Craft beer industry news.
With a goal of making a refreshing session beer that still packs the full flavor of an IPA, the brewers at Alaskan Brewing Company used five hop varieties to create Kicker Session IPA. All that hop flavor is carried with a light to medium malt body and a low 4.5% alcohol content, making Kicker a trusty companion after adventures that can last a full day – which in Alaska can be 24 hours long.
Breakthru Beverage formally expands its holdings today as Wirtz Beverage Nevada joins the company as Breakthru Beverage Nevada. The Nevada transition follows the completion of a significant state licensing process. Breakthru Beverage Group was formed January 1, 2016 through the combination of holdings by Charmer Sunbelt Group and Wirtz Beverage Group. The company and its affiliates span markets across the US and Canada, representing a broad portfolio of premier wine, spirits and beer brands.
Dominion’s Oak Barrel Stout has been in production for over 13 years. In 2016, the 2nd largest brewery in Delaware will refresh the label design of its longest tenured brand to fit its year-round Pin Up Series, which includes Double D Double IPA, Hop Lips IPA, Morning Glory Espresso Stout, and Candi Belgian Tripel.
In March, Wachusett Brewing – via its newly established Craft Cocktail Company DBA — will introduce a line of hard seltzer products under the “Nauti Seltzer” brand identity. Positioning it as a “healthy alternative in the hard soda category,” the 110 calorie, five percent ABV Nauti Seltzer offerings – which will come in raspberry, lemon-lime, grapefruit and cranberry flavors — will have a national focus from the onset and are aimed at health-conscious consumers looking for an alternative to traditional beer.
Creature Comforts Brewing Company is set to release its third variant of Athena Paradiso on draft as well as in 12-ounce cans, later this February. Athena Paradiso’s release marks the company’s fourth brand to ever be packaged in cans, and the first time a limited release will be canned by the brewery. Athena Paradiso is Creature Comforts’ fruited treatment of Athena, the brewery’s acclaimed year-round Berliner Weisse.
After a banner 2015 in boxing, Tecate, the Mexican beer with bold flavor, announced today it will enter 2016 as the exclusive beer and presenting sponsor for Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and has signed an endorsement contract with boxing’s biggest star, current WBC, RING Magazine and Lineal Middleweight Champion and Golden Boy Promotions fighter, Canelo Alvarez.
Heretic Brewing Company, Fairfield, CA is expanding distribution to Massachusetts and Rhode Island with Atlantic Importing of Framingham, MA beginning February 29, 2106.
Today, Anheuser-Busch announced the upcoming launch of Best Damn Cherry Cola, the second national offering from Best Damn Brewing Co. Hitting shelves March 7, Best Damn Cherry Cola is aged on whole cherries after brewing for a flavorful, harder take on the timeless taste of cherry cola.
Odell Brewing has partnered with Johnson Brothers to bring the Colorado-based brewery’s beers to Iowa. Distribution will include both draft and package available throughout the entire state starting in April.
The Brewers Association (BA)—the not-for-profit trade group dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s small and independent craft brewers— established its 2016 Board of Directors. The Board, which governs the activities of the professional division of the BA and other Brewers Association divisions, including the American Homebrewers Association, Brewers Publications and events, is led by newly elected chair Rob Tod, founder of Allagash Brewing Company.
In this week’s edition of Last Call: Harlem Brewing has inked a 39-store deal with Walmart, Brooklyn could leave Williamsburg in 2025, the Iowa Senate has passed a growler freedom bill and more hard soda is on the way.
Carolina Brewery, craft beer pioneer and Chapel Hill institution, is releasing a brand new year-round beer to its robust gamut – Pamlico Pale Ale. This clean, crisp pale ale is available in 16-ounce cans and on draft at both Carolina Brewery locations, Chapel Hill and Pittsboro, and will also be found throughout North Carolina, Tennessee and South Carolina this March.
Worthy Brewing Company is expanding its seasonal line with Peace Pipe Porter, available now in six-pack bottles. This rich brew is loaded with cacao nibs, giving it a rich chocolate flavor, with an aroma of milk chocolate. It finishes with a dry, yet slightly sweet taste, reminiscent of chocolate cookies and dark chocolate. “While it’s no surprise that this beer would pair really well with desserts, it’s also balanced enough to enjoy with savory dishes.” says Brewmaster Dustin Kellner.
Starcut Ciders, a division of Short’s Brewing Company will begin distribution of their hard ciders in Colorado beginning early March. Distributed by Elite Brands, Colorado will be the second state after Illinois to receive shipments of this Northern Michigan brand.
