The Good Spirits News 2022 Holiday Gift Guide – CDB, THC, Delta-8 & Smoking Supplies

Now that many states are relaxing their laws regarding CBD, Delta-8 and THC products, there are many options for the smoker and imbiber to choose from. GSN recommends the following items for the high holidays!

Vessel Helix Onyx One-Hitter – This is one slick looking unit. We also like the cool touch of metal, plus the simplicty and aesthetic that make this piece a modern artistic statement. Small enough to fit in your pocket, this is a great tool to grab and go. Cleaning is simple and the unique design helps cool the smoke. We continue to be impressed with Vessel’s products, and this one is no exception. GSN Rating: A+

Loki Delta-8 Seltzer – 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-

KLAUS Mezzrole Cannabis-Infused Beverage – An interesting blend of grassy, spicey, tangy and salty flavors, the first thing you’ll notice however, is the cannibis forward nose. Smelling like a loaded bud, this is a curious beverage. Apparently based on a classic Ti’ Punch cocktail, the flavors are tropical and vibrant. What’s nice is that the entire affair is alcohol free, so no need to worry about mixing booze with your buzz. Speaking of which, the 10mg of THC can be pretty intense for newcomers, so take your time and slowly sip this beverage. If you find you you’ve arrived, save the rest for another time. It’s a deep and heady high which will lend a helping hand at the end of the day. GSN Rating: A-

Vessel Ember Ashtray – We like the weight of this ashtray, nearly 4.5 ounces. We also like the elegant simplicty of the design. It could be a museum piece. Vessel also makes a solid brass one, if you prefer a bit of bling. GSN Rating: A-

Flora Essence Hemp Spirit – Very light, with a lemony flavor hiding the somewhat astringent and bitter hemp taste. Very easy to drink, not at all sweet, and perfect for mixing with sparkling water. The CBD itself adds a mellow kick and creates a feeling of relaxation. You might try pouring some into an ice cube tray and use them in a glass of mineral water. We look forward to trying the Delta 8 when it is available in New York. GSN Rating: A-

GSN Review: 66° Beverage Co. Dealcoholized CBD Wine

Health Advance Inc. is spearheading the production of CBD-infused, dealcoholized wines by 66° Beverage Company. The 66° Beverage Company has found a way to fuse cannabis and wine in a compact, palatable and alcohol-free state that isn’t milky. The CBD-infused wine beverages contain 25mg of broad spectrum Cannabidiol (CBD), formulated to take effect within 10 to 20 minutes of consumption. 

Each 66° Beverage comes from the non-GMO grapes from California and include dealcoholized red wine, white wine and rosé, each with its own unique flavor profile. Twenty-one states have already permitted the use of cannabis and cannabis-based productsfor adult consumption.

The 66° Beverage Company is helmed by father-and-son duo David and Michael Katz who have over 40 years of experience in the field of food and beverage manufacturing and are both avid wine connoisseurs. 

GSN’s Remarks: Each of the cans have a sweet, fruity character. These are more akin to the style of wine you would find in a box than a $15+ bottle. But, then again, these wines are more about the relaxing, non-alcoholic buzz. N/A wines have been around for a long time, but this the first we’ve been aware of infusing them with CBD. 25mg is a decent amount for one can. The chill is mellow and relaxing, but certainly not trippy. You can easily enjoy the effects for a few hours without worrying about how you’ll feel the next day. GSN Rating: B

For more information go to: 66 Bevs 

#66°BeverageCo #DealcoholizedCBDWine

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: KLAUS Mezzrole Cannabis-Infused Beverage

KLAUS™ – a new cannabis-infused beverage made with ingredients for a healthier and euphoric buzz, has set its sights on the growing ‘California-sober’ market and is ready to take the cannabis beverage culture to a whole new level.  

Co-founded by “The Cocktail Whisperer,” Warren Bobrow, the first-of-its-kind product in the cannabis space, is here to transform the way you think about cannabis-infused beverages. Bobrow is a cannabis alchemist and cocktail aficionado, industry journalist and author of six books in the craft cocktail space, including his most recent Cannabis Cocktails, Mocktails and Tonics. 

Named after Bobrow’s 1800s German drinking gnome that he’s traveled much of the world with during his former career working in on/off premise liquor, KLAUS isn’t like any other cannabis-infused beverage. First up is the KLAUS Mezzrole™, named after Louis Armstrong’s friend and fellow hep-cat, Mezz Mezzrow. A Mezzrole was slang for a finely crafted cannabis cigarette during the early jazz era.  

