GSN Brews News: September 28th 2021 Edition

Oregon’s Rogue Ales & Spirits is introducing Jam Sesh, a new blonde session ale. The 5.5% abv offering is rolling out in six-packs of 12-ounce cans and on draft, and will be available from September through December. To celebrate the launch of Jam Sesh, Rogue’s in-house band has released its first single on Spotify and Apple Music.

Escondido, California-based Stone Brewing’s distribution unit Stone Distributing Co. has added four new partners to its portfolio. The first is Bomani Cold Buzz, a 5.7% abv cold brew coffee brand that comes in regular coffee and vanilla flavors. It’s also partnered with Inglewood, California-based Crowns & Hops Brewing Co., taking full distribution rights following a temporary relationship that began last year. Third is Tarantula Hill Brewing Co., whose lead and master brewer are both Stone alumni and which is now expanding distribution. Finally, Stone will distribute Villager Spirits’ line of canned cocktails, which include Tequila Paloma, Vodka Mule, Mai Tai, and multiple flavors of Margarita. Other Stone Distributing partners include Societe Brewing, Jiant Hard Kombucha, and Spindrift Spiked.

Lisco Spirits has announced the launch of its new Tequila and seltzer RTD, set to hit shelves in New York and New Jersey in October. The new cocktails come in four flavors—Fresh Pineapple, Luscious Lime, Sweet Mango and Juicy Watermelon—all at 5% abv and with 100 calories per 12-ounce can. All are made from Blanco Tequila, fruit juice, and seltzer, without any added sugar.

Sierra Nevada Brewing has debuted Atomic Torpedo, billed as a juicy West Coast Double IPA. The 8.2% abv brew includes Cascade, Centennial, Mosaic, and Magnum hops and fuses West and East Coast IPA styles. It’s available exclusively in Sierra Nevada’s Hoppy Sampler Pack, which also includes Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Torpedo Extra IPA, and Dankful IPA. 

Comstock Park, Michigan’s Perrin Brewing Company has launched Beer City Rye IPA, a new collaboration with local baker Beer City Bread Co. The 8% abv ale is brewed with American hops and has toasted rye bread from Beer City added directly to the mash. Beer City Rye IPA is currently available at the Perrin Pub with statewide distribution coming soon for kegs and 6-packs of 12-ounce cans.

Texas-based Spoetzl Brewery has launched Shiner 1909, a new beer celebrating the brewery’s 112-year history. The 4.5% abv lager is brewed with 2-row barley, Noble hops, the brewery’s own yeast strain, and water from the same well the brewery has drawn on for a century. The beer is now available nationwide in 6- and 12-packs of 12-ounce bottles for around $9 and $15, respectively. Shiner 1909 joins the brewery’s popular Bock, alongside other releases like Ruby Redbird and Wicked Juicy IPA.

Yuengling is relaunching its Hershey’s Chocolate Porter in bottles and on draft late this month. Rolling out in 22 states, the 4.7% abv brew combines Yuengling’s dark brewed porter recipe with Hershey’s chocolate.

Information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Brews News: August 31st 2021 Edition

Novo Fogo Cachaça is bolstering its line of canned cocktails with a new Brazilian Old Fashioned Highball RTD. It’s made with Novo Fogo’s one-year aged Chameleon cachaça, making it the first canned cocktail in the brand’s lineup to contain an aged spirit, along with vanilla syrup, orange and aromatic bitters, water, and carbonation. Following in the footsteps of Novo Fogo’s Sparkling Caipirinha RTD line, launched in 2017, the Old Fashioned Highball is at 9% abv and is available nationwide for $3 a 200-ml can or $12 a 4-pack.

Boston, Massachusetts’ Harpoon Brewery is continuing its partnership with Dunkin’ and will release three collaborative beers this fall. The three new releases—Blueberry Matcha IPA (6.6% abv), Maple Crème Blonde Ale (5.5%), and Midnight American Porter (6%)—will join the companies’ prior collaboration, Harpoon Dunkin’ Pumpkin Spiced Latte Ale. The new beers will be available staring in September throughout Harpoon’s distribution footprint in a new variety 12-pack.

Escondido, California-based Stone Brewing is launching Orange Scream Hazy IPA, the inaugural release of its new One Batch Dispatch Series. Inspired by creamsicle popsicles, Orange Scream is brewed with orange and vanilla to weigh in at 8.8% abv. On sale September 2, it’s a highly limited release, as all installments in the One Batch Dispatch Series will be, because each beer will be brewed just once and be made available only at Stone locations and online. The Dispatch Series will initially ship only to California, followed by Nevada, Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, and Washington D.C, with others coming afterward.

