AB Biotek Introduces New Range of Pinnacle Yeast for Brewing

Global leader in fermentation for distilled spirits and wine extends premium Pinnacle-branded portfolio to include English Ale, Pilsner and American Ale beer strains

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AB Biotek – a global business division of AB Mauri – will introduce the expansion of its dry yeast portfolio for consumer alcohol, under the premium Pinnacle brand, for craft and home brewers located around the globe during the 2023 Craft Brewers Conference. The portfolio will be distributed in North America exclusively through Country Malt Group. "AB Biotek and AB Mauri have quite a distinguished history in the production of both distilled spirits and wine under the Pinnacle name and other brands," said Greg Strauss, senior vice president, AB Biotek North America. "Extending our Pinnacle Yeast lineup into brewing – as well as adding a new fermentation aid – is significant for our business because it offers today's craft brewers a premium option to meet marketplace demand." The range of premium Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast solutions includes options for an English-style ale, a traditional pilsner and an American-style ale, with future offerings targeting other popular beer styles. Each is available in 500 g bricks, 10 kg packs and 11.5 g sachets. The introduction also features a new, zinc-based beer nutrient under the BrewBoost label designed to work in concert with the three new yeast strains. Additional details for each item include: Heritage English Ale – produces fruity and estery beers with clean finish, allowing malt and hop characteristics to shine Heritage Pilsner – produces dry, clean and refreshingly crisp lagers with subtle, fruity aroma and a mild palate, up to 12% ABV Heritage American Ale – produces well-balanced beers with low diacetyl and a clean, banana-like nose with some floral hints BrewBoost Zinc Enriched Yeast Nutrient – allows for a safe and complete fermentation through a healthy yeast biomass and a nutrient-balanced wort "The strong growth of regional and pub craft breweries around the world has increased the focus on localized beers featuring broader diversity, authenticity and heritage that meet what today's beer drinkers desire," said Abi Conner, Product Marketing Manager at Country Malt Group. "At CMG, we're focused on providing brewers and distillers with a one stop shop for their everyday craft beverage ingredient needs. We're thrilled to add this new Pinnacle Heritage brewing yeast strain selection to our portfolio of yeast and fermentation solutions." The new portfolio – planned for sale in Asia, Europe, Central and South America, as well as North America – has performed well in external benchmarking tests versus industry-leading competition. The three yeasts strains represent 80 percent of beer styles enjoyed by consumers. About AB Biotek AB Biotek contributes to the success of customers through the delivery of customized fermentation-based, sustainable solutions containing proprietary and/or purposefully sourced microorganisms to created differentiated food, beverage, health & nutrition business opportunities. Science and advanced microorganism fermentation technology are core enablers. AB Biotek has commercial scale production and research development facilities located around the world. For more information about our product applications and unmatched technical service capabilities, please visit www.abbiotek.com. About Country Malt Group Country Malt Group humbly began in 1995 as North Country Malt, operating out of a backyard shed in Champlain, New York. Now, we operate 13 distribution centers located strategically across North America to ensure everything brewers and distillers need is just a truck ride away. We're committed to being a one-stop-shop for everyday supplies and ingredients, partnering with vendors that share our values in quality. As part of the United Malt global family of brands, our staff have centuries of combined experience to support our customers with the resources they need to succeed. CountryMalt.com

Iowa family builds farm-based craft brewery to help deliver a cure for blindness

INWOOD, Iowa, May 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2020 a family in northwest Iowa began making their own craft beer as a hobby during the pandemic. Those efforts took a serious turn when the owners of the Blind Butcher Brewing Company found a cause worth fighting for – a mission to cure blindness.

