Archives for March 2021

CHICAGO — Ready to jumpstart your summer seltzer season? Hornitos has you covered. Hornitos® Tequila, a leading premium tequila brand founded on the belief that nothing great ever happens without taking a chance, announced the launch of a bold, new line of tequila-based ready-to-drink beverages, Hornitos Tequila Seltzer, which hits shelves in the U.S. beginning this week.

The products combine real Plata tequila with refreshing seltzer, resulting in the perfect choice for those seeking a refreshing, ready-made cocktail for their high-energy moments this season. Hornitos Tequila Seltzer is available in two natural flavors – Lime and Mango – without any artificial sweeteners.

From its start — when founder Don Francisco launched the brand in honor of Mexican Independence Day more than 70 years ago — Hornitos has had a shot-taking history of breaking boundaries for the betterment of tequila. With the creation of Hornitos Tequila Seltzer, the brand further delivers on its innovative spirit, providing tequila and hard seltzer fans simple convenience without having to compromise on the bold flavor and quality that Hornitos is known for.

“The tequila and ready-to-drink cocktail segments are two of the fastest-growing segments in the spirits category right now, with hard seltzer retail sales up 225% in the last year alone,” said Rashidi Hodari, Managing Director of Tequila at Beam Suntory. “With our pioneering history, we’re excited to seize this momentum and bring tequila and seltzer together to deliver a whole new Hornitos Tequila experience for those looking for a refreshing, premium ready-to-drink beverage.”

Beginning this week, Hornitos Tequila Seltzer will be available in select markets and nationwide this summer. Each variant contains less than 115 calories and natural ingredients. The ready-to-drink, tequila seltzers are available in 12 oz cans, contain 5% ABV and have a suggested retail price of $11.99 per four pack.

In conjunction with the launch of Hornitos Tequila Seltzer, Hornitos is inviting adventurous fans aged 21+ to take the chance to pursue their own shots in-store and on social media, with the opportunity to win more than $50,000 USD in experiences, prizes and adventures. To learn more about the ‘Call The Shots’ giveaway, fans can head to CallTheShots.com.*

Hornitos Tequila Seltzer joins the top-quality portfolio from the tequila leader, which also includes Hornitos Plata Tequila, Hornitos Reposado Tequila, Hornitos Añejo Tequila, Hornitos Cristalino Tequila and Hornitos Black Barrel Tequila. For more information visit www.hornitostequila.com

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VISTA, Calif. — Local Roots Kombucha, a San Diego-based craft kombucha company, is excited to announce the introduction of three new low-calorie flavors, Lavender Lemonade, Peachy Tee Time, and Prickly Pear Punch. The 95-calorie line is another step for the beverage company towards meeting their goal of delivering better-for-you, organic alcohol that gives back to the local community as much as it does your gut. The trio of flavors also contains just one gram of sugar and are now available in select retailers, as well as online.

“When the conversation around creating lower-calorie kombucha started, our main focus was maintaining the bold and authentic taste that our customers have grown to love,” said Local Roots Hard Kombucha Cofounder, Joe Charmichael. “This line does just that – we’re so excited to offer an even wider range of refreshing flavors while keeping transparency and sustainability top of mind.”

Lavender Lemonade, Peachy Tee Time, and Prickly Pear Punch are joining an extensive line of delicious hard kombucha already brewed by Local Roots. Like all of their flavors, they are brewed with organic ingredients and packed with probiotics, resulting in a clean and gluten-free drink you can feel good about.

“Our signature flavors have built such a strong following that we knew if we wanted to add any more to the line-up, they’d have to be close to perfect,” said Local Roots Hard Kombucha Cofounder, Ryan White. “I’m really proud of our team for keeping the integrity of that wonderful flavor and making these three new options even better for you. It’s truly a win-win.”

To try out any of Local Roots’ hard kombuchas, including the new-calorie options, visit the Local Roots online store at their website www.localrootskombucha.com.

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When the world has gone to standstill and most of our local bars, restaurants are forced to shut down or operate under heavy restrictions, a Nordic drinks brand called Punch Club® has launched a much needed ready-to-serve cocktail series, which allows people to enjoy world class cocktails whenever and wherever they please.

