Whetstone Beer Co. innovates eco-friendly can label wrap with peel off sticker

BRATTLEBORO, Vt., Oct. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A shared love of beer, travel, art, and the great outdoors united three partners – Tim Brady, Amy Brady, and David Hiler - to open Whetstone Station Brewery in Brattleboro in 2012. The spirit of exploration and discovery through rail travel underpinned the concept behind the establishment housed in a former train station building. A decade later, they've rebranded to Whetstone Beer Co. and reimagined packaging to celebrate their love of adventure and respect for the environment with fully recyclable cans and labels with a surprise inside: a keepsake peel-off sticker on every can. The custom labels, imagined by Whetstone Beer Co. co-owner Tim Brady, were developed over a year-long process with a USA label manufacturer. They are the first to incorporate a built-in, removable sticker within a fully recyclable beer can label. "We spend a lot on printing custom can labels, which nearly always just end up in a recycle bin," said Brady. "I thought, there has to be a way to make the label useful beyond simply showcasing the beer on the shelf. Now when you purchase any of our Whetstone Beer Co. cans, you get a unique sticker for free." Whetstone Beer Co. packaging got a slick new look for the company's 10th anniversary, thanks to a local Vermont artist. On shelves at retail locations, bars, and restaurants around New England, the new merchandising and packaging showcase a take on "travel by rail" posters popular during the early 1900's golden age of train travel. A miniature "travel poster" sticker adorns each can while the wrap portion includes hidden elements with scenes harkening back to owners' adventures.  The peel-off sticker concept embraces brew culture where beer and brewery stickers are collected, traded, and used as artwork on "sticker walls" at stores, restaurants, breweries, ski chalets, and construction shops, among others. For individuals, beer stickers cover coolers, water bottles, laptops, man caves, and she-sheds to represent favorites and themes.   "People reach out all the time requesting stickers," said Whetstone brewer Derek Hall. "We send ours, and they send some of their favorites in return." Collecting brewery stickers is so popular, that a Facebook group called "Brewery Stickers and Beer Stickers Collectors & Traders" has 1,100+ members swapping stickers across the country. Stickers are also hotly sought at "breweriana" events and conventions. As an added benefit, stickers remind restaurateurs and retailers to order Whetstone. According to Whetstone Director of Sales, Brayton Brown, "When I brought a sample to a new customer, the manager peeled off the sticker, pasted it in the middle of his beer cooler and said, 'It's official. I need to order something from you now.'" Whetstone Beer is available throughout the northeast, at their waterfront taproom, and online for home delivery. For more information see whetstonebeer.com or contact Maia Segura at maia@whetstonebrands.com.

The Boston Beer Company Introduces First Tequila-Based RTD Beverage, Loma Vista Tequila Soda

Regional-market introduction is part of company's test-and-learn approach to innovation and growth

