News

Urban South Brewery Rebrands Flagship THC Beverage as Stratus Spritz in New Orleans

April 15, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

New Orleans, LA — Urban South Brewery has unveiled a refreshed brand identity for one of its flagship THC beverages. Formerly known as Stratus, the product is now reintroduced as Stratus Spritz, complete with a vibrant new look and elevated positioning.

The updated design features a brighter, more refined aesthetic with a crisp color palette and clean, modern elements that highlight a light, uplifting, and refreshing drinking experience.

Why the Rebrand?

Urban South originally launched Stratus as a THC seltzer. However, evolving market trends and Louisiana regulations (limiting THC beverages to 5 mg per serving) created an opportunity to reposition the product. With increasing competition in the seltzer category, the brewery shifted Stratus to a spritz — an elevated, flavor-forward, lifestyle-driven alternative that emphasizes drinkability and sophistication.

“This rebrand represents an important evolution for Stratus,” said Jacob Landry, Co-Founder of Urban South Brewery. “We saw an opportunity to refine both the product and its positioning to better meet the market, while still delivering a refreshing, enjoyable experience for our customers.”

Current Flavors and Availability

Stratus Spritz is currently available in two refreshing flavors:

Peach Spritz
Watermelon Spritz

A new tropical flavor is expected to launch soon.

Stratus Spritz comes in a variety of THC strengths tailored to meet different state-specific regulations. It is available throughout Urban South’s distribution network, with nationwide shipping offered where permitted. Fans can use the Urban South Beer Finder on the brewery’s website to locate the nearest retailer.

History of Urban South Brewery

Urban South Brewery was founded in 2016 in New Orleans by Jacob Landry (a Cajun from Southwest Louisiana) and Kyle Huling. What started as a small taproom in a historic warehouse on Tchoupitoulas Street has grown into one of the leading craft breweries in the South and the second-largest brewery by volume in Louisiana.

Known for blending European beer-making traditions with bold American craft styles, Urban South produces easy-drinking, high-quality beers perfect for the Southern climate. Flagship offerings include Holy Roller Hazy Juicy IPA and Paradise Park American Lager. The brewery has expanded into multiple states, recently acquired Perfect Plain Brewing Co. in Pensacola, Florida, and continues to celebrate its 10-year milestone in 2026 while staying rooted in community and authentic Southern hospitality.

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New Riff Distilling and Rhinegeist Brewing Release DUET American Whiskey: A Barley-Focused Collaboration

April 15, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Newport, KY — Two beloved Greater Cincinnati-area beverage makers have teamed up to create DUET American Whiskey, a unique collaboration between New Riff Distilling (Newport, KY) and Rhinegeist Brewing (Cincinnati, OH).

Highlighting barley — a key grain in both whiskey and beer — this special-release whiskey blends Kentucky’s distilling heritage with Cincinnati’s rich brewing tradition.

A Natural Collaboration Between Brewers and Distillers

New Riff Master Distiller Brian Sprance, a former brewer himself, partnered with the Rhinegeist team on the project.
“This collaboration wasn’t intended to recreate something that already exists,” said Sprance. “Brewers work with an incredible range of grains, malts, and yeast strains, and with our shared background in brewing, that creative overlap felt very natural. The result is a whiskey that’s a little unexpected for Kentucky, and a great reflection of what can happen when distillers and brewers who’ve known each other for years come together to create something new.”

Unique Mashbill and Aging Process

DUET American Whiskey features an uncommon mashbill of 57% malted barley, 37% raw barley, and 6% rye.
It undergoes a distinctive aging regimen: the majority rested in new American oak barrels, with select portions in Spanish oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. The final blend was married in a massive foeder previously used for beer maturation at Rhinegeist, then re-barreled into used American oak barrels to harmonize flavors.

Aged at least 6 years and bottled at 111.2 proof (55.6% ABV), DUET offers:

Nose: Fresh barley and bright grain, with notes of green melon, tangerine, orchard fruit, dark fruit, and leathery sherry.
Palate: Traditional grain flavors with delicate savory notes, cracker malt, citrus, and rich sherry influence.
Finish: Lingering sherry and tangerine notes.

Bottle Design and Community Ties

The collaboration extends to the bottle artwork, created by graphic designers Jared Wagner (New Riff) and Chloe Rethman (Rhinegeist), who met while working at FC Cincinnati and were married last May.

