The Good Spirits News 2022 Holiday Gift Guide – Barware and Supplies

Looking for some stocking stuffers or unique gift ideas for the mixologist in your life? Look no further! GSN has got you covered. Check out our recommendations for the 2022 holiday season!

OLDKNOW Bev Co. Verte Absinthe Seltzer – Having had many absinthe cocktails over the years, this was delightfully refreshing and light. Perfectly balanced and uniquely carbonated, we would easily buy a case of these for summer drinking. The first of its kind, and a welcome addition in a very crowded market. GSN Rating: A+

Dignity Raw Coconut Oil – This is a great oil to use in fat washing a spirit. Try it in rum, tequila, bourbon or even Calvados for a unique flavor twist. We especially love the idea of supporting a company who is ethical and is making a positive change in the lives of people. Makes a great stocking stuffer for the mixologist or home chef. We also recommend picking up a copy of Dave Arnold’s Liquid Intelligence to learn about the various techniques used in fat washing. GSN Rating: A+

Fresh Victor Cold-Pressed Pineapple & Ginger Root Juice Mixer – This is excellent! Our personal favorite of the Fresh Victor line. This works exceptionally well with tequila, rum, vodka and brandy. Hits the spot with a great balance of fruit and heat. GSN Rating: A+

Cocktail & Sons Fassionola Syrup – The strawberry character comes through loud and clear. The hibiscus has a softer touch, but is still noticeable. The other fruits don’t carry so much in terms of flavor, but add a tropical tartness to the affair. We really enjoyed this recreation of a lost syrup. Definitely try it in a Hurricane. You will never go back to pre-mixes or powders. We especially appreciate the support that the company shows to local farmers. Be sure to check out some of their many other syrups. They even have a few sample packs, along with seasonal releases like King Cake syrup and Watermelon & Thai Basil. GSN Rating: A

Pink House Alchemy’s Bee’s Knees Cocktail Kit – This really is a great little kit, with several bespoke ingredients that you’d be hard pressed to make yourself. We especially like the lavendar syrup which is becoming quite trendy in the cocktail world this year. Also of particular note is the bee pollen lavendar rimming sugar. It really ties the whole drink together with a floral and bee-centric focus. We prefer to use gin in our Bee’s Knees, but vodka will also work as well. We also highly recommend the other products that Pink House Alchemy crafts. Great stuff! GSN Rating: A

RASĀSVĀDA Zero-proof Ruby Artemisia Spirit Restorative – A modern take on an ancient restorative – A play of floral citrus, herbaceous bitterness, and tangy botanicals emulate the elegance and complexity of a classic aromatized wine. GSN’s Remarks: The flavor is slightly tart, with a limey kind of character. There is a somewhat round and softness to the expression which has some botnaical persona. We definitely agree that it is somewhat in keeping with a vermouth. Almost a combination of sweet and dry. Quite interesting ,refreshing and well balanced. GSN Rating: A

RASĀSVĀDA Zero-proof Black Ginger Spirit Restorative – A bracingly bitter take on a dark classic – A grounding core bitterness balances with smooth layers of flavor, notes of spice, and botanical aromatics. GSN’s Remarks: In some ways, this expression is less bitter than the Rose Bermagot, but there are more dark and low notes here. Surprisingly, there is no ginger heat, but rather a funky flavor of wet grasses and herbs. The flavor is somewhat difficult to decribe. More of an amaro, but lighter and drier. This liquid is conducive to contemplation and relaxation. GSN Rating: A

Fresh Victor Cold-Pressed Cucumber & Lime Juice Mixer – Really nice. The cuke comes through just enough to balance the lime with some cooling flavor. Perfect for gin and vodka. GSN Rating: A

RASĀSVĀDA Zero-proof Spirit Rose Bergamot Restorative – Reimagining a classic Italian bitter without the sugar – Enlivening bitter-sweetness and lush, bright flavors join with the elegant complexity of heady floral and citrus aromatics. GSN’s Remarks: More of that tartness comes through, but this time with a distinctly bitter edge. There’s definite notes of spearmint here as well, creating a colling effect, The whole endeavor is quite uplifting and bracing. The botanicals are more forward here with a grassy, somewhat herb driven profile. All ends with a very long finish. GSN Rating: A-