BOSTON, Oct. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boston Beer Company, makers of Samuel Adams, Truly Hard Seltzer, Twisted Tea, Angry Orchard and Dogfish Head, announces the launch of Loma Vista Tequila Soda (5.5% ABV), a spirits-based, ready-to drink (RTD) beverage made from premium tequila blanco, real lime juice, carbonated water and natural flavors. Debuting in 4pk/12oz cans in both lime and mango flavors, Loma Vista Tequila Soda will be introduced in Austin, Fort Collins, Kansas City and Wichita later this month. The product sits at the crux of two macro trends: the explosive growth of the RTD beverage segment, which is up +80% this year*, and the rise in popularity of tequila, which holds the third-largest share of the spirits category*. With the novelty of tequila-based RTDs, Loma Vista Tequila Soda offers Boston Beer an opportunity to stake its claim in the space.  Loma Vista Tequila Soda was inspired by the mind-soothing, body reinvigorating, deep purple and fiery orange sunsets that can be seen from the highest point on the multi-generational Yarborough family ranch in West Texas. This pristine peak, aptly named Loma Vista, is a place where gathering at dusk to revel in the view is not only a good idea, but a decades-old tradition. Steeped in natural beauty, it calls adventurers from all over to kick up their boots, let loose and rediscover their inner wild. "Because we know not everyone can trace the winding trails out to Loma Vista's remote, yet awe-inspiring view, we worked in collaboration with Justin Yarborough of the Yarborough ranching family to develop Loma Vista Tequila Soda, an authentic lifestyle brand rooted in a real place, a real story and real tequila," said Sammy Cohen, The Boston Beer Company's co-head of brand innovation. "As refreshing as the view that inspired it, this transportive beverage offers folks everywhere the chance to drink in the magic of an all-day, Loma Vista sunset, one sip at a time. It's an indescribable and totally immersive experience that we're so excited to share. When the sun sets, we drink!"  The Boston Beer Company aspires to be the most innovative consumer-oriented beverage company in the world. Its two-fold innovation strategy includes thoughtful expansion of existing product lines to meet consumer needs as well as purposeful development of new brands that capitalize on current and future industry trends. While some new products are launched nationally, others will be released in a limited number of markets to test and learn before being released to broader audiences.  "Our two-tiered approach to innovation allows us to be both 'big and small'," said Robert Vail, head of innovation at The Boston Beer Company. "Regional test-and-learns like Loma Vista enable us to jump on trends quickly while also giving us the space to gather direct consumer feedback and hone the brand before expanding. And when we introduce line extensions of larger brands, we also have the ability to activate our sales force and our wholesalers – both of which are the best in the industry – to scale up nationally. It's the best of both worlds."  For more about The Boston Beer Company and Loma Vista Tequila Soda, visit www.bostonbeer.com and www.drinklomavista.com, respectively. LOMA VISTA TEQUILA SODA: Inspired by the deep purple and fiery orange sunsets that can be seen from the highest point on the multi-generational Yarborough family ranch in West Texas, Loma Vista Tequila Soda is a spirits-based, ready-to drink beverage made from premium tequila blanco, real lime juice, carbonated water and natural flavors. Created in collaboration with Justin Yarborough of the Yarborough ranching family, Loma Vista Tequila Soda offers everyone the chance to drink in the refreshing magic of an all-day sunset, one sip at a time. From The Boston Beer Company, makers of Samuel Adams, Truly Hard Seltzer, Twisted Tea, Angry Orchard and Dogfish Head. For more, visit www.drinklomavista.com or follow @drinklomavista on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. When the sun sets, we drink!

Holland America Line Launches 150th Anniversary Limited-Edition Pilsner Beer in Commemorative Can

HAL Pils made in partnership with Seattle-based Pike Brewing

SEATTLE, Oct. 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line is saying cheers to its 150th Anniversary by introducing a limited-edition Pilsner beer – HAL Pils – made in partnership with Pike Brewing that will be served on board across the fleet. Holland America Line chose the Seattle-based brewing company to honor the location of its U.S. headquarters and position as Seattle's Hometown Cruise Line. A Pilsner was selected due to its classic European style and newfound popularity in the craft brewing world. A zesty, bright and refreshingly hoppy brew, HAL Pils is made with Mosaic Hops, an iconic hop from the Yakima Valley in Washington state, yielding floral and light melon flavors, big aroma and a dry finish. "A special-edition brew in a beautiful collector's can is the perfect way to mark our 150th anniversary," said Anthony Stice, vice president of dining and beverage operations for Holland America Line. "There's no better way to honor our past and celebrate our present than to choose a classic beer style like a Pilsner that's having a resurgence in the craft beer world. It's clean, refreshing, and crisp and our guests are really going to enjoy this exclusive production." The commemorative can is adorned with the iconic Jan van Beers poster of 1898 showing a woman in a nautical-blue dress and striped, white hat that mirrors the funnels of the Holland America Line steamship she's holding above her head. Holland America Line gave the label a twist with the company's modern logo and updated color scheme. HAL Pils will be available in all bars and lounges fleetwide starting in January 2023. Six-packs also will be available for purchase in the shipboard shops. For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com. Editors Note: Photos are available at https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/upq7dh4x. Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and the Holland America Blog. You can also access all social media outlets via the home page at hollandamerica.com. About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:  CCL and CUK)] Holland America Line has been exploring the world for 150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to the destinations. Offering an ideal mid-sized ship experience, its fleet visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for 75 years — longer than any other cruise line. Holland America Line's 11 vessels feature a diverse range of enriching activities and amenities focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. The best live music at sea fills each evening at Music Walk, and dining venues feature exclusive selections from a Culinary Council of world-famous chefs.

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Shop like a Pro with the Tastings.com 2022 Holiday Gift Guide

Find, sip, and gift the best drinks for everyone on your list in one shot.