“We’re thrilled to add another layer of meaning to Spirit of the Rhine when limited quantities of DUET are released across Ohio and Kentucky in concert with our friends across the river at New Riff Distilling,” said Rhinegeist CEO Adam Bankovich. “The project was inspired by the mutual appreciation our teams have for each other, and it is no surprise the past year of collaboration has been so harmonious.”

Availability

DUET American Whiskey goes on sale Friday, April 10, 2026, for $79.99 per 750ml bottle at New Riff’s gift shop and select retailers in Ohio and Kentucky.
It is also available by the pour in The Aquifer Tasting Room at New Riff Distilling and at Rhinegeist’s Tap Room.
This marks the latest in New Riff’s series of local collaborations, following previous partnerships with Cincinnati brands and Graeter’s ice cream in 2025.

About New Riff Distilling

Fiercely independent and innovative, New Riff Distilling was founded in 2014 in Newport, Kentucky. The distillery uses time-honored sour mash methods and bottled-in-bond standards while creating fresh riffs on tradition. It produces award-winning bourbon, rye, single malt whiskey, and gin. Its flagship Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was named the World’s Best Bourbon at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards. New Riff sources pristine water from a private aquifer well and offers a popular private barrel selection program. Public spaces include the Riff Shop and The Aquifer Tasting Room, featuring cocktails, flights, and rare releases.

About Rhinegeist Brewery

Founded in 2013 in Cincinnati’s historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, Rhinegeist Brewery (“Spirit of the Rhine”) operates in a pre-Prohibition bottling plant. Ranked as Ohio’s largest craft brewery by volume and 16th largest in the U.S. (2024 Brewers Association report), Rhinegeist crafts beers with spirit and community focus.

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Pelican Brewing Company Launches Two New Spring Beers: Mr. Lager’s Neighborhood Collaboration Lager and Overboard Triple IPA

April 14, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Pacific City, Ore. — Just in time for spring, Pelican Brewing Company has released two exciting new special-release beers: Mr. Lager’s Neighborhood and Overboard Triple IPA.

Mr. Lager’s Neighborhood: A Packaged Collaboration with Grand Fir Brewing

Pelican Brewing, an independent and locally owned Oregon brewery, has launched a new collaboration series to celebrate and support independent breweries across the craft beer community.

The first release, Mr. Lager’s Neighborhood, is a joint creation between Pelican brewmaster Darron Welch and Grand Fir Brewing brewmaster Whitney Burnside in Southeast Portland. The two share a longtime connection—Burnside trained under Welch at the original Pelican Brewpub in Pacific City and later won her first Great American Beer Festival medal there.

“We want to pay tribute to the hardworking brewers who are pursuing their passions every day and making great beers for their neighborhoods,” said Darron Welch. “Working with Whitney on this first release was such a fun way to honor our shared history and natural partnership. It was a true delight to create something together again and toast to the future of the industry as a team.”

Mr. Lager’s Neighborhood is a 5.7% ABV lager featuring bright Strata and Cashmere hops with tasting notes of honeydew, tangerine, and marionberry. It’s a friendly, approachable beer that reminds drinkers “it’s a beautiful day in the brewery.”

The beer is brewed and packaged at Pelican’s Tillamook production brewery. Both breweries are co-marketing the release and sharing revenue from the co-branded product.

Overboard Triple IPA: A Bold New Addition

Pelican Brewing has also introduced Overboard Triple IPA, a powerhouse 10.2% ABV beer inspired by the wild spirit of the Oregon Coast.
“Overboard is brewed for moments that match its adventurous spirit,” said brewmaster Darron Welch. “This beer is your companion for unforgettable coastal experiences—from watching waves crash against rugged cliffs, to sharing stories around a beach bonfire, to celebrating a hard-earned summit with friends.”
Packed with vibrant pine and citrus aromatics, intense hop character, and a clean Northwest finish, Overboard delivers bold depth while remaining smooth and drinkable.

Availability
Both new spring releases—Mr. Lager’s Neighborhood and Overboard Triple IPA—are now available on draft and in six-packs of 12-ounce cans at all Pelican Brewing locations and select retailers throughout the Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington, and Idaho).

About Pelican Brewing Company

Born at the beach in 1996, Pelican Brewing Company is celebrating 30 years as Oregon’s only beachfront brewpub and one of the state’s most award-winning breweries (with over 450 awards). Playful yet purposeful, Pelican brews with passion and respect for the craft.
The brewery operates coastal brewpubs in Pacific City, Cannon Beach, and Siletz Bay; a production facility and taproom in Tillamook; and a newly opened taproom in Rockaway Beach. Pelican beers are available at its locations and in stores across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.

