5 New Beers, Cider and Wine
By Steve Holtz on Oct. 02, 2017CHICAGO -- In spring 2016, as sales of imported beers boomed in convenience stores and beyond, MillerCoors CEO Gavin Hattersley lamented that the Chicago-based brewer did not have a Mexican import in its portfolio.
“We don’t have [a Mexican import],” he said during the Beverage Forum in April 2016. “That’s a reality, and we have to deal with it. … We’re going to play with the brands that we have.”
This spring, the company did something about it, signing a deal with Heineken to distribute Mexico-made Sol in the United States.
Here's a look at that deal and four other new alcohol drinks that might be a good fit in a c-store cold vault ...
Sol
On June 6, Heineken USA and Denver-based Molson Coors Brewing Co. signed a 10-year import agreement whereby Molson Coors will import, market and distribute the Sol brand in the United States through its U.S. division, MillerCoors, beginning Oct. 2. Sol will continue to be brewed in Mexico.
The agreement offers both brewers an opportunity to focus on key areas of growth within each of their portfolios, while increasing attention and investment toward market opportunities within North America, the companies said.
"Given the steady growth of the Mexican import segment in the U.S. over the past few years, the addition of Sol represents a key addition to our portfolio," said Mark Hunter, president and CEO of Molson Coors.
Added Hattersley, "A wide range of U.S. consumers are looking for an authentic and refreshing Mexican beer, and we think Sol is just the brand to deliver."
Sol is available in 12-ounce cans and bottles, as wells as multipacks.
Strongbow
White Plains, N.Y.-based Heineken USA's Strongbow Hard Apple Ciders welcomed fall this year with the launch of its new Artisanal Blend flavor. Strongbow Artisanal Blend is a mix of three heirloom apple varieties: dabinett, major and harry masters jersey. These three varieties come together "with the ripe notes of the apples' natural sweetness balanced by the flavor of grassy earth and an acidic pop of tartness," the company said.
The new gluten-free cider has 6% alcohol by volume and 181 calories per 11.2-ounce serving. It is available now in six-pack bottles and Strongbow variety 12- and 24-packs.
Redd's Apple Ale
Also from MillerCoors, Redd's Apple Ale released its second limited-edition flavor of the year: Redd's Black Cherry Ale. The new beer joins the Redd's family as part of its Limited Pick series, and will be available nationwide through early 2018. Redd's Black Cherry Ale has 5% alcohol by volume and is available in six-pack 12-ounce bottles, 16-ounce cans and in the variety pack.
Rogue Farms
Rogue Farms' fall offering includes two seasonal craft beers: Rogue’s Pumpkin Patch Ale and Dead ‘N’ Dead.
Dead ‘N’ Dead is a combination of Rogue's Dead Guy Ale and Dead Guy Whiskey. As the only brewery-distillery cooperative in the United States, according to the Newport, Ore.-based brewer, Rogue placed its Dead Guy Ale in barrels that had previously held Dead Guy Whiskey. The beer was then aged for six months, allowing it to soak up flavors and personality from the whiskey barrels. The result is a beer with "a strong whiskey nose and added notes of oak and vanilla, with a smooth caramel flavor from the whiskey barrels that balances out Dead Guy Ale’s malty, honey sweetness," the company said. Dead ‘N’ Dead will be available for a limited time in 22-ounce bottles.
Meanwhile, Rogue’s Pumpkin Patch Ale is made from pumpkins that are handpicked, toasted in a pizza oven and tossed into the brew. Pumpkin Patch Ale is available nationwide in 750-mL bottles.
Backpack Wine
A year after its initial launch, Oak Brook, Ill,-based Backpack Wine is adding a third variety to its product lineup. Rowdy Red will join Snappy White and Cheeky Rose this fall. The wines come in 11.5-ounce cans and four-packs with an SRP of $19.99. The relatively new drinks are now available in 18 states and nearly 1,000 stores.