CleanCo Non-Alcoholic Clean V – Interestingly, for an apple flavored N/A vodka, the ingredients list juniper distillate. The familiar pine flavor is unapparent. However, the flavors of apple and cinnamon speak loud and clear. It’s almost as if the producers have clarified a mulled apple cider. It’s quite good and again has a clean taste. Light, and with that non-alcoholic heat remaining on the fade. GSN Rating: A-

Drinkmate OmniFizz – We tried a multiplicity of liquids to see just how well they would carbonate. The best tended to be clear juices, wines and teas. For thicker juices like orange, pineapple or tomato, the results were not as appealing, but considering the low price point, we can’t argue. Of course adding a bit of fizz to cocktails is really the draw here for readers of GSN. We tried carbonating a few classics: Negroni, Margarita and Lemon Drop. All worked well and added an interesting texture to the libations. Cleaning was easy and operation is quick and simple. It’s well worth getting a unit and experimenting. Who knows? You may come up with a new favorite for your home bar! GSN Rating: A-

GSN Review: Loki Delta-8 Seltzer

LOKI is the world’s first Enhanced Seltzer. Made with the cannabinoid extract Delta-8, LOKI offers a different alternative to alcohol that delivers a unique and vibrant sensation, with no hangover. With five main active ingredients, one serving of LOKI contains only five calories, zero sugars, and zero carbs. LOKI comes in two flavors: Black (blackberry lemon) and White (lavender peach).

As knowledge, research, and complexity around the marijuana industry evolves, new discoveries about the active ingredients and their unique characteristics are constantly being discovered. LOKI uses Delta-8-THC, which is one of the lesser-known natural elements of the cannabis plant. It differs from its more commonly known relative Delta-9-THC by a slight variation in molecular structure. Delta-8 offers consumers a far lower psychotropic potency, while still giving them the ability to immerse in prolonged and enjoyable moments. No hangover, no paranoia, no lack of clarity.

Delta-8 is federally legal as it is below the 0.3% THC threshold, but given the presence of any THC, the brand reminds consumers that they may not pass a drug test after consuming LOKI.

Note: GSN was sent samples of White LOKI for review.

GSN’s Remarks: A light and summery flavor profile with no sweetness, as it should be. The high is definitely milder than one from Delta-9-THC, which makes this perfect for a relaxing afternoon. There are 20mg of Delta-8, so you may want to start out by drinking just a few ounces and wait for 15-20 minutes to see how you feel. Dosing can be a little tricky. We would definitely suggest having no more than one can every 2-3 hours. All in all, a tasty beverage even if it didn’t have any psychoactive effects. GSN Rating: A-

For more information go to: Sip Loki 

#siploki

GSN Review: JETWAY Wine Seltzers

At 100 calories per 8.4 fl. oz. can, JETWAY wine seltzers are 5 percent alcohol by volume. No sugar added, gluten free and vegan friendly, the drinks are presented in cans with artwork that evokes the golden age of travel.

Investors in JETWAY include Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, and Robert Schwartzman, and the cans will first be available in stores and restaurants in the Southern California counties of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego.

The first two offerings — a Sauvignon Blanc and a Rosé of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, are sourced from the McNary Vineyard, which overlooks the Columbia River in Washington state. Both are blended with ingredients including elderflower, yerba mate, Fijian ginger and yuzu – all of which were chosen by founder Albert Hammond Jr. as inspired from his travels and childhood. Hammond Jr. is a member of the rock band The Strokes.

Hammond Jr. tapped Ben Parsons as JETWAY’s Chief Operating Officer. A renowned winemaker and brand builder, Parsons pioneered the canned wine category. Throughout his 20-year career, he has worked to dispel elitism and mysticism in the world of wine while bringing a quality, disruptive product to the masses.