The series is called Classics Reimagined and consists of 5 well known cocktails, such as Espresso Martini, Whiskey Sour, Negroni, Pina Colada and Aviation. Yet, these are not just ordinary remakes of these legendary classics – each cocktail has its own unique twist, which gives the series some freshness and excitement. Be it cherry infused Whiskey Sour or Clarified Pina Colada to name a few.

Punch Club CEO Kristjan-Walter Kask said that the development of this series was kick-started when the lockdowns began.

“Since sipping cocktails at a bar became literally impossible, we wanted to offer an easy alternative, where people could still enjoy world class cocktails whenever and wherever they please.”

The series is packaged in 500ml sizes and all of the bottles are equipped with extra serving tips to make the experience more enjoyable. Punch Club® is an award-winning beverage company Tallinn, Estonia.

Founded in 2016, the company is focused on making artisan cocktails and soft drinks in bottles and kegs, that are organic, low in sugar and environmentally friendly. With their catchy slogan “Artisan Drinks for Mindful Hedonists”, they have become one of the most innovative drinks companies in the Nordic region. For more information visit https://punch.club/en/product-category/classics-reimagined/

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Justice are proud to announce an official partnership with the local iconic DC Brau brewery. For the upcoming Overwatch League season, DC Brau will produce Justice themed beer cans for fans to enjoy as they watch their team compete and represent the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region. The commemorative lager beer, labeled a “Sip of Justice”, will feature artwork inspired by DC’s famous historic landmarks, including the Washington Monument and the United States Capitol.

“It’s an exciting time for Washington sports! As fans of the Washington Justice, we’re thrilled to partner with the team for another exciting season in the Overwatch League,” says Brandon Skall, CEO & Co-founder of DC Brau.

Through this partnership, both organizations hope to allow fans a way to celebrate their local esports team while commemorating the season at home and at a safe social distance. The Justice will feature the “Sip of Justice ” beer can in a bi-weekly content series, as well as branding in live streams throughout the course of the season.

“We look forward to fans grabbing a Sip of Justice while they cheer for the Justice players safely from home during the 2021 season,” said V.P of Esports Business, Grant Paranjape. “DC Brau has been an incredible local partner for sports franchises here in the DMV for many years now. We are ecstatic about the opportunity to partner with DC Brau and to celebrate esports as a growing movement in the region and look forward to both longstanding and new fans, enjoying a Sip of Justice this season.”

The inspiration for this innovative partnership between an esports team and a local brewery was spearheaded by Laveen Daryani, Partnerships and Business Manager of the Washington Justice, and Brandon Skall, CEO & Co-Founder of DC Brau. Both Daryani and Skall are long time gaming enthusiasts, brought together by a mutual love of craft beer and a passion for supporting local businesses.

These custom made beer cans will be available in limited supply and for a limited time. They can be found exclusively at Washington Justice hosted events later in the 2021 season and for purchase at DC Brau’s taproom location, featuring curbside pickup.

About The Washington Justice

Established in 2018, The Washington Justice is one of 20 teams competing in the Overwatch League and participates in the South Atlantic division. Owned by businessman and entrepreneur Mark Ein of Washington Esports Ventures, the organization has deep roots in the Washington, DC community with ownership stakes in a wide range of businesses, leadership in many charitable and civic organizations and ownership of other sports properties including the Citi Open tennis tournament and the Washington Kastles World TeamTennis team. The Washington Justice is the exclusive Overwatch franchise for Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. For more information visit http://dcbrau.com/

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White Salmon, WA — Everybody’s Brewing will release Indoor Survival Hazy IPA this Monday, March 22nd, in 16oz cans, followed by the re-release of Petrichor Helles Lager on April 2nd, in 16oz cans. Both will be available at local bottle shops and select chain stores throughout the Washington and Oregon markets.

Indoor Survival, ringing in at an approachable 6.5% ABV and 35BU, was designed to display the innovative interaction between hops and malt.