Robust and tangy with bursts of piquant Picketts™ginger root syrup, gently giving way to palate soothing rice vinegar notes and the French lime puree, the features a terpene-forward 10 mg THC infusion per can, with only 16 calories, and less than 1g of sugar per serving.  

KLAUS is available at leading dispensaries in California including, The Vault in Palm Springs and SOLFUL in Sebastopol. KLAUS is currently available as single-serve and soon in 4-packs. 

GSN’s Remarks: An interesting blend of grassy, spicey, tangy and salty flavors, the first thing you’ll notice however, is the cannibis forward nose. Smelling like a loaded bud, this is a curious beverage. Apparently based on a classic Ti’ Punch cocktail, the flavors are tropical and vibrant. What’s nice is that the entire affair is alcohol free, so no need to worry about mixing booze with your buzz. Speaking of which, the 10mg of THC can be pretty intense for newcomers, so take your time and slowly sip this beverage. If you find you you’ve arrived, save the rest for another time. It’s a deep and heady high which will lend a helping hand at the end of the day. GSN Rating: A-

For more information go to: Drink Klaus

#klausmezzrole #cannabis

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: May 10th 2022 Edition

Diageo has released Smirnoff Ice Poco Pico variety pack, the latest extension to the flavored malt beverage brand. The 12-pack contains Spicy Tamarind, Mango Chili, Pineapple Jalapeño, and Spicy Margarita-flavored drinks, all at 4.5% abv. The Smirnoff Ice versions of these flavor follow last fall’s Smirnoff Seltzer Poco Pico 12-pack, which contained the same flavors in hard seltzer form. The new 12-pack is available for a suggested price of $16.

GSN Brews News: May 3rd 2022 Edition

Hood River, Oregon-based Full Sail Brewing Company is releasing the latest in its Strong Current IPA Series. The new release is a West Coast style Double IPA called Believing is Seeing. It’s brewed with pale malt and oats alongside Azacca and Citra hops and promises notes of tropical fruit, mango, and tangerine. At 8.5% abv, Believing is Seeing Double IPA is available now through June in 4-packs of 16-ounce cans and limited draft.

Diageo-owned Lone River Beverage Company, maker of Ranch Water hard seltzer, is extending its brand with Lone River Ranch Rita. Made with agave nectar, the drink is a premium take on a canned Margarita-style beverage, at 6% abv. Lone River Ranch Rita is available in 6-packs of 12-ounce cans as well as 16- and 23.5-ounce single cans. Diageo acquired the brand last year for an undisclosed sum.

A team of celebrity partners has collaborated to launch a new cocktail brand, Thomas Ashbourne Craft Spirits. Named for a renowned Prohibition-era mixologist, the brand’s initial lineup includes four offerings, each aligned with one or several of its celebrity partners: Sarah Jessica Parker—The Perfect Cosmo; John Cena—The Classic Old Fashioned; Ashley Benson, Rosario Dawson, and Vanessa Hudgens—The Margalicious Margarita; and Playboi Carti—The Hardscatto. Thomas Ashbourne cocktails carry an average suggested retail price of $16 per 375-ml. bottle and $26 for a four-pack of 200-ml. cans. They’re launching this month in California, Texas, Illinois, Florida, Washington, and New York, with a national rollout slated for the summer. All four Thomas Ashbourne branded cocktails are kosher certified and gluten-free with a premium spirit base that ranges from 20%-25% abv.

Information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

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 Review: OLDKNOW Bev Co. Spirited Seltzers

OLDKNOW Bev Co., the spirited seltzer distillery using mountain water and all natural spirits, recently released their Verte Absinthe Spirited Seltzer, the first Absinthe-based seltzer in the United States.

Absinthe is an herbaceous elixir with a long tradition of lore, intertwining the romance of the spirit and its use by artists, writers and bohemians throughout the centuries. Absinthe was created in the 1790s by Pierre Ordinaire, a French doctor living in Switzerland. Ordinaire created absinthe with the intent for it to be used as an alcohol-based elixir distilled from the bitter-tasting herb Artemisia absinthium, or wormwood.