GSN’s Remarks: The Sauvignon release has a slightly citrus entry, and a very dry mouthfeel. Not sweet in the least, this is a surprisingly contemplative sparkling wine. The yuzu and elderflower add most of the flavor which overshadows the wine base, but this is actually a welcome surprise. If the ginger has any bearing on the affair, it is only towards the very end of the experience where a minute heat comes into play. The Rosé leans more toward a true wine, but the peach is blended so well into the expression that they vie equally for dominance. More summery and more relaxed, we think the Rosé is a perfect evening after dinner beverage, while the Sauvignon lends itself to a picnic lunch or Sunday brunch. GSN Ratings: Sauvignon B, Rosé B+

For more information go to: Drink Jetway

#jetway

GSN Brews News: April 26th 2022 Edition

German beer importer Radeberger Gruppe USA will bring two new offerings stateside with the launch of Schöfferhofer Juicy Pineapple and Schöfferhofer Wild Cherry, the latter within the brand’s first national variety pack, known as the Schöfferhofer “Happy Pack.” The former is a 50/50 mix of German hefeweizen and pineapple juice that launches nationally this month in 6-packs of 12-ounce bottles, at just 2.5% abv. Wild Cherry, meanwhile, will be packaged along with Schöfferhofer Grapefruit, Pomegranate, and Passion Fruit in the variety pack.

Freshie Organic Tequila Seltzer is entering the Florida market, distributed by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. Freshie is made from organic Tequila, mineral water, organic lime essence, and organic agave nectar. The brand launched in the Chicago area in 2021 with one SKU (lime) and is now in more than 1,000 retailers and restaurants. Freshie 4-packs of 12-ounce cans retail at $11.

Malibu Rum is launching two new canned cocktails along with a new video ad. The new RTDs are Pineapple Bay Breeze Cocktail in a Can and Watermelon Mojito Cocktail in a Can, both of which are at 7% abv and retail for $13 a 4-pack. The two new flavors join Pina Colada and Strawberry Daiquiri in the Malibu Cocktail canned lineup.

Belgian brewer Lindemans is celebrating its 200th anniversary with Cuvée Francisca, a new lambic beer. The 8% abv brew is a blend of 4-year-old lambic drawn from three casks (90%), with young lambic making up the remaining 10%. The beer is first fermented in oak before bottling and fermenting again for a year. Cuvée Francisca, named for one of the brewery’s founders, is available in limited quantities across the U.S.

Information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Brews News: April 19th 2022 Edition

Atomic Brands has extended Impact “Hot Brand” Monaco Cocktails with a Watermelon Crush flavor. Made with Tequila and fresh watermelon, the newcomer is at 9% abv and joins Lime Crush, Sun Crush, Purple Crush, Blue Crush, Citrus Rush, Tropic Rush, Cranberry, Black Raspberry, and Mango Peach in the Monaco Cocktails lineup, which jumped 26% to 1.9 million cases in the U.S. last year. Monaco Watermelon Crush is debuting at convenience stores nationwide, retailing at $2.50 to $3 a 12-ounce can.

Onda Tequila Seltzers has released its Pineapple and Mango offerings in 4-packs of individual flavors. Previously, the pineapple- and mango-flavored seltzers were only available as part of a variety pack. Both flavors are at 5% and are made with Blanco Tequila, fruit juice or puree, and seltzer water, plus natural flavors. Onda is available in 31 states across the U.S. and retails at $11 a 4-pack.

Connecticut-based Luneau USA is launching Ed Hardy RTD Sparkling Flavored Tequila. The new range features Ed Hardy Sparkling Tequila Blood Orange/Pomegranate and Orange/Pineapple offerings packaged in 12-ounce cans which showcase the artwork of the brand’s celebrated tattoo artist namesake. Both flavors are at 4.5% abv and have 99 calories a serving, with the initial launch numbering 20,000 cases.

Longmont, Colorado-based Oskar Blues Brewery announced The Works, a new nationally distributed mix pack of three of the brewery’s best sellers. The Works comes as a 12-pack composed of six cans of Oskar’s Lager and three each of flagship Dale’s Pale Ale and new release Double Dale’s Imperial IPA. Oskar’s Lager is at 4% abv, Dale’s Pale Ale is at 6.5% abv, and Double Dale’s is at 9% abv. The Works is on shelves nationwide now.

Anheuser-Busch is launching Neon Burst, a new fruit-flavored sparkling hard drink. Launching in convenience channels, the brand is available in the flavors Punch Blast–featuring flavors of pineapple, passionfruit, orange, raspberry, cherry, and apple–and Grape Blowout, composed of grape and citrus flavors. Both options are at 8% abv. Neon Burst is available now in 25-ounce cans nationwide and in 16-ounce cans in many states.

