Molson Coors to bring Naked Life, the No. 1 non-alc RTD cocktail brand in Australia, to the U.S.

The beverage company expands its commitment to the growing non-alc category in 2025

CHICAGO, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Molson Coors continues to premiumize their portfolio across the beverage aisle, expanding their offerings in the non-alcoholic category. Today, the company announced a strategic partnership with Naked Life, the No.1 non-alc RTD cocktail company in Australia, to bring its products to the U.S. market in 2025. Naked Life provides a better-for-you non-alc cocktail option, transforming classic cocktails and mixed drinks into versions that deliver unmistakable taste without the alcohol. "Consumers want more than just an alternative," says Kevin Nitz, vice president of non-alc beverages for Molson Coors. "They want a sophisticated, great-tasting option that aligns with their lifestyle. Naked Life provides a high-quality non-alc cocktail, delivering an experience of the best alc based versions," said Nitz. "After you taste Naked Life, I dare you to believe it's not a full-strength cocktail."  Crafted with distilled botanicals, Naked Life is designed to deliver the same experience of traditional cocktails, with less than 10 calories per can and made with natural sweeteners.  Molson Coors will launch Naked Life in the U.S online and in select retail locations starting March 2025. The initial launch will include five of Naked Life's most loved RTD cocktail varieties: Mojito: Lightly sparkling, citrusy lime and fresh mint flavors complement the rich brown sugar and rum notes. Negroni Spritz: A sweet blend of cherry, lemon and orange extracts combined with the bitters of cinchona and bitter orange. Gin and Tonic: Distilled botanicals and extracts of lemon, bitter orange, and cinchona top noted with juniper berry. Cosmo: Refreshing cranberry paired with zesty lime and top noted with orange liquor notes. Margarita: A tart, citrusy and salty experience crafted with lime extract, unmistakable tequila notes and just the right amount of salt, subtly top noted with a pot-distilled botanical blend.  With growth in the non-alc RTD category, which is up nearly 70% in the U.S. over the past year, Naked Life highlights the unmet desire for drinks that offer the same premium experience as alcohol options. "The consumer market is shifting and is demanding more low and no-alc options, but the availability of truly great-tasting alternatives has been slow to catch up," Naked Life founder, David Andrew explains. Naked Life will join a portfolio of brands from Molson Coors that welcome all drinkers. From beers to hard seltzers, premium spirits and non-alc options, Naked Life further expands the roster of Molson Coors' portfolio of beverages that are perfect for any occasion. "This partnership aligns perfectly with both companies' goals to innovate and meet the evolving needs of today's consumers, allowing us to rethink the beverage landscape for the future," said Andrew. Learn more about Naked Life at https://www.nakedlifespirits.com.au. About Molson Coors Beverage Company For more than two centuries, Molson Coors has brewed beverages that unite people to celebrate all life's moments. From our core power brands Coors Light, Miller Lite, Coors Banquet, Molson Canadian, Carling and Ožujsko to our above premium brands including Madri Excepcional, Staropramen, Blue Moon Belgian White and Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy, to our economy and value brands like Miller High Life and Keystone Light, we produce many beloved and iconic beers. While Molson Coors' history is rooted in beer, we offer a modern portfolio that expands beyond the beer aisle as well, including flavored beverages like Vizzy Hard Seltzer, spirits like Five Trail whiskey and non-alcoholic beverages like ZOA Energy. As a business, our ambition is to be the first choice for our people, our consumers and our customers, and our success depends on our ability to make our products available to meet a wide range of consumer segments and occasions. Molson Coors Beverage Company is a publicly traded company that operates through its Americas and EMEA&APAC reporting segments and is traded on the New York Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange. To learn more about Molson Coors Beverage Company, visit molsoncoors.com. About Naked Life Naked Life's is Australia's no.1 Non Alc RTD brand with a vision to be the world's leading no/low beverage brand. Naked Life focuses on creating a platform of products for the moderating consumer, enabling them to celebrate their way, whichever way that is.