CHICAGO, Oct. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Tastings.com, the official review site of the Beverage Testing Institute, is gifting savvy holiday revelers with their Holiday Gift Guide that features hundreds of award-winning adult beverages to help them better plan their parties and upgrade their gift giving, all while impressing their friends, family, and co-workers with tasty drink discoveries. The Tastings.com Holiday Gift Guide is a colorful, eye-catching flip book that features top-rated and perfect-for-presents spirits, wines, beers, ready-to-drink cocktails, sakes, ciders, and mixers from BTI's expert reviews in 2022. The guide also serves up some delicious holiday-inspired drinks that are perfect for around the house and a few personal holiday stories from their expert panelists. Considered the nation's leading adult beverage testing and review organization, BTI taste tests thousands of beverages annually, is accredited by the American Society for Testing and Materials for its scientifically based blind tasting standards, and is universally recognized for independence, integrity, and consistency. Ratings and reviews from BTI have catapulted brands like Grey Goose and Pappy Van Winkle into the pantheon of the world's most successful brands. Julian P. Van Winkle has said of BTI, "Every time we received a high rating from BTI over the years, interest increased for our brand. We owe a lot to Beverage Testing Institute for our success." Their Tastings.com Holiday Gift Guide makes finding and purchasing unique wines, beers and spirits super simple and virtually foolproof. With just a click on a product from the guide you go to the full review page on Tastings.com where their "Buy-It-Now" button allows consumers to buy any item featured in the guide via links to retailer sites. Throughout the guide you will find "Best Buy" beverages that offer exceptional score to price ratios, so that you can drink like a connoisseur without spending a ton of coin. According to Andrew Moldenhauer, BTI's Director of Content & Education, "Because BTI assembles dozens of leading experts to assess products based on consumer appeal, quality, and typicity, you know that the Tastings.com Holiday Gift Guide is a great way to elevate your home tastings and discover many of the best and most interesting products in their categories without having to sift through advertising spin or just rely on one writer's sense of taste." Items featured in the Holiday Gift Guide were blindly judged and scientifically vetted based on merit alone by BTI's panels of beverage industry experts. The guide features many of BTI's recently announced "Best of Year Awards" like Larceny Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2022 Best Straight Bourbon Whiskey), Evan Williams Egg Nog Cream Liqueur (2022 Top 2 Cream Liqueurs), and Le Chemin Du Roi NV Brut Rosé (2022 Best Champagne Brut Rose), Grand Marnier (France) Cuvée Du Centenaire Liqueur (2022 Best Flavored Brandy Liqueur ), Philip Mead Traditional Sweet Mead (2022 Top 2 Traditional Meads) and the Midleton Dair Ghaelach Kylebeg Wood Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (2022 Best Whiskey of the Year). Put a bow on it and call it a wrap with Tastings.com's 2022 Holiday Gift Guide. Beverage suppliers and marketers that would like to be considered for next year's gift guide, should submit their brands now for BTI's 2023 beverage reviews here: Spirits, RTDs, and Mixers Wines, Ciders, Meads Beers To learn more about BTI visit https://bevtest.com/

Two of Ontario's most successful brewers coming together to tap their shared potential

Equals Brewing (London, ON) acquires Side Launch (Collingwood, ON) Combined portfolio includes Ontario's pioneering seltzer brand (Bangarang), 2016 Craft Brewer of the Year (Side Launch), the #3 rated wheat beer in the world (Side Launch Wheat), and award winning Shake Lager The combined company is excited to grow and expand from both of its homes in London and Collingwood LONDON, ON, Oct. 20, 2022 /CNW/ - Good news for Ontario beer and seltzer lovers; Equals Brewing and Side Launch have come together with a commitment to build on their respective leadership positions in Canada's craft landscape. That means Ontarians can expect to see even more of the Side Launch beers, Bangarang seltzers and Shake Lagers they love.

"Like so many beer-lovers in Ontario, we've admired Side Launch from afar for close to a decade. We love the entire beer portfolio, and love the location in Collingwood, and love the experience and energy of the team." Justin McKellar, President, Equals Brewing "So, when we saw the opportunity to bring the companies together, it was a no-brainer. The cost of sales and distribution becomes a big challenge for smaller craft breweries, so building a winning portfolio alongside Bangarang has been a priority for us, and we believe we have found the perfect fit with Side Launch Brewing."  The Side Launch brewery and taproom in Collingwood will remain the flagship location for the brand, and they are eager to deepen the connection with the local community.  The company already has plans to bring back the much-enjoyed Side Launch Passionate Sour and has quickly gotten to work thinking about ideas to expand the brand's reach in time for next summer. McKellar says, "Through building success with Bangarang, we understand what it means to have a brand and product that our customers love, and we appreciate every customer that helped us build Bangarang. Now, we feel the same about the Side Launch customer, and the Collingwood community, and we'll put in the effort to earn their continued support." About Equals Brewing Company Equals Brewing Company was established in 2018 and has quickly grown to become a premier contract manufacturing partner for beer, cider, pre-mixed cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. Equals has a passion for quality and consistency with a focus on innovation and customer service. Prior to this acquisition, Equals branded business consisted of Bangarang Hard Seltzer and Shake Lager. About Side Launch Brewing Company Side Launch Brewing was established in 2014 and quickly became a leader in the Ontario Craft boom, earning 2016 Craft Brewery of the Year. Side Launch has a taproom in Collingwood and it's portfolio of beers are available year round at LCBO, grocery stores and select Beer Stores.