William Grant & Sons is targeting the white-hot premixed cocktail market with a new brand, Batch & Bottle. The line draws from Grant’s U.S. portfolio to create classic cocktails and includes four offerings: Monkey Shoulder Lazy Old Fashioned, Glenfiddich Scotch Manhattan, Hendrick’s Gin Martini, and Reyka Rhubarb Cosmopolitan. All four are available for a suggested price of $17 a 375-ml. and are rolling out now across the U.S.

Information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Brews News: March 22nd 2022 Edition

Casalú, a new rum-based RTD, is set to hit shelves across Miami later this month. The 5.9% abv drink will launch with one flavor, Limón, which is made with dark rum, lemon, natural flavors, and seltzer. Initially, the Miami-based brand will self-distribute the RTD. On its launch, Casalú will be available in 4-packs of 12-ounce cans for a suggested price of $13.

Brown-Forman is upping its presence in the thriving premixed cocktail category with this month’s debut of Up Or Over cocktails in select markets. The 375-ml branded cocktails are made with all-natural flavors and Brown-Forman spirits, and are ready to serve up or over ice. Up Or Over’s offerings include a Classic Dry Martini made with Fords Gin, Whiskey Sour made with Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey, Premium Margarita made with Herradura Tequila, and Ginger Citrus Old Fashioned made with Old Forester Straight Bourbon Whiskey, all retailing for approximately $15. Packaged in 375-ml. glass bottles with rounded shoulders, Up Or Over’s back label details recommendations on how to serve and garnish the cocktail. The four expressions will be available initially in Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, Oregon, and Washington.

Hershey, Pennsylvania-based Tröegs Independent Brewing has introduced LolliHop, a new double IPA. LolliHop began as part of the brewery’s small-batch Scratch Series, and is made with Citra, Mosaic, and Azacca hops; rustic pale malt; and a portion of wheat and oats. LolliHop is at 8.2% abv and is available on draft and in 16-ounce cans across Tröegs’ distribution footprint.

Middlebury, Vermont’s Woodchuck Hard Cider has released a new mixed 12-pack, featuring brunch inspired ciders. The variety pack includes Woodchuck’s existing Pearsecco and Mimosa ciders plus two newcomers: Bellini and Paloma. Pearsecco is at 6.1% abv and the remaining three are all at 5.5% abv. Woodchuck’s Brunch Box is now available in select states and will soon roll out across the U.S. for a suggested price of $18-$19. The new 12-pack is a permanent addition to the cidery’s portfolio.

White Claw Hard Seltzer has expanded its lineup with four new flavors. Launching under the White Claw Surf banner, the newcomers include Citrus Yuzu Smash, Tropical Pomelo Smash, Watermelon Lime Smash, and Wildberry Acai Smash, all at 5% abv and debuting in a 12-can variety pack.

Mike’s Hard Lemonade has debuted a new line of slushy-flavored RTDs, all based on flavors popular in the 1990s. The line, which comes in four varieties—Blue, Red, White, and Pink Freezes—are all at 5% abv and will be available in variety 12-packs of 12-ounce cans and as individual 23.5-ounce cans. To support the launch, the company has kicked off a new 90s-themed and nostalgia-driven ad campaign featuring era-appropriate boy-band music dedicated to the new drinks.

Watertight Cocktails, a new brand of agave wine-based RTDs, has launched in Texas. The new RTDs come in three flavors—Beach Margarita, Guava Paloma, and Mango Sipper—and are all at 6% abv and 130 calories per 12-ounce can. Watertight Cocktails are made with sparkling water and fruit juices, in addition to the agave wine. The new brand is now available in 4-packs of 12-ounce cans in grocery, convenience, and liquor stores across Texas for around $10.

Information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Brews News: November 23rd 2021 Edition

Nütrl Vodka Seltzer is releasing an all-cranberry variety pack ahead of Thanksgiving. Launching today, the cranberry-only variety pack features Cranberry, Cranberry Orange, Cranberry Grapefruit, and Cranberry Apple expressions, all at 4.5% abv. All four flavors are brand new, as Nütrl launched in September with Raspberry, Watermelon, and Pineapple options. The brand is currently available in states including New York and Florida, among others, with a 12-pack priced at $33 on its website. 