Lucas Bols has introduced Bols Ready to Enjoy Cocktails, a new line of RTDs soon to be available in 200-ml. tubes as well as 375-ml. bottles. The new cocktails come in four varieties—Margarita Azul (14.9% abv), Espresso Martini (14.9% abv), Red Light Negroni (21.9% abv), and Very Old Fashioned (30% abv)—and are made with Bols spirits and liqueurs plus added natural flavors. The new line will launch in the fall with 200-ml. tubes retailing for around $7 and 375-ml. bottles going for around $13.

Minnesota-based Indeed Brewing Co. is introducing Boon hard kombucha in cans. Indeed originally released Boon Blueberry Basil on draft in its Minneapolis and Milwaukee taprooms in January, where it received overwhelmingly positive feedback from patrons. Boon (8.2% abv) will be debuting in cans in the Twin Cities area starting August 30, with Wisconsin distribution to follow. Indeed’s portfolio is anchored by its flagship Day Tripper Pale Ale, and also includes newer offerings like Flavorwave IPA and Mexican Honey Light, as well as a Wooden Soul series of wild, sour, and barrel-aged beers.

Comstock, Michigan-based Bell’s Brewery is releasing Rind Over Matter, the first official release in its new Wheat Series. It’s an American Wheat Ale brewed with lemon and orange zest at 5% abv. Available now across Bell’s Brewery’s distribution footprint, supplies will last through October when it will be followed by Belgian-inspired Bright White in November.

Blue Moon Brewing Company is joining the explosive hazy beer category with its new release Moon Haze. Brewed with dried whole oranges, it’s the first nationally released pale ale from Blue Moon, as the company’s flagship release is a wheat beer. Moon Haze is at 5.7% abv and is available now nationwide in 6- and 12-packs of 12-ounce cans. 

Information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Brews News: August 17th 2021 Edition

Atomic Brands will launch the latest extension to Monaco Cocktails later this month. The new cocktail—a Mai Tai—comes in at 9% abv and is made with light and dark rum, plus orange curaçao. It will be part of Monaco’s Craft Cocktail line, alongside the company’s Kentucky and Moscow Mules. Monaco’s Mai Tai will hit store shelves nationwide on August 30, retailing for around $2.50 or $3 per 12-ounce can. 

Boston Beer is partnering with PepsiCo to launch Hard Mtn Dew, a new flavored malt beverage. Boston Beer will develop and produce new the soda brand offshoot and PepsiCo has set up a new entity to sell, deliver, and merchandise the product, which is expected to hit shelves early next year. The move follows Boston Beer’s recently announced alliance with Beam Suntory, which will expand Boston Beer’s Truly Hard Seltzer into bottled spirits, and Beam Suntory’s Sauza Tequila brand into additional RTD formats.

Kombrewcha Hard Kombucha and Los Angeles-based Golden Road Brewing have collaborated on a new product, Passion Fruit Hard Kombucha. The gluten-free, organic beverage is brewed to 6% abv through natural fermentation. Passion Fruit Hard Kombucha is now available in 12-ounce can 6-packs at select retailers throughout California.

Heineken has announced Comb & Hive, a new mead, set to hit shelves in test markets for Labor Day. The 6.9% abv lightly sparkling wine is made from wildflower honey and sugar, with added orange blossom. The drink will be available individually and in 4-packs of 12-ounce cans, with each can containing 150 calories and two grams of sugar. Heineken will test the new brand in Denver, Colorado and Nashville, Tennessee.

Heaven Hill has announced Hpnotiq Freeze Pops, a new RTD extension for the French liqueur. The pops come in at 6% abv and are rolling out now in Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, and Florida. Hpnotiq Freeze Pops come in boxes of ten for a suggested price of $20.

Cutwater Spirits has debuted two new regionally inspired canned cocktails. First up is Orange Smash, a blend of Cutwater’s vodka and orange soda. It’s at 7% abv and is available in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Delaware, and Washington D.C. The second new release is called Huckleberry Spritz and is aimed at the western U.S. The cocktail is also at 7% abv and is available in Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Colorado. Additionally, Huckleberry Spritz can be shipped to Wyoming, Oregon, and Utah.

Baltimore, Maryland’s Sagamore Spirit has entered the canned cocktail market with three new rye-based drinks. Sagamore’s Black-Eyed Rye comes in at 9% abv and is made with blackberry and lime juices and added ginger flavor. The distillery’s Honey Paloma is also at 9% abv and blends rye with grapefruit and lime juices, agave, and honey. Sagamore has also released Lemon Tea Fizz, an 8% abv cocktail that pairs whiskey with green tea, yuzu, and Meyer lemon juice. All three RTDs are made with four-year-old rye whiskey and retail for around $16 a 4-pack of 12-ounce cans. Sagamore Spirit’s canned cocktails are now available in Maryland, Washington D.C., and New Jersey with a national rollout planned for 2022.