“Hazy IPAs are just as much about the interplay of malts and unique yeast profiles, as they are about the hops that are used,” says Adam McClure, Head Brewer at Everybody’s Brewing. “I think this style is evolving, even to your average beer drinker. It’s not just about the hop craze anymore. People are learning that it’s about new malt combinations and the interaction of malt and hops that sets these beers apart.”

Petrichor, in contrast, has a more traditional approach in mind. At 5.2% ABV and 20BU, this Helles Lager was carefully brewed to reflect the delicate nature of a centuries-old German style. The recipe, written by Everybody’s Brewer, Dave McGinley, was inspired by his time studying under the Siebel Master Brewer program in Germany. “I wanted to recreate a famous German lager that I practically lived off of while studying in Munich,” says McGinley. “This easy-drinking lager showcases great pilsner malt, low bitterness, and a dry, crisp finish – sure to be a thirst-quencher for the warmer weather to come.”

For more information please visit https://everybodysbrewing.com/

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NOCA Founders see big opportunity to expand within boozy water segment as they double down on their current packages.

NOCA is releasing new flavors in April to complement their current bubble-free boozy water offerings

NOCA is hoping the taste of the drink and expanded flavor offerings will make it stand out and help the company gain even more market share in 2021

NOCA is a bubble-free boozy water brand that is pioneering a new category of refreshing beverages: hard seltzer without the bubbles. NOCA, which saw case growth of over 270% last year, is expanding distribution and launching new flavors and packages.

The NOCA brand, launched by three friends who attended the University of New Hampshire together, entered the category in early 2019 as hard seltzer retail sales surged. NOCA however, is notably different than that of a hard seltzer: NOCA stands for No Carbonation. Rich, Alex and Galen set out with the goal of disrupting the booze biz. They drank the hard seltzers but hated the bloat, burp, and burn from the bubbles. So, they created a bubble-free boozy water, currently, the only beverage of its kind.

NOCA will be launching a total of 5 new flavors: Pineapple, Cherry, Peach, Lime and Lemon. In addition to their current Mix Pack Volume 1 which includes Berry, Watermelon, Mango, and Lemon, the company will be releasing a Mix Pack Volume 2 package, which will include Pineapple, Cherry, Peach and Lime. NOCA will also be launching a tertiary package which will be a single flavor Berry 12 pack.

For more information: http://www.drinknoca.com

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ATLANTA, GA – Born in Kentucky. Aged in Atlanta. Bulleit Frontier Whiskey and Georgia craft brewing company Wild Heaven Beer announce today that after a successful partnership in 2020, they will collaborate on two new barrel-aged beers in 2021. As two brands built on the foundation of the communities that surround them, Bulleit and Wild Heaven are again teaming up to serve their friends in Georgia and Alabama and push the boundaries of what beer can be.

In 2020, 95 Shilling Imperial Scotch Ale (aged in Bulleit 95 Rye barrels) and 437 Miles South Imperial Stout (aged in Bulleit Bourbon barrels) inaugurated the Bulleit-Wild Heaven pairing. 95 Shilling Imperial Scotch Ale was named to Beer Connoisseur magazine’s 10 Best Specialty Wood Aged Beers of 2020.

Recently emptied Bulleit barrels, rarely available to brewers for beer aging, will again provide the backdrop for brewmaster Eric Johnson’s in-depth creations. Brewing in March for a Labor Day release is a Belgian-style Tripel that offers Wild Heaven their first chance to age beer in barrels that contained Bulleit’s heralded 10-Year Aged Bourbon. A holiday season follow-up release featuring a Belgian-style Quadrupel will age in a combination of Bulleit 95 Rye and Bourbon barrels.

“The opportunity to work with the Bulleit team in 2020 seemed like it could only be a one-time opportunity, so it thrills us to get a chance to dig deeper into how our two brands can come together to find new beverage frontiers”, said Wild Heaven President Nick Purdy.