Ohio Pint Day Returns Tuesday, Sept. 24

 

Ohio Pint Day Returns for Fifth Year

More than 180 Ohio breweries offering collectible pint glasses to benefit the state's brewing industry advocates.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio's small and independent breweries are gearing up for the fifth annual Ohio Pint Day, to be held on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024. Starting that day, more than 180 breweries across the state will offer this year's limited edition, collectible pint glass in their taprooms as a fundraiser for the non-profit Ohio Craft Brewers Association.

Approximately 14,500 Ohio Pint Day glasses will be available exclusively at participating breweries. Demand for the collectible Ohio Pint Day glass has been consistently high year-over-year, with many breweries distributing all of their glassware within hours of making it available.

“Ohio Pint Day is still running strong after five years because everybody wins,” said Ohio Craft Brewers Association executive director Mary MacDonald. “Craft beer fans get to add a beautiful new glass to their collections, Ohio breweries get more customers through the door and the association raises funds to continue advocating for small and independent businesses."

The Ohio Craft Brewers Association commissioned artist Sam Baird of LemonGrenade Creative to design this year’s Ohio Pint Day glass. The Hamilton-based design group has also worked with the Ohio Craft Brewers Association on label art for the annual From the Heart statewide collaboration beer since 2021.

“Ohio is known for several things. It’s home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the NFL, and was the birthplace of aviation. For this year’s Ohio Pint Day glass, I wanted to highlight the latter," Baird explains in her artist’s statement. "Taking a lot of inspiration from early airplane designs, I wanted a fun, retro feeling with lots of movement. Now-a-days, we tend to focus a lot on the here and now, so it was nice to step back in time and appreciate the past achievements of our fellow Ohioans. But in short, planes are cool! I hope you enjoy the design as much as I enjoyed creating it.”

On Ohio Pint Day, craft beer fans can expect to find many different offers from participating breweries. Some breweries may sell the glass filled with the customer’s choice of beer, others may include the glass with a crowler or growler purchase to go, still others may sell the glass individually.

Breweries that are not typically open on Tuesdays will make their glassware available the next day they are scheduled to be open.

In partnership with the participating breweries and glass manufacturer Boelter Beverage, $1 from every glass will be donated to the Ohio Craft Brewers Association, the non-profit organization that represents and advocates for Ohio’s independently-owned craft breweries.

Users of the Ohio On Tap brewery passport app will be able to receive a bonus passport stamp by purchasing an Ohio Pint Day glass. Users will be able to submit selfies with their glass from Sept. 24-29 to receive the stamp.

A complete list and map of participating breweries can be found at https://ohiocraftbeer.org/ohiopintday/

 

Founded in 2007, the Ohio Craft Brewers Association is a nonprofit guild that exists to promote, preserve and unify Ohio’s craft brewing industry. We aspire to be recognized as the industry leader at both state and national levels for preserving the art of making high-quality, unique craft beer; to serve as the unified voice for craft brewers across the state; to advocate on behalf of the Ohio craft beer industry; to contribute to systemic, local community development by driving economic and job growth, while creating experiences that bring people together; to promote safe, responsible enjoyment of Ohio craft beer; and to serve as a beacon for local production and manufacturing through craft beer, resulting in diverse choices for consumers.