Since opening to the public in 2021, they have already brought awareness to thousands of people and have raised more than $60,000 in donations towards their non-profit, BREWS for BLiNDNESS to support the University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research (IVR). In 2009, Iowan Rob Hage was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a rare genetic eye disease. For many years, he has been a patient of Dr. Edwin Stone who also serves as the Director of the IVR. He and his family were overjoyed to learn of the breakthroughs during an online seminar held by Dr. Stone in December, 2020, when it was shared that development of a cure was within reach. Furthermore, the delivery of that cure would be done affordably as the IVR chose to develop treatments largely through philanthropic funding, rather than turning to big pharma for delivery. Treatments include using the patient's own stem cells to grow new photoreceptors to be transplanted back to the patient's damaged retina.   A serendipitous conversation then took place between Rob Hage and the IVR team, and the pathway to the first BREWS for BLiNDNESS began. Two years of devoted preparation are soon to culminate with the first formal "pilot batch" brewing at Backpocket Brewing Co. in Coralville, IA – scheduled for public release on May 26, 2023. This IPA will retail throughout Iowa and in their taproom with the proceeds benefiting BREWS for BLiNDNESS to support the IVR. The first-annual, national campaign will then begin in the Fall of 2023 among other brewers in Iowa and beyond who wish to join. Hage says, "This journey has been a labor of love for us since day one in deciding to follow through with the vision of building this non-profit organization. The craft brewing industry is simply an incredible group of people who are passionate about their craft and the welfare of the people it brings together on a daily basis. We are so proud to be part of this group, and we look forward to many years of helping bring treatment awareness and delivery for this disease and the real hope in delivering a cure through the efforts of craft brewers like ourselves and the IVR." "We are very excited to have the Hage family's BREWS for BLiNDNESS partnership in our efforts and for the creative path they have taken to bring us closer to these treatments," says Dr. Stone. "We decided to partner with this great cause after meeting with Rob and his wife in our taproom a couple of years ago," says Aaron Vargas, managing partner for Backpocket Brewing Co. "In the brewing community, we are very close and when we have the opportunity to help, we will. Our collaboration with BREWS for BLiNDNESS is one way that we can help by doing something we know how to do and working with our partners at Briess Malts and Hollingbery Hop Farms to produce a beer that not only brings awareness to the cause but raises money as well. Our suppliers have been a great resource and have donated some of the raw materials for this brew, which allows for some money to be raised for this cause." To join this worldwide effort to share awareness and delivery of an affordable cure, please contact: BREWSforBLiNDNESS.org online at  https://www.brewsforblindness.org.

HighBridge Premium™ Enters into a Manufacturing Agreement with Alamo Beer Company

SHERIDAN, Wyo., May 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- HighBridge Holdings, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Manufacturing Agreement with Alamo Beer Company in San Antonio, TX. Under the agreement, Alamo will be making and co-packing a variety of Hemp derived Delta-9 THC beverages for HighBridge Premium. Starting with its premium faux beer products (eeZee daze™, Alpine Rush™, and Neblina del Pacifico™), HighBridge will be adding its' Effervescent Botanicals, ReFrsh™ in May, and a newly developed suite of ice teas in Quarter 2.

"With its history, expertise, and capacity, Alamo can accommodate the growing needs of HighBridge as we build the Hemp based Delta-9 portion of our corporate portfolio", said James Hunter, Co-Founder and CEO of HighBridge Holdings. "The ability of Alamo to accurately produce the complex formulas of the HighBridge faux beers was impressive!  And the production capacity of Alamo will serve HighBridge well into the future" he added. David Esof, Production Manager of Alamo stated HighBridge formulas were some of the more complex that Alamo has encountered, but agreed the results were outstanding! David Komet, Alamo's Consultant shared "We certainly look forward to working with HighBridge to introduce its full catalog of products in the coming months".  HighBridge, an emerging multi-state operation in the Hemp arena, will be using Alamo as a base for centralized production of its Delta-9 infused beverages. Alamo's San Antonio location is conveniently located near Houston's D-Squared Worldwide Distribution, the primary distributor for HighBridge products throughout much of the U.S. "The products Alamo has produced for HighBridge are impressive, and a reflection of the Business Model and leadership of the HighBridge team," said Eugene Simor, CEO of Alamo.  On a separate note, Co-Founder and CAO of HighBridge Holdings, Inc. Vicky Hunter announced that HighBridge has established a formal banking relationship with First Citizens Bank (FCB) in Texas. "Working with the FCBs' Houston-based office was a great experience" she said, adding "they understand the unique needs of HighBridge, offer a full range of services, and made the on-boarding process seamless! As the HighBridge footprint expands into more states, we definitely see this as a long-term relationship that will continue to serve our banking needs." About HighBridge Premium™ HighBridge Premium™ (The Highbridge Company, LLC) is a Wyoming corporation that, in conjunction with its consulting, lab and marketing partners, develops premium beverages for the recreational cannabis industry. HighBridge currently has 10 products market ready and expects to add several more each quarter. HighBridge products are currently available in Texas and Minnesota. Additional product launch venues targeted for 2022 include Arizona, Louisiana, Florida, Nevada, Massachusetts & Illinois. The HighBridge goal is to be a Multi-State Organization with an International footprint.  Our dedication is to quality and product integrity.  For more information visit the company website: www.highbridgepremium.com Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements.  These statements involve risks and uncertainties, which are described in more detail and discussed in the Company's website; www.highbridgepremium.com.  Forward-looking statements are made and based on information available to the Company on the date of this press release. HighBridge assumes no obligation to update the information in this press release.