Today, OLDKNOW Bev Co. is producing its own interpretation of “fairy water” with its Verte (colorized by fresh herbs) Absinthe Spirited Seltzer made from their combination of clean and crisp mountain water, spirit, and fresh herbs and have lower ABV compared to other RTDs at 5%.

“Absinthe has often been mispresented and drinkers might have been fearful or completely had the wrong impression of this classic spirit. Our Verte Absinthe Seltzer is the first of its kind. We wanted to take a different, more natural approach to seltzers. It is Herbaceous and will take you by surprise. We are bringing an old-world style of drinking to a new generation,” adds co-founder Mary Catherine Matheny. 

OLDKNOW Bev Co. was founded in 2021 by Mary Catherine Matheny (MC) and Ryan Warner Wood, located in Rabun Gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia.

Verte Absinthe Seltzer – GSN’s Remarks: This was by far our favorite seltzer of the three. 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+

Vodka Seltzer – GSN’s Remarks: Not only vodka, but also oolong tea, grapefruit and lychee flavors are melded together in this seltzer. This gave it a tinge of flavor that added to the experience. We enjoyed this beverage as well, but it is a simpler drink for all of its ingredients. Stiil, we give it a GSN Rating of: B

Gin Seltzer – GSN’s Remarks: Again, this is not simply a gin based seltzer, but it has the addition of cucumber and mint flavors. We enjoyed the herbal quality and a light touch with the vegetation. Another nice beverage for the summer, we give this a GSN Rating of: B+

For more information go to: OLDKNOW Bev Co

#oldknowbevco

 

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: April 12th 2022 Edition

Paso Robles, California-based Firestone Walker has introduced Mind Haze Light, a hazy IPA with 100 calories per can. Rolling out in six-packs of 12-ounce cans, Mind Haze Light is at 4% abv. It uses the same yeast strain as the original Mind Haze, as well as a grist bill that employs wheat and oats. The dry hopping blend is also similar, but with Mosaic and El Dorado hops pushed to the forefront. Firestone Walker’s Mind Haze brand family also includes Double Mind Haze and the Mind Haze Tropical Hazy Mixed Pack.

Cleveland-based Platform Beer Co. has debuted Odd Future, a new Imperial IPA. Clocking in at 8.6% abv, Odd Future is a new year-round brew with an aromatic and citrusy profile, according to the company. Platform has two locations in Cleveland and one in Cincinnati. Its beers are distributed to Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Indiana, New York and New Jersey.

Cayman Jack, part of the Mark Anthony portfolio, has released a new Margarita Variety Pack with flavors including Margarita, Strawberry, Mango, and Watermelon. The flavored malt beverage brand’s new pack includes three 12-ounce slim cans each of those flavors, which are at 5.8% abv.

Information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Brews News: April 5th 2022 Edition

Providence, Rhode Island’s Narragansett Beer has released this year’s Del’s Shandy variety pack, the latest collaboration between the brewery and the frozen lemonade maker. This year’s box contains four 12-ounce cans each of the original Lemon Shandy and Del’s Watermelon Shandy, and also marks the return of Del’s Black Cherry Shandy. All three brews are at 4.7% abv and will be available on the eastern seaboard from North Carolina on up, as well as in Kentucky and Ohio. The 12-pack retails for between $17 and $19, depending on the market.

Don Sebastiani & Sons’ Flybird Cocktails, a line of agave wine-based RTDs, has added two new flavors and now offers two of its original releases in cans. The new flavors—Piña Colada and Mojito—come in at 15% abv and are available in 750-ml. bottles for around $13 each, joining Passion Fruit, Watermelon Cucumber, Blood Orange, Prickly Pear, and Paloma, plus Baja Lime and Strawberry Margaritas in the brand’s portfolio. Additionally, the brand has released Flybird cans, 8.45-ounce versions of its Margaritas at 9% abv.

Constellation Brands has launched Svedka Tropics Tea Spritz, a new line of spirits-based RTDs. The line is kicking off with three flavors—Pineapple Guava, Raspberry Kiwi, and Orange Mango—all made with tea, fruit flavors, sparkling water, and vodka. The trio are canned at 5% abv and come in an 8-can variety pack (four Pineapple Guava and two each of the other two) and 4-packs of individual flavors for around $20 and $13, respectively, with individual cans carrying a suggested price of $3. Svedka’s new RTDs are now available across the U.S.

