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 Review: DRNXMYTH Cocktails

In need of a full bar? Hosting a virtual happy hour for your company? Tired of sugary and watered-down mixes? DRNXMYTH offers the ability to order as much as 1 bottle or a whole round of drinks delivered to your door, as well larger setups for corporate events. 

Created by working bartenders using fresh, cold-pressed juices sourced directly from farms in Southern California and without any artificial ingredients or preservatives, DRNXMYTH uses proprietary cocktail tech to deliver chilled, ready-to-drink cocktails. Each bottle equals two servings, making them perfect for sharing.

There are sixteen different drinks available for your event, making DRNXMYTH the largest portfolio of RTD cocktails under one umbrella. 

GSN received samples of the following cocktails created by bartenders from around the country for review:

Rum Punch crafted by Bad Birdy
Bourbon Sour crafted by Jason Yu
Ginger Drop crafted by Richard Allison
Eastside crafted by Saeed ‘Hawk’ House
Classic Margarita crafted by Charity K. Johnston

GSN’s Remarks: The fresh fruit flavor comes through immediately. After reviewing dozens of RTD’s, we can honestly say that DRNXMYTH has cornered the market on freshness. The bottle design is clever and adds a sense of elegance that adds to the experience. As any decent bartender knows, balance is key, and the cocktails we received are all excellent. We opted to pour ours over ice to create a little more softness as the drinks are quite citrus forward. Overall, each had a fresh brightness and balance that we enjoyed. The only oddity was the Rum Punch which had mint which seemed out of place. Overall, though, these are great cocktails for bachelorette parties, wedding receptions, corporate events or even an upscale backyard BBQ. Outside of going to a bar, these are the best ready to drink cocktails you will find on the market. GSN Rating: A-

For more information go to: DRNXMYTH

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GSN Review: Magic Bullet Nutritional Detox

We’ve all been there. Out with friends or business associates, one drink leads to another, then tomorrow’s obligations hit you right between the eyeballs! Whether it’s work or play, no one wants to struggle through the next morning, wondering if they’ll ever recover from last night’s fun.

That’s what drove Joe & Didi Edwards to create Magic Bullet.  They knew that alcohol can be an integral part of life. They also knew that vitamins and electrolytes were the classic recovery band-aid, but the morning after was too late to prevent the nasty after-effects of a night of drinking. Their research led them to focus on Superfoods and Amino Acids because of the burden placed on our livers when we drink. These powerful nutritionals are known to not only support and fortify your liver, but also heal and repair it.

Armed with that research, they went about developing Magic Bullet.  Their goal was to create something that people would want to drink for its health benefits.  To align with their philosophy, it had to be great tasting, natural, stimulant free and use no artificial ingredients or chemical sweeteners.

Magic Bullet is an 8.4 oz nutritional recovery drink made from natural ingredients and designed to support healthy liver and kidney function. The proprietary mix of Milk Thistle Extract, N-Acetyl Cysteine, Lipoic Acid, Turmeric, Schisandra Berry, Grape Seed Extract and Yellow Dock Root is sweetened with zero calorie Stevia and only 40 Calories of organic Cane Sugar, for a balanced taste, without using High Fructose Corn Syrup.

GSN’s Remarks: This is a very easy to drink beverage that leans towards citrus in flavor. We had some chilled, some over ice and some added to cocktails to add a bit of flavor. Our favorite was pouring half a can over ice and sipping that between cocktails. We honestly don’t know if the health benefits worked, since we didn’t overindulge at the office. But, better safe than sorry. If anything, you may find yourself drinking less alcohol if you add Magic Bullet into your routine. GSN Rating: B+

For more information go to: Drink Magic Bullet

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 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 13th 2021 Edition

Vermont-based Lawson’s Finest Liquids is returning seasonal entry Knockout Blonde across its nine-state footprint. Knockout Blonde (5% abv) is made of a blend of North American malts and Cascade and Centennial hops. It’s rolling out now in 4-packs to retailers throughout Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. Knockout Blonde will be on the market through April and May, after which Lawson’s will move on to distributing its next specialty beers, Scrag Mountain Pils and Scrag Mountain Pils Salt & Lime.

Courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Review: Tia Maria Coffee Frappe

Since its launch in 1950, Tia Maria has been a favorite for coffee liqueur lovers around the world and was used in the first Espresso Martini recipe, created in London in 1983. Tia Maria has also launched a new ready-to-drink cocktail featuring a cold brew method and nitro technology.

The nitro technology is an innovative system that creates a velvety foam when the can is first opened to ensure the maximum product quality, consistency and a multisensory experience for the consumer. Once opened, the nitro technology instantly creates the frappé foam. At 4% ABV, made with coffee, Tia Maria, and a hint of milk, this is the ideal choice for taking a break at home or when on the go.

Bringing to life Tia Maria’s one of a kind personality, the new packaging has been created in collaboration with famed street artist, Karski, from the Netherlands. Karski adds, “I’m extremely happy that Tia Maria identifies its branding with my vibrant works of art. This ready-to-drink can has a unique appearance with its abstract design and ‘one of a kind’ colors.”