Mary Jones Expands Cannabis-Infused Soda Line with New 100mg Product

– 16 Oz Resealable Cans Designed for Multiple Servings Come in 4 Top Jones Soda Flavors – SEATTLE, Oct. 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In a buzzy new product introduction slated for California this month, Jones Soda Co. (CSE: JSDA, OTCQB: JSDA) is set to expand its Mary Jones brand of cannabis-infused sodas with a new 100mg THC product that will come in the same four Jones fan-favorite flavors as the popular 10mg THC sodas that launched the line this summer. The new cannabis beverage will be packaged in 16 oz resealable, child-resistant, multi-serve cans designed for consumers to pace their consumption as they wish and to share with friends. These boldly packaged 'tallboy' cans will deliver THC-infused versions of Jones' Root Beer, Berry Lemonade, Green Apple and Orange & Cream sodas that have been among the company's top sellers for 25 years. Each flavor tastes exactly like its mainline Jones Soda counterpart, thanks to award-winning Jones flavor scientists who have customized Jones' signature craft soda recipes to accommodate the addition of THC emulsions. This new 100mg product introduction follows the successful California launch of the Mary Jones brand with 10mg cannabis-infused sodas in June. The line has surpassed market forecasts with rapid placement in more than 150 dispensaries, including MedMen locations scheduled to begin carrying Mary Jones 10mg and 100mg products this month. "The launch of Mary Jones 10mg bottles was one of the most successful brand launches we've seen at KSS, with deliveries to more than 120 retailers in the first 60 days," said Brooks Jorgensen, President at Kiva Sales & Service. "We're excited to build on this success with the upcoming launch of Mary Jones 100mg cans, which will meet the demand from consumers looking for higher-dose sodas that taste great." "Our strong Mary Jones launch validates the strategic decision we made to enter the cannabis industry in order to leverage our brand equity, diversify our portfolio, and move into a profitable high-growth category to drive the company's future," said Mark Murray, President and CEO of Jones Soda Company. "Building on our initial success, this new higher-potency 100 mg product unlocks a valuable category with a higher value product aimed at a more mature cannabis consumer. With our ambitious product roadmap and new partnerships enabling us to expand to other states, I'm confident that our Cannabis Division will be instrumental in our growth in 2023 and beyond." About Jones Soda Co.  Jones Soda Co.® (CSE: JSDA, OTCQB: JSDA) is a leading craft soda manufacturer with a subsidiary dedicated to cannabis products. The company markets and distributes premium craft sodas under the Jones® Soda and Lemoncocco® brands, and a variety of cannabis products under the Mary Jones brand.  Jones' mainstream soda line is sold across North America in glass bottles, cans and on fountain through traditional beverage outlets, restaurants and alternative accounts. The company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. For more information, visit www.jonessoda.com, www.myjones.com, www.drinklemoncocco.com or https://gomaryjones.com

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Yuengling Hershey's Chocolate Porter Arrives in Texas for the First Time Ever

America's Oldest Brewery brings the coveted Yuengling Hershey's Chocolate Porter to the Lone Star State with big fanfare and excitement