Diageo and Sean “Diddy” Combs have announced the launch of Cîroc Vodka Spritz. It’s the brand’s first step into the ready-to-drink space. The new line will comprise four flavors initially: Watermelon Kiwi, Sunset Citrus, Pineapple Passion, and Colada, all at 7% abv. Cîroc Vodka Spritz will be a permanent addition to the brand’s portfolio and will be on shelves nationwide beginning April 1, priced at $17 a 4-pack.

Delaware’s Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, part of the Boston Beer Company, has launched Mandarin & Mango Crush, the latest release in the brewery’s Off-Centered Art Series. The 6% abv fruit beer is made with its namesake fruits and is inspired by the Crush cocktail. The bottles feature art from Missoula, Montana’s Max Mahn and the beer is available in 6-packs of 12-ounce bottles nationwide. In addition, the brewery has released the latest batch of its 120 Minute IPA in 4-packs of 12-ounce bottles.

Constellation Brands has introduced a new boxed cocktail brand, Next Round Cocktails. Made from wine and real fruit juice, Next Round is debuting with Salted Lime Margarita (13.5% abv) and Strawberry Lime Sangria (10% abv) expressions. The new brand is rolling out across major retailers nationwide in a 1.5-liter bag-in-box format retailing at approximately $17 and a 500-ml. Tetra box positioned at $6.

Information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Brews News: March 29th 2022 Edition

Pennsylvania’s Boardroom Spirits has added two new flavors of vodka soda to the distillery’s line of canned RTDs. Both flavors—Cherry Berry and Pineapple Mango—come in at 4.5% abv with 99 calories per 12-ounce can, and join Cranberry Lime and Grapefruit Citrus in Boardroom’s vodka soda lineup. The new releases are available in 4-packs of 12-ounce cans for around $13.

Michigan-based Perrin Brewing is introducing several new offerings this month. They include Dream Seeker Raspberry Blonde (4.8% abv), Willow Wheat (5.6% abv), Pineapple Upside Down IPA (8.5% abv), Nitro Black (5.8% abv), a Float Drinks variety pack, and returning spring seasonal Grapefruit IPA (5% abv). Perrin’s latest launches are debuting at its pub in Comstock Park, with wider Michigan distribution to follow.

Phreshly, a new brand of spirits-based RTDs inspired by the flavors of Ghana and New Orleans, is launching with two cocktails—G’iddem and Bay Lemonade—each at 6% abv. G’iddem brings together blueberry, rum, and lemongrass; and Bay Lemonade is made with Bourbon, strawberry, and lavender. Phreshly is now available nationally through the brand’s website, with Georgia distribution coming soon.

Yes Way Rosé has launched Blueberry + Lavender Spritz, the third canned RTD from the rosé-focused brand. The 5% abv wine-based spritz is made with French rosé, and has 5 grams of sugar and 93 calories per can. It joins Pink Lemonade and Peach + Ginger in Yes Way Rosé’s RTD portfolio. The newest spritz is now available in 4-packs of 250-ml. cans for a suggested price of $13 in select retailers across the U.S.

Lagunitas Brewing, part of the Heineken portfolio, is introducing Disorderly TeaHouse spiked and sparkling tea. Brewed with guayusa tea leaves from Indigenous farmers from Ecuador, the newcomer has 100 calories a serving, zero grams of sugar, and is debuting in Yuzu Lemon Squeeze and Mixed-Up Berries flavors. Lagunitas Disorderly TeaHouse comes in 19.2-ounce single-serve cans for $3 and single-flavor 6-packs of 12-ounce cans for $12. It is available nationally at various retailers, including Sprouts, Meijer, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Safeway, among others.

New York’s Southern Tier Distilling Company has released Vodka Transfusion, a new canned RTD. The 8% abv cocktail is made with vodka, lime, ginger ale, and grape, and is based on a cocktail popularized by former president Dwight D. Eisenhower. Vodka Transfusion is now available in 4-packs of 12-ounce cans at Southern Tier’s Lakewood, New York distillery as well as in retailers in New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Vermont-based Lawson’s Finest Liquids has launched Double Sunshine Double IPA to its nine-state distribution footprint. The 8% abv ale, the brewery’s spring seasonal release, is made with grapefruit must, purée, and grapefruit peel through the kettling and brewing of the beer, and is seeing wider distribution for the first time this year. Double Sunshine is now available for a limited time in Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.

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