delight that Polar Beverages make. They also make a Diet Birch Beer which is clear and locals call white birch beer. There is also a Diet Double Fudge, which is really amazing – diet chocolate soda! This last trip to Boston, I discovered a Banana flavored seltzer, which I was pleased with. Finally, I read a tweet from @PolarSeltzer yesterday that Polar is introducing holiday favors: Eggnog, Candy Cane, Pumpkin Spice and Granny Smith Apple. I wish I had known that before I left!

Though it’s a little bit of a trek, I am proud to buy from America’s largest independent soft-drink bottler, which was founded in 1882 in Worcester, MA. (It’s like supporting Yuengling.) In 1901, the Crowley family purchased the company from its founder and Polar has been owned and operated by four generations, now. I’m excited that one of my favorites comes from an American family-owned shop and that I can support one of the things that makes America great.

Plus, vanilla seltzer rocks!

Images, except where notes, courtesy of Polar Beverages.