POTTSVILLE, Pa., Oct. 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, The Yuengling Company—a Joint Venture between D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., America's Oldest Brewery®, and the Molson Coors Beverage Company—announced that Yuengling Hershey's Chocolate Porter is available for the first time ever across the state of Texas, starting today, for fans of legal drinking age. The news also comes as part of the brewery's partnership with Hershey's, America's most beloved chocolate brand, and makes this the latest beer to join Yuengling's iconic portfolio in the Lone Star State, which currently includes Yuengling® Traditional LAGER, Light Lager, Golden Pilsner and FLIGHT by Yuengling. "Last year's expansion into Texas marked the first state for The Yuengling Company, which allowed us to increase our reach beyond our East Coast footprint," said Jennifer Yuengling, Vice President of Operations and 6th generation family member, D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. "That is why today, we are thrilled to fuel this partnership by bringing the fall-fan-favorite Yuengling Hershey's Chocolate Porter to Texas. We look forward to celebrating this exciting milestone and continuing to bring more of Yuengling's iconic portfolio to all beer-lovers." In honor of the Texas launch, retailers across the state will be featuring limited-time tasting events and promotions to introduce consumers to the delicious new product. At 4.7% ABV, Yuengling Hershey's Chocolate Porter combines Yuengling's 193-year-old Dark Brewed Porter recipe with the world-famous taste of Hershey's chocolate. The limited-edition, seasonal beer uses Yuengling's master brewing expertise to artfully blend Hershey's decadent chocolate with caramel and dark roasted malts for a smooth, rich and delicious chocolaty finish. The beer pairs well with everything from barbequed and smoked meats to cheeses and desserts. "It has been a pleasure collaborating with Yuengling these last several years to bring America's Oldest Brewery and America's most beloved chocolate brand together for beer- and chocolate-lovers alike. We are pleased to be able to not only continue this partnership, but also bring this iconic beer to Texas," said Ernie Savo, President, The Hershey Licensing Company. Originally released on draft throughout Yuengling's footprint in 2019, Yuengling Hershey's Chocolate Porter marked the first-ever beer collaboration for the two iconic Pennsylvania brands. For more information about Yuengling, fans are encouraged to follow the Yuengling Facebook page, follow Yuengling on Twitter and Instagram, or visit www.Yuengling.com.    About D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc.     D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., America's Oldest Brewery®, is family-owned and operated since 1829. Now sold in 22 states along the East Coast, production is supported by two breweries in Pottsville, PA and one in Tampa, FL. Principal beer brands include Yuengling® Traditional Lager, Light Lager, Black & Tan, Golden Pilsner, Premium, Light, Dark Brewed Porter, Lord Chesterfield Ale®, Oktoberfest, Yuengling Hershey's Chocolate Porter, FLIGHT by Yuengling, and Raging Eagle Mango. Get news, updates and access media images at https://www.yuengling.com/news.  About The Yuengling Company Formed in September 2020, The Yuengling Company is a Joint Venture between D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., America's Oldest Brewery®, and the Molson Coors Beverage Company. Headquartered in Ft. Worth, Texas, The Yuengling Company leads all facets of the business in Texas and any and future D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc.'s expansion markets. The Yuengling Company launched in Texas in 2021 with Yuengling® Traditional Lager, Light Lager, Golden Pilsner and FLIGHT by Yuengling.

Craft Beer Marketing Awards Opens 2023 Crushie Awards Competition

NEW YORK, Sept. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2023 Craft Beer Marketing Awards (CBMAS) competition is now open and accepting beer, hard seltzer, cider, mead, and RTD Cocktails related marketing and design entries from breweries, their agencies, artists, and marketing partners. The deadline for discounted "Early Bird" entries is October 28, 2022. Regular entries will be accepted until January 27, 2023.

"The CBMAS has grown significantly as a unique global platform, celebrating the beer industry's incredible marketing and design that wasn't being recognized until now," said Jim McCune, co-founder of the CBMAS. The CBMAS is the first worldwide competition to celebrate excellence in the artistic, creative marketing, and packaging efforts of breweries, designers and agencies that play an increasingly critical role in differentiating craft beer brands in the retail marketplace. As a popular industry expert voice that honors individuals and teams involved in building beverage brands, the CBMAS hosts a successful podcast – Marketing on Tap – sponsored by EGC Group. Crushie Award Redesign The Crushie trophy was reinvented and is now removable from the base to be used as a fully functional tap handle, thanks to the design and production teams of Steel City Taps. As Jackie DiBella-Curry, co-founder of the CBMAS, states: "It was really important for us to figure out how to keep the trophy production within the industry – and to make the Crushies even cooler and more functional for winners to display." Expanding Sponsors Houston-based Hillebrand Bev Pros returns as the presenting sponsor. New sponsors for 2023 include: Yakima, WA-based Yakima Chief Hops, Deer Park, NY-based DWS Printing and Birmingham, AL-based Steel City Taps, and Sterling, VA-based BarTrack. New Crushie Categories The 2023 CBMAS consist of 38 categories that cover all aspects of brew marketing—from labels to logos, and tap handles, to taprooms. In addition, this year the CBMAS added newly designated categories to recognize industry suppliers and partners. Proceeds of the all-new beer-related tattoo category, "Show off Your Tatts," will be donated to The Michael James Jackson Foundation, a grant-making organization that funds scholarship awards to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color within the brewing and distilling trades for a more just, equitable, and dynamic future. The full LIVE awards ceremony will take place in person with a virtual feed during the 2023 Craft Brewers Conference in Nashville, TN. Entries are open to anyone involved in marketing within the brewing industry throughout the world. For additional information, visit craftbeermarketingawards.com.