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Maui Brewing Launches Maui Light: A Crisp, Low-Calorie Light Lager for Island Living

April 14, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Kihei, Maui, Hawaii — Maui Brewing Co., Hawaii’s largest craft brewery, has officially launched Maui Light, a true-to-style American light lager designed for the relaxed, laid-back lifestyle of the islands.

At just 4.0% ABV, 110 calories, 6g carbs, and with low bitterness, Maui Light delivers a crisp, clean, and highly drinkable experience. It’s the perfect crushable beer for beach days, backyard hangs, or any easygoing moment in Hawaii.

Launch Party in Kihei

To celebrate the release, Maui Brewing Co.’s Kihei taproom is hosting a Maui Light Launch Party on Friday, April 10, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event features live music, swag giveaways, and plenty of the new beer on tap.

“If you’ve had a beer with me lately, you know how excited I am about Maui Light,” said Garrett Marrero, co-founder and CEO of Maui Brewing Co. “Our brewers nailed it — a clean, crisp, refreshing American light lager with zero bitterness and maximum drinkability. This is exactly the crushable lager our fans have been asking for. Every sip will transport you straight to a Hawaiian beach.”

More New Releases from Maui Brewing Co.

Maui Brewing Co. continues its strong growth across multiple categories:

Maui Hard Seltzer introduces a new Lychee flavor, now available in 6-packs and as part of the Maui Hard Seltzer Mix Pack at select Hawaii retailers.
A 19.2 oz single of the popular Dragon Fruit flavor is rolling out soon.

Maui Island Spirits Vodka Sodas are seeing excellent sales following their 2025 launch.
A new non-alcoholic beer is scheduled to arrive this summer.

Availability of Maui Light

Maui Light is available now in 6-packs and on draft at select Hawaii retailers and restaurants. 12-packs will hit shelves this fall.
Starting in early April, Maui Light will also be served on all Hawaiian Airlines flights.
For more information, visit mauibrewing.com

About Maui Brewing Co.
Maui Brewing Company kicked off its aloha-filled adventure in 2005 when founders Garrett Marrero and Melanie Oxley turned a small seven-barrel brewpub in Kahana, Maui, into a craft beer dream come true—starting with just 320 barrels that first year. What began as a humble spot with the original brewhouse still on proud display quickly swelled into Hawaii’s largest independent craft brewery, complete with a groundbreaking grid-independent production facility in Kihei that runs on solar power and a growing ‘ohana of restaurants across Maui and Oahu. From pioneering the first commercial coconut beer to embracing fiercely local ingredients and sustainable practices, Maui Brewing has grown into one of the top craft breweries in the U.S. while staying true to brewing authentic ales and lagers with pure island spirit.

Maui Brewing Company’s beers capture the laid-back magic of the islands in every sip, blending bold innovation with refreshing drinkability that keeps locals and visitors coming back for more. Flagship favorites like the crisp, golden Bikini Blonde Lager and the hop-forward Big Swell IPA deliver sunny vibes, while the tropical twist of Coconut Hiwa Porter brings rich, toasted coconut notes that taste like a beach day in a can. Adventurous drinkers love the hazy punch of OMG Hazy IPA, the easy-going Pau Hana Pilsner (perfect for after-work unwind), and lighter options like Maui Light and Da Hawaii Life Lite Lager—all brewed with aloha using premium ingredients. Whether you’re cracking open a cold one at the brewery or grabbing a six-pack to go, Maui Brewing’s lineup turns every occasion into a mini Hawaiian getaway.

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Sloop Brewing Co. and Appalachian Mountain Club Launch “Grow Outdoors” Hazy Pale Ale

April 13, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Hopewell Junction, NY – Hopewell Junction, NY – April 1, 2026 — Sloop Brewing Co. and the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) have teamed up to release Grow Outdoors, a limited-edition collaboration beer celebrating the outdoors, community, and environmental stewardship.

Timed with AMC’s 150th anniversary and the start of hiking season, Grow Outdoors debuts in April 2026 and will be available across the East Coast. More than just a beer, it supports AMC’s mission to protect natural spaces and make the outdoors accessible for future generations. A portion of proceeds from every sale will directly benefit AMC’s conservation and outdoor connection efforts.