The creative process was particularly energizing in 2020 as Wild Heaven and Bulleit collaborated for the first time. A short film was produced, and the beer naming process brought in references to the style of beer (shilling) the barrels (“95” as in Bulleit 95 Rye) and the relative locations of the two companies (Wild Heaven Beer is 437 miles south of Bulleit’s Shelbyville, TN distillery) in addition to incorporating signature Bulleit colors. Fans can look for more creative brand integration concepts in the 2021 releases.

“We’re excited to further our relationship with our imaginative friends over at Wild Heaven Beer, which is a reflection of our continued efforts to meaningfully connect with the local Atlanta community,” said Ricky Collett, US & Global Brand Director, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey. “Together, we are able to continue to push the boundaries of what beer can be and deliver more exceptional brews for local whiskey lovers and beer connoisseurs.”

“Bulleit has always leaned into being a part of the local community and doing so by partnering with frontiersmen and women who are doing innovative and interesting things,” said Ed Bello, Global Brand Director, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey. “We were drawn to our friends at Wild Heaven Beer because they embody this same pioneering spirit, and they are really focused on making great beer for those in the community in which they operate to enjoy.”

Both new offerings will be available on shelves in Georgia and Alabama and at Wild Heaven Beer’s two Atlanta-area taproom locations in 16-ounce 4-packs.

Bulleit Frontier Whiskey and Wild Heaven Beer remind consumers 21+ to drink responsibly, when choosing to imbibe.

ABOUT BULLEIT FRONTIER WHISKEY

Bulleit, founded in 1987, is one of the fastest-growing whiskeys in America. The brand attributes that growth to bartenders and cultural partners who have adopted it as their own. The Bulleit Frontier Whiskey portfolio is distilled and aged in the Bulleit family tradition, using a distinctive high rye recipe, which gives them a bold, spicy, yet distinctively smooth taste. Most recently, Bulleit Barrel Strength Bourbon won a Double Gold medal and Best Straight Bourbon at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

In 2017, Bulleit celebrated its 30th anniversary with the opening of a new, state-of-the-art distillery located in Shelbyville, KY. Constructed with a focus on sustainable practices including natural habitat protection, water conservation and local ingredient sourcing, BDC received the Highly Commended award for Sustainable Distillery of the Year at the 2020 Icons of Whisky Awards from Whisky Magazine. In 2019, a Visitor’s Centre at the Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville opened to share our modern, technological and sustainable approach to making great whiskey. For more information visit https://www.bulleit.com/

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Williams, AZ – Among the beautiful pine trees, snow capped mountains and fresh air in Northern Arizona, local award-winning craft beer and spirits are made by Grand Canyon Brewing & Distillery. With the impending spring season just around the corner comes new fresh flavor. You’ll get a punch of smooth taste when you reach for a can of Deep In The Green, Double, an American Style Double IPA, dry hopped with the greenest hops around including Columbus, Falconer’s Flight and Centennial. The fruity flavor hits your palate with juicy sweetness from real honey, finished by an ultra-hopped-up bite. Live curiously as you explore the ultimate hop flavor. This year, Deep In The Green has a new, beautiful can design inspired vintage National Parks Posters.

“Deep In The Green was originally a recipe I created and brewed at home about five years ago. I couldn’t believe how delicious and smooth this beer turned out, so I brought it to our brewing team who made it even better. This brew boasts a 9.5% ABV but it drinks like 5% session beer,” Alexander Phillips, Director of Sales, Marketing and National Accounts, Grand Canyon Brewing & Distillery.

Not to be upstaged by all those hops – Grand Canyon Brewing & Distillery just launched the newest addition to its year-round beers, Prickly Pear Wheat Ale. A clear, refreshing American Wheat Ale enhanced with the subtle sweetness of all-natural prickly pear flavor. Native to Arizona, the prickly pear imparts a delicate sweetness to an award-winning wheat ale. This creates a crisp and flavorful brew. Made to enjoy among the cactus laden landscapes of Arizona! ABV 4.9% IBU 18. The can design for Prickly Pear Wheat Ale is bright, colorful, fun and begging to be enjoyed on a warm summer day.