GSN’s Remarks: Not too sweet, these new low ABV RTD’s make a great brunch pick-me-up or an after dinner treat. We especially like the nitro foam which adds a bit of pizzazz to the presentation. Overall, very well balanced, tasty and a great addition to the ever growing category of cocktails in a can. GSN Rating: A

For more information go to: Tia Maria

GSN Spirited News: March 9th 2021 Edition

Sagamore Spirit in Baltimore, Maryland has launched Distiller’s Select Tequila Finish, a new rye whiskey marrying Mexican and American spirits. The 49% abv whiskey is blended from two rye mash bills (one high rye and one low rye) before finishing in Extra Añejo Tequila barrels. Sagamore Spirit Distiller’s Select Tequila Finish is rolling out now across the U.S. for a suggested retail price of $69 a 750-ml.

Proximo Spirits’ Maestro Dobel has partnered with the PGA Tour to become the first official Tequila of the Tour. The multi-year partnership will feature retail signs and activations across the U.S., promoting the Tequila and its association with the PGA Tour. At the upcoming Players Championship, the brand will unveil the Diamante Tee Time, a new Tequila, green tea, and jalapeño cocktail created for the partnership. In addition, the brand’s releases will be featured during the Players Championship and supported by digital and social activations throughout the year

Austin, Texas-based Still Austin Whiskey Co. has launched new packaging for The Naturalist, the distillery’s rye-based gin. The new label’s art features a woman in nature, with nods to many of the botanicals in the spirit. The Naturalist is distilled from a mash of 70% Brasetto rye and 30% corn, all sourced from Texas. The spirit is infused with juniper, coriander, cinnamon, and elderflower, along with eight other botanicals before proofing down and bottling at 45% abv. The newly packaged gin is now rolling out to retailers throughout Texas, where it will sell for around $32 a 750-ml. and $16 a 375-ml.

St. Paul, Minnesota’s Kinky Beverages has added a new Fruit Punch flavor to its lineup of liqueurs and RTD cocktails. Kinky Fruit Punch liqueur comes in at 17% abv and is a blend of cherry, orange, and pineapple flavors with vodka. The RTD version is a 5% abv malt-based beverage made with the same flavors and sold in 6-packs. The liqueur retails for around $20 a 750-ml. and the cocktails for around $9. Both are available across the U.S. Kinky is part of the Prestige Beverage Group portfolio.

Single malt Scotch whisky GlenDronach is launching a new Cask Bottling Batch 18 Collection in the U.S. The collection includes cask bottlings from 1990 ($600, 51.4% abv), 1994 ($415, 51.3% abv), 2005 ($150, 58% abv) and 2008 ($120, 59.8% abv), bottled from Oloroso, Pedro Ximenez and Port Pipe casks. GlenDronach, a Highlands single malt known for Sherry cask aging, is part of the Brown-Forman portfolio.

Diageo has launched a line of canned cocktails under the Crown Royal brand. The 7% abv RTDs come in three flavors—Whisky & Cola, Washington Apple, and Peach Tea—all made using either Crown Royal’s original whisky or one of the brand’s flavored variants. Crown Royal’s new RTDs are available nationwide in 4-packs of 12-ounce cans and as individual cans, priced at around $15 and $4, respectively.

Courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Brews News: March 2nd 2021 Edition

Milton, Delaware-based craft brewer Dogfish Head is launching a line of RTDs from its distilling operation. Dogfish Head Canned Cocktails are debuting with three flavors: Blueberry Shrub Vodka Soda, Strawberry & Honeyberry Vodka Lemonade, and Cherry Bergamot Whiskey Sour, all at 7% abv. All three are made using Dogfish Head Distilling Co. spirits. The new offerings are rolling out now and will be available in 4-packs of 355-ml slim cans within Dogfish Head’s 37-state distribution area.

Brooklyn Brewery is launching Pulp Art Hazy IPA as the newest addition to its core lineup. At 6.5% abv, it was brewed with Citra, Strata, and Simcoe hops and features a Pop Art-inspired label and logo created by drinks design and branding agency Thirst. Pulp Art is the first hazy IPA in Brooklyn Brewery’s year-round stable. It’s rolling out this month across the company’s 30+ state distribution area in 6- and 12-packs of 12-ounce cans and 4-packs of 16-ounce cans, as well as in Brooklyn’s new IPA For All variety pack; a 6-pack will retail for $10. Additionally, the variety pack will be the exclusive home of another new release, Parktime IPA (5.7% abv).

San Diego, California-based Ballast Point is launching its first new additions since 2019 with two new labels—Big Gus and Wee Gus—joining the brewery’s year-round portfolio. Big Gus is a clear, dry IPA at 6.5% abv, while Wee Gus is a hoppy lager at 4.2% abv that was originally called Hop Soda due to its clearness and resemblance to tonic water. Both are available now in southern California and Arizona, with Wee Gus priced at $11 a 6-pack and Big Gus at $12.

Nellysford, Virginia’s Bold Rock is entering the lemonade hard seltzer market. Bold Rock Hard Lemonade Seltzer will launch in March in four flavors—Blackberry Lemonade, Blood Orange Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, and Lemonade—all at 5% abv and with 100 calories per 12-ounce can. Bold Rock Hard Lemonade Seltzer will roll out in 12-can variety packs in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Maryland, West Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky, and Washington DC.

Courtesy of Shanken News Daily