California-based Stone Brewing has added a new hazy IPA to its portfolio of craft beers. Stone Hazy IPA comes in at 6.7% abv and is made primarily with El Dorado and Azacca hops with some additional Sabro hops adding more tropical flavors, according to the brewery. The beer was first brewed at Stone’s Liberty Station taproom in San Diego before it entered the brewery’s core portfolio. Stone Hazy IPA is now available across the U.S. in 6-packs of 12-ounce cans and on draft.

Information courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Brews News: March 16th 2021 Edition

Escondido, California-based Stone Brewing is releasing Stone Dayfall Belgian White. Part of the Stone Pilot Series, it’s a limited-time release with the potential to join the brewery’s year-round lineup. Based on a tweaked recipe for a beer called Witty Moron that never saw wide distribution, Dayfall is at 5.5% abv and brewed with Bergamot orange peel and coriander. It’s now available nationwide through July in 6- and 12-packs of 12-ounce bottles, with a 6-pack retailing for $11. Stone operates two breweries and nine taproom and bistro locations, along with Stone Distributing Co.

California brewers Coronado and Karl Strauss have collaborated on Core Values IPA. A West Coast IPA brewed with Pacific Northwest apples, Core Values is at 6.8% abv and includes Mosaic, Citra, and Simcoe hops. It’s rolling out in 4-packs of 16-ounce cans and on draft throughout Coronado’s 14-state distribution network.

Chico, California-based Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is releasing Big Little Thing Imperial IPA, a new brew. It will join the company’s year-round line-up. At 9% abv, it boasts tropical hop flavors of mango, grapefruit, and tangerine. It’s available now nationwide on draft and in 6-packs of 12-ounce cans.

Detroit-based Atwater Brewery has brought its Whango mango wheat fruit ale back to market, following a two-year absence. An American-style wheat ale, Whango is brewed with German pale wheat malt, real mango, and natural mango flavoring. The brew comes in at 4.9% abv and is rolling out across Michigan and the Great Lakes region. Molson Coors purchased Atwater last year.

Baltimore-based Heavy Seas Beer has debuted a new limited edition brew. Clocking in at 95 calories and containing only 4 carbs, Drink Lo-Cal Hazy IPA with key lime is made with a combination of Citra, Sabro, and Simcoe Cyro hops; flaked oats and torrified wheat; and fresh key lime juice. The new beer is available in 6- and 12-packs of 12-ounce cans from late March through September across the Heavy Seas footprint.

Courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Brews News: January 19th 2021 Edition

Escondido, California’s Stone Brewing has added Neverending Haze as the newest low-abv beer to join Stone’s year-round lineup. The 4% abv ale is brewed with Mosaic and Citra hops, and a yeast strain that produces citrus flavors. The brew is now available on draft and in 4-packs of 16-ounce cans across the U.S. Neverending Haze is the second beer from Stone’s Pilot Series to make the jump to year-round availability, following last year’s Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager.

Clackamas, Oregon’s Portland Cider Co. has launched Ciderade, a new sessionable and low calorie cider made from locally sourced apples with added sea salt for electrolytes. The brand will feature several releases each year with a lemon-lime flavored cider as its initial offering. The 4% abv cider comes in at fewer than 100 calories and has 3.5 grams of sugar. The lemon-lime release will be available through April and will be followed by a strawberry-flavored cider for the summer and an orange-flavored cider for the fall. The series will be available in 6-packs of 12-ounce cans, individual 19.2-ounce cans, and on draft in Oregon, Washington, and northern California.

Oregon-based Full Sail Brewing has introduced Haze of the Gods Double IPA as the latest release in its Strong Current Double IPA Series. Brewed with Strata and Mosaic hops, the newcomer is at 8.5% abv and will be available from now through April in four-packs of 16-ounce cans. Haze of the Gods will be followed in the Strong Current series by Lazy Summer Haze Double IPA, an unfiltered brew that will be available from May through August.

Courtesy of Shanken News Daily

 

GSN Brews News: August 25th 2020 Edition

Grand Rapids, Michigan’s Founders Brewing has entered the hard seltzer market with Más Agave Premium hard seltzer. The 4.5% abv drinks are made with blue agave nectar, cane sugar, fruit juice, and sea salt. Starting out, the brand will come in three flavors—lime, strawberry, and grapefruit—and will be available in Arizona, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Las Vegas beginning in October. The lime and strawberry flavors will be available in 6-packs of 12-ounce cans for around $10. Founders will also offer a 15-can variety pack for around $18 and draft servings of the lime seltzer.