About Grand Canyon Brewing & Distillery

Located in historic downtown Williams, Arizona at 301 North 7th Street, Grand Canyon Brewing & Distillery is a family owned and operated craft brewery producing over a dozen craft brews each year. In 2017, Grand Canyon Brewing & Distillery began distilling craft spirits including vodka, rum, gin and whiskey. Most recently, they launched a line of canned vodka soda drinks.

In Williams, the smell of bubbling yeast and fresh hops fill the air as the brewing team works to create their award-winning beers. Brew tanks and stainless-steel fermenters fill the production room next to a cozy taproom with local beer, roaring fireplace, rustic décor and full-service kitchen. The Flagstaff brewpub is located just a few miles down the road and serves lunch, dinner and a side of heaping fun with a full-service bar, games and novelty merchandise.

For more information: https://www.grandcanyonbrewery.com/home

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BEVERLY, Mass. — Wandering Soul Beer is a small craft beer project based in Beverly MA, dedicated to honoring the people and things that make us who we are.

The beer project has 7 different types of beer:

Melody Maker (New England Pale Ale)
Things We Don’t Say (Double IPA)
Bend, Don’t Break (New England Pale Ale)
Young Mouse (Belgian Wheat Ale w/ Mango)
Past Life (Vienna Lager)
From The Wreckage (Imperial Stout)
The Brightest Star (New England IPA)

Who:

Wandering Soul Beer was started by former craft beer production manager and home brewer for many years, Matt Smith. Smith dreamed of one day releasing his own craft beer. He somehow found inspiration during the most difficult days of his life. After his wife, Abby, gave birth to a stillborn baby at 8 1/2 months pregnant, Matt struggled to understand the loss of their daughter, who they named Melody. As a distraction and an alternative way to cope, Matt threw himself into his passion—brewing more frequently, replicating and refining certain recipes, investing in equipment, and then finally obtaining federal and state permits to sell his beer. From there, Wandering Soul Beer emerged from the darkness and into the light.

Why:

Wandering Soul isn’t just about the beer. The company prides itself on prioritizing giving back as much as making a profit. As such, each beer is dedicated to either a person or a concept surrounding doing better and social good. A portion of profits from the sale of “Melody Maker,” for example, goes to Resolve New England, a group that helps families struggling with pregnancy loss and infertility. Wandering Soul’s Double IPA “Things We Don’t Say” shines light on the thoughts and experiences people endure that they may be too afraid to talk about, while its “Bend, Don’t Break” brew honors the concept that the branches of a willow tree will bend under pressure, but they do not break.

When:

The company recently launched “Everything Happens,” a beer that contemplates if everything does happen for a reason or if we try too hard as humans to assign logic to the unknown.

Tasting notes: Hazy/New England Style IPA- 4.9% ABV. This hazy New England Pale Ale features 7 different hops: Citra, Rakau, Idaho 7, Azacca, Belma, Michigan Chinook and Michigan Bitter Gold. Look for bright aromas and flavors of tropical fruit, peach and grapefruit with a balanced bitterness.
Where:

Wandering Soul Beer is based in Beverly, Massachusetts.

The beer is sold in over 500 stores throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. No other craft beer company has combined love with loss or passion with purpose in a way quite like Wandering Soul.

For More Information:
https://wanderingsoulbeer.com/

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REHOBOTH BEACH, DEL. — Thompson Island is bringing back their fan-favorite sweet stout, Cosmic Cow, in time for St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans.

“This is the perfect beer for St. Patrick’s Day,” said Matt Patton, director of operations for SoDel Concepts, which owns Thompson Island Brewing Company and 11 other coastal Delaware restaurants.

Cosmic Cow is a sweet stout brewed with chocolate malts and lactose for flavors of chocolate, toffee and cold brew coffee. At 6.6% ABV, it is a smooth and creamy representation of the stout style of beer. Four-packs and draft launch March 16th at 11:30am. Visit thompsonislandbrewing.com for more information.

About SoDel Concepts

Based in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, SoDel Concepts is a multifaceted, award-winning hospitality group with 12 coastal restaurants: Visit sodelconcepts.com for a list of the restaurants.

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