Tapster Expands to Lexington, Kentucky with Local Husband-and-Wife Team

Local Franchisees Introduce Self-Pour Bar and Tasting Room to Bourbon Country

LEXINGTON, Ky., Sept. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tapster, the premier self-pour tasting room franchise, is headed to Kentucky with the signing of a new franchise agreement for development in Lexington. Led by locals Dr. David Swedler and his wife, Amanda, the expansion brings the innovative Tapster concept to the heart of Bourbon Country. Located at 401 West Main Street, Unit 101, across the street from Rupp Arena in The Square, Tapster Lexington will offer residents a unique and interactive drinking experience to complement the city's rich heritage of spirits. Meet the Local Entrepreneurs: David and Amanda Swedler The couple is poised to contribute a new way for the community to experience the Bluegrass State's booming craft beer scene, new distilleries, wine culture, vibrant nightlife, and deep-rooted love of bourbon. David, an Akron, Ohio native, is a bariatric surgeon at CHI St. Joseph's Health in Lexington, while Amanda, who hails from Seattle, has a background working in the emergency room and as a bartender. Now proud Lexington residents, their combined expertise and passion for hospitality promise to make Tapster a standout community hub. "For years, we have been looking for a great opportunity to open this type of business, and we believe this is it. We think Tapster will have an immediate impact on our new hometown," said David. "Lexington is a really fun 'going out' town, but we've noticed that every bar is packed to the point where it can be a long wait just to get a drink. We're hoping to fill that gap. With Tapster's self-pour concept, guests serve themselves as they please, eliminating long lines and wait times. People will have more time to spend with their friends, and to make new ones." The Swedlers' decision to bring Tapster to Lexington was fueled by their professional ambition and personal connection to their new hometown. Their immersion in Lexington's vibrant social scene, characterized by a dynamic nightlife and a community thirsting for new experiences, highlighted a significant business opportunity. They recognized the city's blend of Southern charm and contagious energy, coupled with crowded bars and a strong demand for unique social venues, would make Lexington an ideal market for Tapster. Realizing this potential, the Swedlers reached out to Tapster Founder & CEO, Roman Maliszewski, to turn their vision into reality. They knew the combination of Tapster's innovative self-pour beverages and community-first atmosphere would be the perfect solution for Lexington's diverse population, offering guests the freedom to explore and enjoy a wide range of drinks at their own pace without the usual wait. Tapster and Lexington, the Perfect Match "David and Amanda epitomize the true spirit of camaraderie that defines Tapster," said Maliszewski. "Previous industry experience isn't required to become a Tapster franchisee. Rather, we're focused on growing with entrepreneurs like David and Amanda who are all in. They need to be passionate about their community and lifting others up." Lexington's growing population of young professionals, increasing tourism, proximity to the University of Kentucky and the new convention center, and strong nightlife scene, make it a prime location for Tapster's self-serve bar concept and curated beverage selection. Embracing Kentucky's status as the Bourbon Capital of the World, Tapster Lexington will feature several taps dedicated to self-pour bourbon tasting, allowing guests to enjoy 1- or 2-ounce servings, alongside a mostly locally curated selection of craft beers, wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. The new Tapster location aims to become a cornerstone of the Lexington community. The Swedlers plan to host a variety of engaging activities throughout the week including paint nights, game nights, trivia, karaoke, and more – establishing Tapster as more than just a bar, but a vibrant social destination for locals and tourists alike. Maliszewski added, "Everything lines up for Lexington to be a fantastic opportunity for our expansion. We're confident the Swedlers will be successful in making Tapster an inviting experience for all." This Lexington development is a testament to Tapster's national franchise expansion strategy, targeting prime markets across the country. The self-pour concept offers franchisees a simplified bar franchise model with a proven track record of success. Tapster's innovative approach streamlines operations and eliminates the burden of complex staffing, food service requirements, and inventory frustrations. The hot, emerging franchise brand also caters to the growing consumer desire for customization and control. To learn more about the Tapster franchise opportunity, visit https://tapsterfranchise.com. About Tapster: Tapster is a pioneering force, revolutionizing the social drinking experience. The innovative, self-pour bar concept offers 40-plus taps with a wide variety of beer, craft cocktails, wine, cider, hard seltzer, kombucha, cold brew coffee, and craft sodas. Guests sample a wide variety, at their own pace, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. Founded on core values surrounding environment, empowerment, and education, Tapster opened its first tasting room in 2017 and has five locations across the United States. With a proven business model focused on simplicity, profitability, and community engagement, Tapster offers owner-operator franchisees the opportunity to be part of a dynamic brand that is poised to reshape the way people experience and enjoy their favorite brews and cocktails. For more information, visit https://tapstertastingroom.com/ or https://tapsterfranchise.com.