Information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Brews News: August 3rd 2021 Edition

Bacardi-owned Plume & Petal has entered the spirits-based RTD world with three new vodka-based cocktails. The 4.5% abv spritzes are made with infused vodka and sparkling water and come in peach, cucumber, and lemon flavors. Plume & Petal’s cocktails are available nationwide in 355-ml. cans in 4-packs of individual flavors for around $13 and variety 6-packs for around $18.

Texas-based Southern Champion has added a new Chili Mango to its BuzzBallz cocktail brand. The 15% abv RTD is made with vodka, Tequila, and natural flavors, and is available in 200-ml. ball-shaped containers. The new release is now available in California and Texas ahead of a planned national launch.

Portland, Maine-based Shipyard Brewing Co. is launching Pumpkinhead Hard Seltzer as a spin-off of its popular Pumpkinhead Ale. Boasting pumpkin pie flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, the new seltzer is at 5% abv. It’s being brewed in small batches and, though available now, is strictly allocated and is intended as a tease for Pumpkinhead Ale, available September through November.

Information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Brews News: June 15th 2021 Edition

San Diego, California-based Cutwater Spirits, part of the Anheuser-Busch portfolio, is launching a new canned cocktail in partnership with PGA golfer Harold Varner III. The new RTD is Cutwater Transfusion, made with Cutwater Vodka, ginger beer, and grape juice. Long associated with the 19th hole, Cutwater’s twist on the Transfusion is at 7% abv and will be available nationwide by the end of the month. 

Heineken USA has expanded the Dos Equis portfolio with Ranch Water hard seltzer, a new drink inspired by its namesake cocktail, popular in West Texas. The 4.5% abv RTD is lime-flavored and comes in at 90 calories per 12-ounce serving. It’s available in 6-packs of 12-ounce cans and individual 24-ounce cans in Texas and will expand to Arizona, Minnesota, Colorado, California, Nevada, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts in September.

Hershey, Pennsylvania-based Tröegs Independent Brewing has released this year’s edition of Nimble Giant, the brewery’s limited release double IPA. The 9% abv ale is brewed with Mosaic, Simcoe and Azacca hops, and the brewery says that it’s a tropical and citrusy beer balanced with Pilsner and Vienna malt. Nimble Giant is now available in 4-packs of 16-ounce cans across Tröegs’ distribution footprint.

Queens, New York’s SingleCut Beersmiths has launched Notes, a new limited-edition IPA that pays tribute to the brewers’ love of music. The 7% abv ale is brewed with hops from the Pacific Northwest and New Zealand, and comes in cans featuring basic guitar chords. In addition, the brewery has launched an augmented reality experience that will allow fans to virtually “play” their cans. Four packs—featuring G, D, C, and E minor chords—are now available in select retailers across New York and New Jersey for around $18. Special edition canisters of Notes are also available at SingleCut’s taprooms for $24.

Courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Brews News: May 11th 2021 Edition

Rochester, New York-based Black Button Distilling has introduced CanBee Cocktails. The inaugural release is a canned cocktail called Bee’s Knees, lightly carbonated and made with lemon, honey, and a small-batch gin base. CanBee was founded with a mission to support bee conservation and a portion of all sales will go to the Xerces Society’s Pollinator Conservation Program. Bee’s Knees is at 8% abv and is available now at select retailers and online, where a 4-pack of 12-ounce cans retails for $15.

Jim Beam has debuted a new line of canned Highballs. The releases come in at 5% abv and are made with Bourbon and either seltzer or ginger ale. The RTDs come in individual 355-ml. cans for around $2.50 or in 4-packs for around $10. Both Jim Beam Original and Ginger Highballs are now available across the U.S.

Stowe, Vermont-based Von Trapp Brewing is releasing Radler Trail Bier, a grapefruit-infused lager. It’s a 3.9% abv session beer that’s low on calories but high on carbs, intended to accompany vigorous outdoor activity. It’s available now across Von Trapp’s 12-market distribution area, which includes Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Von Trapp Brewing is part of Trapp Family Lodge, a 2,600-acre resort founded in 2010 by the family that inspired The Sound of Music.