A Refreshing Beer Built for the Trail and Beyond

Grow Outdoors is a 5.3% ABV hazy pale ale designed to be the perfect companion for trail adventures and post-hike hangouts. Crafted with Sloop’s signature juicy, balanced brewing style, it offers bright, approachable flavors with easy drinkability that appeals to both craft beer fans and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
The beer is packaged in 16 oz cans (available in convenient 4-packs) and will also be offered on draft. With an accessible suggested retail price of $11.99 per 4-pack, Grow Outdoors is perfect for spring and summer enjoyment.

Building Community Through Shared Values

“This collaboration is about more than brewing a great beer—it’s about building community around shared values,” said Adam Watson, President of Sloop Brewing Co. “After launching our partnership with AMC last year through co-sponsored events, we’re excited to take the next step with this collaboration beer—creating something that not only tastes great but also supports the places we all love to explore.”

“AMC has spent 150 years connecting people to the outdoors and protecting the landscapes that inspire us,” said Scarlet Batchelor, Chief Growth Officer of the Appalachian Mountain Club. “Grow Outdoors is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate that legacy while inviting new audiences to engage with our mission.”
The launch will be supported by geo-targeted media, retail activations, on-trail events throughout the Northeast, and additional programming across AMC’s footprint from Maine to Virginia. Fans can look forward to outdoor events, volunteer opportunities, and community gatherings that bring the spirit of Grow Outdoors to life.

Availability

Grow Outdoors will be available at select retailers, on draft at key locations, and at Sloop’s taproom in Hopewell Junction, NY.
Follow Sloop Brewing Co. on social media for the latest updates on events and availability.

About Sloop Brewing Co.
Sloop Brewing Co. first set sail in 2011 when friends Adam Watson and second-generation brewer Justin Taylor turned a modest garage in Poughkeepsie, New York, into their launching pad for craft beer dreams. Inspired by the historic sloops that once gracefully navigated the Hudson River, the duo began by pouring their hearts into small-batch brews and selling them at local farmers’ markets while hand-delivering kegs across the Hudson Valley. What started as a passionate side project quickly caught wind, leading to a post-and-beam barn facility in Elizaville and, in 2018, the grand opening of their expansive “The Factory” brewery and taproom on a former IBM campus in East Fishkill. Today, Sloop Brewing Co. proudly stands as one of the fastest-growing craft breweries in the country, blending deep roots in brewing tradition with an adventurous spirit that keeps the good times flowing.

At the heart of Sloop’s fleet is the legendary Juice Bomb, a hazy, golden New England-style IPA that explodes with vibrant tropical citrus, juicy stone fruit, and piney hop notes while staying refreshingly approachable at 6.5% ABV. This unfiltered favorite, which dominates production, has earned a loyal following for delivering big hop flavor without the heavy bitterness, making it a go-to for beer lovers of all stripes. The lineup stays fun and flavorful with standout offerings like the crushably smooth Super Soft hazy IPA, crisp lagers, and an ever-rotating cast of creative limited releases that keep enthusiasts coming back for more. Whether raising a glass at the vibrant Factory taproom or cracking open a can at home, Sloop Brewing Co. delivers pure craft beer joy with every pour. Learn more at sloopbrewing.com.

About the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC)

The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) first laced up its boots in 1876 when a spirited group of Boston academics and nature lovers came together with a simple yet bold idea: to explore, protect, and celebrate the wild beauty of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. What began as a small club of curious hikers and scientists quickly grew into America’s oldest conservation and recreation organization. Over the past 150 years, AMC has blossomed into a vibrant community with chapters stretching from Maine to Washington, D.C., welcoming adventurers of all ages and abilities. Today, this beloved nonprofit continues its legacy by maintaining more than 1,800 miles of trails, operating iconic backcountry huts and lodges, and inspiring countless people to step outside and fall in love with the outdoors.

At its heart, the Appalachian Mountain Club is all about joyful discovery and giving back to the places we cherish. Members and volunteers dive into thousands of guided adventures each year—from breezy day hikes and family-friendly paddling trips to rock climbing, cross-country skiing, cycling, and multi-day backpacking journeys. Whether you’re a seasoned summit-seeker or a curious beginner craving fresh air and good company, AMC offers welcoming programs, expert-led outings, skill-building workshops, and unforgettable stays at scenic destinations that make nature feel like home. With a deep commitment to conservation, education, and community, AMC helps protect forests, waters, and trails for future generations while creating lifelong friendships and memories one trail, one paddle, and one shared sunrise at a time. Learn more at https://www.outdoors.org/

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