Boston Beer Company continues to slowly expand distribution of Slingers Signature Cocktails, its high-ABV, malt-based, ready-to-drink canned cocktails (RTDs).
The 8% ABV RTDs, available in 24 oz. single-serve cans, launched in April 2023 in three markets: Cleveland, Pittsburgh and New Hampshire. This month, the brand will add distribution of its three flavors – Bahama Mama, Peach Screwdriver and Pineapple Punch – in Las Vegas, and expand distribution in Pennsylvania. In March, the brand will also push further into Ohio and enter Vermont.
With the changes, Slingers will expand its distribution network from three wholesalers to 19 wholesalers.
“We view this expansion as not only a huge geographical leap for the brand, but an opportunity for Slingers to fully connect with a wider variety of consumers in each of its local markets,” Boston Beer assistant head of innovation Tim Kerrigan said in a press release. “With Slingers Signature Cocktails, it’s all about giving the drinker what they want, when they want and where they want it, and that’s exactly what we’re doing!”
Boston Beer teased the expansion of Slingers in November, along with the addition of a new non-alcoholic adult beverage brand, General Admission – a beer and fruit water hybrid – and the discontinuation of Loma Vista Tequila Soda.
With Slingers, Boston Beer is focused on the convenience channel. In 2023, the brand recorded more than $232,000 in dollar sales and more than 6,000 case sales in NIQ-tracked off-premise channels.
“The expansion of Slingers Signature Cocktails is not only a testament to the brand itself, but it shows that our test-and-learn innovation model is working,” Kerrigan added in the recent release. “Through our test-and-learn model, we are able to better connect with our wholesale and retail partners, in addition to drinkers, to better understand consumption habits, and effective selling and marketing tactics. While it often appears to be a slower road to product expansion, the information we’re gathering along the way will best set us up for sustainable, long-term success.”
Boston Beer also participates in the spirits-based RTD segment with Dogfish Head Culinary-Crafted Cocktails, Truly Vodka Seltzer and Truly Tequila Seltzer. Dogfish Head’s RTDs increased off-premise dollar sales +22.9% and volume +32.1% (+101,000 cases) in 2023. The Truly RTDs – with tequila launched in 2023 – collectively increased dollar sales +144.3% and volume +149.3% (+448,110 cases) in 2023.
SingleCut Beersmiths Re-Enters Maryland and Washington, D.C.
Queens, New York-based SingleCut Beersmiths will be available in Maryland and Washington, D.C. again after a brief hiatus, thanks to a partnership with the Craft Coalition.
SingleCut paused distribution in both markets in May after the closure of Legends Limited, a Sheehan Family distributor. Chesapeake Beverage Co. acquired the distribution rights to several brands in Legends Limited’s portfolio, but not SingleCut. Instead, the brewery went through “a laborious search” for a new distributor and “with some intel from local retailers on their pick for the best distroes to with worth,” chose to partner with the Craft Coalition, according to a press release.
SingleCut’s total off-premise sales were significantly impacted in 2023, with both dollar sales and volume in NIQ-tracked channels declining -51.5% versus 2022.
“We are thrilled to work with a distribution partner that understands the care and dedication required for our beers and that also will portray the SingleCut culture and brand spirit enthusiastically to the Maryland and D.C. marketplaces,” SingleCut founder Rich Buceta said in the release.
SingleCut’s offerings, including its flagship 18-Watt IPA, Frequency lager, Eric More Cowbell! milk stout and its limited-time offerings will be available throughout both markets by February 1.
SingleCut produced 6,320 barrels of beer in 2022, a -5% decline versus 2021, according to the Brewers Association (BA). The brewery’s highest annual production was 24,000 barrels, recorded in 2019.
Métier Brewing To Distribute Throughout Washington via Columbia
Métier Brewing, a Black-owned, Seattle-based craft brewery, will be available to consumers throughout its home state, thanks to a deal with Columbia Distributing.
Métier has predominantly been available for distribution in the Seattle area. The craft brewery, founded in 2018, also operates taprooms in Woodinville (its flagship location and production facility) and in Seattle’s Central District. The brewery also sells beer at Steelheads Alley, a collaboration brewpub located across the street from T-Mobile Park, thanks to a partnership with the Seattle Mariners.
Métier’s core portfolio includes Métier Pale Ale, Horizon IPA and Black Stripe Coconut Porter. The brewery produced 835 barrels of beer in 2022, according to the BA.
Métier was named a Brewbound Rising Star in 2022. Watch the award interview with co-founder Rodney Hines here.
Rupee Beer Expands New York Presence Via Union Beer
Rupee Beer, an India-inspired craft beer brand, is now available throughout New York City and Long Island via Union Beer, a Sheehan distributor.
New York “will be a key focus for the brand this year,” with the company prioritizing its flagship Basmati Rice Lager, core IPA and seasonal Mango Wheat Ale. The latter two offerings joined Rupee’s portfolio in 2023.
Rupee was founded by brothers Van and Sumit Sharma in 2021. The company began rapidly expanding distribution in 2023, and is now available at retail in 14 states. The company also added direct-to-consumer shipping to 45 states earlier this month.
“Rupee is no longer exclusively just an Indian brand,” Rupee said in a press release. “Our brand and story will always be Indian at heart, and now we are sold into a variety of international restaurants outside the Indian category ranging from Asian, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, and Mexican.”
Batson River Expands Distribution of Dark Lager Flagship
Maine-based Batson River Brewing & Distilling has expanded distribution of its Acadian Skies dark lager to the southern half of its home state.
The core beer will be available in 16 oz. can 4-packs and on draft via Gorham, Maine-based Nappi Distributors.
“We’ve always viewed Acadian Skies as a core beer for us and dark lagers are simply exploding right now,” Batson River sales manager Justin Sharkey said in a press release. “But we’ve held an affinity for the style for years, quietly working to refine this beer to the best version of itself. It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work and market demand saying – ‘It’s time!’
“And the support we’ve received from our retail partners has been beyond our expectations, which speaks volumes about the passion customers have for the style,” he continued.
Batson River operates on-premise locations in Portland, Kennebunk, Biddeford and Wells.