Dallas, Texas-based Deep Ellum Brewing is releasing Blind Pickle Hard Seltzer. The seltzer, crafted for pickle lovers, is part of a rotating seltzer series of limited release flavors that spun off from the brewery’s year-round Blind Lemon Hard Seltzer. Like other Deep Ellum products, Blind Pickle was brewed with cane sugar taking the place of malted barley in the mash. It’s at 5% abv and is available now throughout Texas for a limited time. 

Sapporo U.S.A. is launching Sapporo Pure, a new light beer. Targeting health-conscious consumers, the release is at 4% abv and contains 90 calories and 2.4g of carbs per 12-ounce slim can. Sapporo Pure will be rolling out to 17 states this month including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.

Taylor Fladgate has entered the RTD market with Chip Dry & Tonic, a white Port-based drink packaged in 250-ml. cans. The 5.5% abv cocktail will launch this summer in the U.S., the U.K., and Portugal in 4-packs that will retail for around $18. The cocktail, according to the company, features not only Fladgate’s white Port, but tonic water that’s specifically made for the Port house. 

Courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Brews News: May the 4th Be With You Edition

Eugene, Oregon’s Ninkasi Brewing Company has launched Stratosphere IPA, the latest spring and summer seasonal for the craft brewer. The 6.4% abv ale is brewed with Nugget, Amarillo, Centennial, Citra, and Strata hops, and was originally brewed in February 2020 as a part of Ninkasi’s limited and small batch program. The beer is now available in 6- and 12-packs of 12-ounce bottles and 19.2-ounce cans in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.

Denver-based Prost Brewing Company has released AlpenBlume, a new craft hard seltzer. The 5% abv RTD is brewed with German wine yeast and has 100 calories per 12-ounce can. The new line comes in four flavors—Cucumber Lime, Ginger Peach, Strawberry Rose, and Lemon Elderberry—and is available throughout Colorado in mixed 12-packs. It is also available on draft at Prost’s Biergartens.

Philadelphia-based Charles Jacquin et Cie is targeting the fast-growing RTD market with Bartenders Trading Co. The new line is a revamp of the company’s Original Bartenders Cocktails and will launch with 10 releases including Sarita’s Margarita, Nina’s Pina Colada, and I’m Bananas Over You. All will be available in sizes ranging from 200-ml. to 1.75-liters, with the 750-ml. retailing at $11.

Canada’s Nude Beverages has expanded its line of hard iced teas into national distribution in the U.S. The 5% abv RTDs are made with vodka and decaffeinated black tea, and come in at 100 calories per serving. The teas are available in peach, lemon, and raspberry flavors and are not carbonated. Nude Hard Tea joins the company’s hard seltzer, which also comes in at 100 calories and 5% abv, and is available in lime, peach, mango, and raspberry lemon flavors.

Brooklyn, New York-based Threes Brewing is re-releasing its Yore Czech Pilsner. Inspired by the Svetlé Pivo brewing tradition, Yore Czech is only 3.9% abv. It was brewed with Czech-grown Saaz hops and Moravian floor-malted Czech pilsner malt and has notes of noble spice and wet hay, according to the company. It’s available now from Threes Brewing’s website, where a 4-pack of 16-ounce cans is priced at $16.

The Boston Beer Company has announced the latest expansion to Truly Hard Seltzer, set to hit shelves on May 10. The new extension—Truly Punch—comes in a mixed 12-pack of 12-ounce cans and adds four new flavors to the popular hard seltzer brand: Tropical, Fruit, Citrus, and Berry. The new punch-flavored varieties, like the rest of the Truly line, come in at 5% abv with 100 calories per serving and will be available across the U.S.

Courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Brews News: April 27th 2021 Edition

Downingtown, Pennsylvania’s Victory Brewing Company has entered the hard seltzer market with Victory Waves, a new release that marks the brewery’s 25th anniversary. Victory Waves comes in Lime, Mango, Mixed Berry, and Orange, each at 5% abv and with 100 calories per 12-ounce serving. The seltzers are rolling out this month in a 12-can variety pack throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, Connecticut, and Washington D.C.

