Hudy Delight Honors the Birth of 'Who Dey' and Legendary 1981 Season with Revival of the Hu-Dey Commemorative Can Series

CINCINNATI, OH (November 9, 2026) – A Cincinnati football tradition is making its return. Cincinnati Beverage Company announced today the release of limited-edition Hudy Delight “Hu-Dey” cans, commemorating the 45th anniversary of the Bengals' historic 1981 season and the birth of the iconic Who Dey chant.  This initial release also celebrates the brand's new multi-year partnership as an Official Beer Partner of Bengals Touchdowns.

The new cans will begin shipping to distributors the week of November 9, ahead of the Bengals' Sunday Night Football matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 15. Retail availability throughout Ohio and Kentucky is expected to begin the week of November 16, with Indiana distribution planned to follow.

Hudy and the Birth of “Who Dey”

The 1981 Bengals season marked the beginning of one of Cincinnati's most recognizable traditions. As the team advanced to its first Super Bowl, the “Who Dey” chant took hold at Riverfront Stadium, with its roots tied to beer vendors calling out “Hudy!” while selling Hudepohl beer to fans.

Hudepohl celebrated that historic season with its original “Hu-Dey” commemorative can in 1981, establishing a connection between the beer and Bengals football that has endured for more than four decades.

“Hudy isn't just a beer that's been around for Bengals football. We're part of the story of how ‘Who Dey’ began,” said Elliott Culter, Chief Operating Officer of Cincinnati Beverage Company. “These cans celebrate that history and our excitement about carrying the tradition forward as an official Bengals partner.”

The new cans were designed by Dewhaus, an award-winning local design firm and diehard Bengals fans. “These two iconic local brands have so much amazing history together, especially given the origin of Who Dey. It’s great beer, great art and Bengals history all coming together; we’ll be toasting many touchdowns this year.” said Nick Dew, co-founder of Dewhaus. 

November 13 Release Celebration

The limited-edition release will be available in 16 oz. six-packs and 12 oz. twelve-packs, with the twelve-packs featuring a specially designed commemorative carton. Cincinnati Beverage Company will host an official tailgate launch party on Friday, November 13, from noon to 5 p.m. at its brewery, located at 242 W. McMicken Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45214. Fans can be among the first to purchase the commemorative cans ahead of Sunday's Bengals-Steelers matchup with additional product hitting the market the following week. The commemorative packaging will be offered throughout the remainder of the football season, while supplies last.

About Cincinnati Beverage Company

Cincinnati Beverage Company preserves and grows Cincinnati's iconic beer brands, including Hudepohl, Little Kings, Christian Moerlein, Taft's Brewing Company, Burger Beer, and Red Top. Based in Cincinnati's historic brewing district, the company celebrates the city's brewing heritage while introducing its brands to new generations.

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