Escondido, California’s Stone Brewing has teamed up with Modern Times culinary collective to create Wizards & Gargoyles, a new IPA. The 7% abv ale is made with Centennial, Cashmere, Citra, and Azacca hops plus two experimental hop varieties. The beer is blended with Modern Times’ blend of Ethiopia Dame Dabaye and Guatemala Huehuetenango coffees. Wizards & Gargoyles’ can art is inspired by 8-bit videos games from the late 1980s and early 1990s. The beer is now available across the U.S. in 4-packs of 16-ounce cans, 22-ounce bottles and on draft.

Sparkling water brand Sparkling Ice is expanding into beverage alcohol with a line of hard seltzers. Sparkling Ice Spiked Hard Seltzer is launching with the four flavors Cherry Lime Chiller, Ruby Fizz, Lemonade Refresher, and Strawberry Citrus Smash, all at 4% abv. Beginning this month, the line will be sold in variety 12-packs of 12-ounce slim cans in select markets nationwide that include Tampa, Florida; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Seattle, Washington; and Portland, Oregon, among others.

 

Courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Brews News: August 4th 2020 Edition

Ventura, California’s Flying Embers has announced a new hard seltzer brand made with probiotics, organic ingredients, and vitamin C. The new line will come in six flavors, each at 5% abv and 95 calories with zero sugars and carbs. The new seltzer is launching with two variety 6-packs that contain three flavors each. Botanicals: Fruit & Flora will have Black Cherry Rose, Clementine Hibiscus, and Passionfruit Elderflower. Tropicals: Sweet & Heat will have Watermelon Chili, Pineapple Cayenne, and Guava Jalapeño. The 6-packs will retail for around $12 across the brand’s 40-state distribution footprint.

Stone Brewing is adding Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager to its year-round lineup. The brew, which began as part of Stone’s Pilot Series, is a 4.7% abv lager with salt and lime added. It recently crossed 100,000 case equivalents and is rivaling Stone’s core IPA in some packaging formats in the Southern California market, according to the company. Stone is also rolling out a new Michelada mix ($10 a 32-ounce bottle) that will be sold alongside Buenaveza.

Colorado’s Lone Tree Brewing Company has launched Golden Berry Belgian-style ale. The 8% abv brew is made from a base Belgian Strong Ale with added blackberry and raspberry juice and puree. The beer is the latest in Lone Tree’s small batch can series. Golden Berry Ale is now available at the brewery’s taproom and in 6-packs of 12-ounce cans in select locations throughout Colorado and Kansas.

Courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Brews News: June 9th 2020 Edition

Vermont-based Lawson’s Finest Liquids has introduced Little Sip IPA. Billed as a younger cousin to Lawson’s flagship Sip of Sunshine IPA, Little Sip is 6.2% abv brew with a similar hop-forward character to Sip of Sunshine, but with a slightly lower alcohol content. It’s rolling out in four-packs of 16-ounce cans in Vermont beginning June 29. The Lawson’s range also includes Knockout Blonde, Above the Clouds Golden Ale, Hopzilla Double IPA, and Scrag Mountain Pils, among others.

Dogfish Head is launching a new limited-edition lineup of 4-packs of 16-ounce cans. The first entry is called Covered In Nuggs, a 6.7% abv IPA, which is now available for curbside pickup at $16 a four-pack at its Dogfish emPourium location. Other forthcoming 16-ounce can releases will include Dogfish throwback brews like Chicory Stout, Indian Brown, and Raison D’Etre, as well as brewpub exclusives and collaboration beers. Meanwhile, the craft brewer plans to reopen its Brewings & Eats, Chesapeake & Maine, and Dogfish Inn locations on June 12.

Escondido, California-based Stone Brewing is releasing Stone Notorious P.O.G. Berliner Weisse. The beer was inspired by comedian Johah Ray when he collaborated with the brewery and drew from his childhood in Hawaii, where he drank “POG Juice,” a blend of passion fruit, orange, and guava juice. It is at 4.7% abv and will hit retail shelves the week of July 25, available nationwide for a limited time in 6-packs of 12-ounce cans, as well as 19.2-ounce cans and 22-ounce bottles.

Tempe, Arizona craft brewer Four Peaks Brewing Co. has partnered with The Joy Bus on a new beer. The Joy Bus is a program founded by restaurateur Jennifer Carraway that delivers meals to homebound cancer patients. Together the two companies collaborated on The Joy Bus RAD IPA, a west coast-style IPA brewed with Rakau, Azacca, and Dr. Rudi hops. Available now throughout Arizona at independent grocery and liquor stores, it is at 6% abv and a percentage of every bottle, 6-pack, and keg sold will be donated to The Joy Bus. Four Peaks distributes throughout the Southwest and Hawaii.

Courtesy of Shanken News Daily