New York City-based Craft+Carry has announced a sixth location, the company’s first outpost on the Upper West Side. The new location is on Amsterdam Avenue between 82nd and 83rd streets, and features growler and crowler refills, plus a wide selection of local and craft beers in bottles and cans. To celebrate the grand opening, Craft+Carry collaborated with local brewer Finback to create Slice of Sunshine, a 6.5% abv IPA with blood orange, guava, and Mosaic, Citra, and Simcoe hops.

Brooklyn, New York’s Sixpoint Brewery has announced Party Poppers, a new variety 12-pack of hard seltzers, marking the brewery’s entry into the popular category. All of Sixpoint’s seltzers come in at 5% abv and 100 calories per 12-ounce can and the pack features four flavors: Tiki Lemon Bar, Cucumber Lime Daybreak, Triple Berry Disco, and Passionfruit Orange Guava Punch. Sixpoint’s hard seltzer is set to roll out to the brand’s core northeast markets in May.

Guinness is launching its new Nitro Cold Brew Coffee beer nationwide following a strong response to its limited rollout last month. Brewed using cold brew coffee extract and coffee flavors, the 4% abv offering is a permanent addition to the Guinness portfolio. Guinness Nitro Cold Brew Coffee beer retails at $10 a four-pack of 14.9-ounce cans.

Portland, Maine-based Allagash Brewing Company is launching Truepenny Pilsner, a Belgian-style pilsner with a hint of wild beer flavor. It’s a specialty release that’s being distributed in 4-packs of 16-ounce cans. At 5.1% abv, the beer’s concept was developed through Allagash’s pilot program that allows any employee to submit a beer idea. Truepenny will be available throughout Allagash’s 18-state distribution footprint, which includes much of the eastern seaboard, as well as California and the Chicago area.

Rainier Beer, the historic Seattle brand that’s now owned by Pabst Brewing Co., is releasing a line of Rainier Seltzer. The new line extension will come in Huckleberry, Apple, and Lemon flavors, all at 4.6% abv. Rainier Seltzer will be sold in variety 12-packs of 12-ounce slim cans. Each can contains 90 calories, 0 grams of sugar, and 1 gram of carbohydrates. Rainier Seltzer is now available in stores in Washington and Oregon.

Diageo has announced Guinness Salt & Lime Ale, the latest release from the company’s Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore, Maryland. The 5% abv brew is made with Key lime puree and salt sourced from the Chesapeake Bay. While this new release is a world apart from Guinness’ flagship stout, the beers share a yeast strain, according to the company. Guinness Salt & Lime Ale will be available for a limited time in select markets like Maryland; Washington, D.C.; and Northern Virginia in 6-packs of 12-ounce cans for around $11.

Courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Brews News: April 20th 2021 Edition

Cazadores, part of the Bacardi portfolio, is rolling out a new line of Tequila-based canned cocktails. Initially including Margarita, Spicy Margarita, and Paloma offerings, the range is made with Cazadores Blanco Tequila, with each 12-ounce can at 5.9% abv. Cazadores’ new cocktails are debuting nationwide next month, retailing at $15 a 4-pack

GSN Brews News: April 6th 2021 Edition

Arkansas’ Smithworks, part of the Pernod Ricard portfolio, has launched a new hard seltzer lemonade in partnership with country singer and The Voice host Blake Shelton. The 5% abv malt-based seltzers come in four flavors—Classic Lemon, Ripe Strawberry, Southern Peach Tea, and Crisp Lime—and are available in 12-can variety packs, 6-packs of Classic Lemon, and 23-ounce tallboys of Classic Lemon and Ripe Strawberry. Currently, Smithworks Hard Seltzer Lemonade is available in 17 states with additional distribution coming this year.

Canteen Spirits is introducing Cantina Tequila sodas. Cantina debuts with three flavors—Ranch Water, Grapefruit Paloma, and Watermelon Margarita—and each 12-ounce can has 99 calories. Currently in select states, the 5.6% abv cocktails are rolling out nationally in May retailing at $10 a four-pack. 

Chico, California’s Sierra Nevada has announced Summer Break Hazy IPA. The new 4.6% abv beer will replace Summerfest Czech-style Pilsner, the company’s previous summer seasonal, and will be available on draft and in 6-, 12-, and 24-packs of 12-ounce cans. Summer Break is rolling out now across the U.S. and will be available from mid-April through July.

Courtesy of Shanken News Daily