In last week’s Q1 earnings call, Craft Brew Alliance (CBA) briefly mentioned a nationwide rollout of its new gluten-free offering, Omission Beer. Today’s press release from the company indicates that it will be available across CBA’s entire distribution footprint by mid-June.
“We are trying to do something nobody has else has done,” Andy Thomas, the president of commercial operations for CBA said. “We have to navigate how we can get that message out there effectively as we launch.”
Omission is touted as the first craft beer brand in the U.S. to make gluten-free beers while still using malted barley in the brew process and was initially only available in Oregon.
A few highlights from the Q1 CBA Earnings Call:
- All combined brands had STR (shipments to retailer) growth of 8 percent
- Kona grew 30 percent while Redhook grew 7 percent
- Gains being driven by “strongly established, year-round offerings”
- Restaurant and retail sales revenue grew 8 percent across all five locations
- Widmer Brothers Rotator IPA series doubled in volume from year-ago while high-end offerings (Alchemy Project, 924 Series and Brothers Reserve) grew over 40 percent.
- Kona Brewing’s Longboard Lager experienced double-digit revenue growth
- Redhook Variety packs saw 60 percent revenue growth
PORTLAND, OR. — May 17, 2012 — Beginning this week, Omission Beer will start distributing Omission Lager and Omission Pale Ale, the first two craft beer offerings from the new brand, nationally. Previously available only in Oregon, the phased rollout will begin on the West Coast and is expected to be available nationwide by mid-June.
Announced in late March by Craft Brew Alliance (CBA), Omission is the first craft beer brand in the U.S. focused exclusively on brewing great-tasting craft beers with traditional ingredients—including malted barley—that are specially crafted to remove gluten. Brewed by Widmer Brothers Brewing in Portland, Ore., Gluten levels in every batch of Omission beer are measured by the brewery and two independent labs using the R5 Competitive ELISA test to ensure that the beer meets the brewery’s standards. Test results for every batch of Omission beer are available to consumers at: www.omissiontests.com.
“After introducing Omission Lager and Omission Pale Ale in Oregon last month, we’re eager to share our great-tasting brews with the rest of the country,” said Terry Michaelson, CEO. “Omission is a testament to the creativity, innovation and dedication of our team. As a celiac, I’m thrilled with the result, and think others in the celiac and craft beer communities will be, too.”
Omission Lager and Omission Pale Ale
“We wanted to offer great craft beers to people who aren’t able to fully enjoy the craft beer experience due to gluten intolerance,” said Joe Casey, brewmaster. “Omission Lager and Omission Pale Ale are approachable beers and are true expressions of their respective styles. We’re looking forward to sharing both beers with people across the United States.”
Omission Lager is a refreshing and crisp beer, brewed in the traditional lager style. Perfect for a variety of occasions, Omission Lager’s aromatic hop profile offers a unique, easy-drinking beer for those looking for a lighter and approachable beer style. Bold and hoppy, Omission Pale Ale is a hop-forward American pale ale, brewed to showcase the Cascade hop profile. Amber in color, Omission Pale Ale’s floral aroma is complemented by caramel malt body, making for a delicious craft beer.
| About Omission Lager | About Omission Pale Ale |
| IngredientsMalts: Pale, Caramel 10Hops: Citra, Sterling, Mt. HoodProfile IBU: 20 ABV: 4.6% | IngredientsMalts: Pale, Caramel 10, Dark Munich, CarapilsHops: Cascade, CitraProfile IBU: 33 ABV: 5.8% |
Omission Lager and Omission Pale Ale have a suggested retail price of $9.99 per six-pack and will be available in 12-ounce bottles at retailers and bars throughout the United States.
About Omission Beer
Omission Beer is a new brand of craft beers introduced first in Oregon in early April by Craft Brew Alliance in Portland, Ore. Omission is the first craft beer brand in the U.S. focused exclusively on brewing great-tasting beers with traditional ingredients, including malted barley, specially crafted to remove gluten. Each batch of Omission Beer is tested using the R5 competitive ELISA test to ensure that it contains gluten levels that meet the brewery’s strict standards. Drinking is believing.
About Craft Brew Alliance
Craft Brew Alliance was formed with the merger of leading Pacific Northwest craft brewers Widmer Brothers Brewing and Redhook Ale Brewery in 2008. With an eye toward preserving and growing one-of-a-kind craft beers and brands, CBA was joined by Kona Brewing Company in 2010. Craft Brew Alliance launched Omission beer in 2012. For more information about CBA, visit www.craftbrew.com.