Cutwater Canned Cocktails Make a Splash in Canada as the Newest Addition to Labatt Breweries' Beyond Beer Portfolio

TORONTO, May 3, 2023 /CNW/ - This week, a hyped cocktail bar "opened" in Toronto – with a twist. To celebrate Cutwater canned cocktails exclusively hitting select LCBO shelves across Ontario, the brand introduced 'Anywhere Bar', a seemingly new bar with delicious, handcrafted cocktails, made with award-winning spirits.

To further amplify the launch, the brand turned cocktail and lifestyle-focused content creators into megaphones, to inspire Ontarians to visit Anywhere Bar. Ultimately, the grand reveal was that Anywhere Bar isn't a physical space, but rather it's anywhere a Cutwater canned cocktail is in hand. "Consumer demand for choice is continually evolving, with canned cocktails – outside of Caesars – becoming the fastest growing ready-to-drink sub-segment in Canada in 2022," said Brian Kuhn, Beyond Beer Vice President, Labatt Breweries of Canada. "Bringing Cutwater's canned cocktails to Canada, following its incredible success in the U.S. market, is just another way we're continuing to expand our product lineup with industry-leading offerings, led by consumer trends and insights." Established in 2017, Cutwater Spirits was co-founded by master distiller Yuseff Cherney. The brand has had a meteoric rise in the U.S., becoming an award-winning craft spirits brand and a pioneer in canned classic cocktails. Cutwater's portfolio of products continues to be guided by Cherney's experimental nature and strong commitment to quality. Today, Cutwater is the best-selling spirit-based canned cocktail across the U.S. "Cutwater continues to disrupt the canned cocktails space with its array of award-winning, real-spirit based cocktails," said Gwen Conley, Head of Innovation & Global Expansion, Cutwater Spirits. "Our aim is to authentically deliver on the bar-quality taste consumers crave while delivering the ultimate convenience of a ready-to-drink beverage. This expansion into the Canadian market is a milestone moment for us, having started as humble spirits distillery to now an international product offering." Cutwater is available now on shelves, exclusively at select LCBOs across Ontario in three delectable flavours, including: Rum Mint Mojito (5.9% ABV), Tequila Grapefruit Paloma (7.0% ABV) and Tequila Lime Margarita (12.5% ABV). Be sure to follow along and engage on social media @CutwaterSpiritsCan. About Cutwater: First established in San Diego and known for its award-winning lineup of 20+ canned cocktail classics made form its portfolio of bottled spirits, Co-Founder Yuseff Cherney began distilling as a side project under Ballast Point Brewing. In 2017, Cutwater was established as a separate entity from the brewery and today, Cutwater has earned over 2,500+ awards across its portfolio of products and has finally made its way into the Canadian market. For more information, visit www.cutwaterspirits.com.

BJ's RESTAURANT & BREWHOUSE® SUPPORTS NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY WITH NEW BJ's CUREVEZA™ MEXICAN-STYLE LAGER

Supporting the Search for a Cure, BJ's Restaurants Will Donate 25 Cents for Every CureVeza™ Pint Brewed

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., May 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 4th, BJ's Restaurants, INC. (NASDAQ: BJRI) will introduce a new craft beer for a cause: BJ's CureVeza™ Mexican-Style Lager. Available at all locations, while supplies last, BJ's brand-new CureVeza™ was developed to raise money for its long-term partner, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society. By donating 25 cents for every pint brewed to the non-profit organization, BJ's is helping build awareness and eradicate a disease that currently affects nearly 1 million Americans. With more than 26 years of experience brewing award-winning craft beers, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse is renowned for its authentic, creative, and fresh brews. BJ's new seasonal beer, CureVeza™, marks the latest milestone in a 25-year partnership with The National MS Society. The Mexican pale lager is the newest seasonal beer crafted by BJ's award-winning brewery, and features hints of lime and salt and is a crisp, approachable beer for guests to enjoy this summer. "We're proud to support The National MS Society to help in the fight against a disease that affects so many," said Alex Puchner, Senior Vice President of Brewery Operations at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. "We support this cause passionately at BJ's, and it was a natural next step in our partnership to make a donation for every CureVeza™ pint brewed to support our community and foster scientific research for a cure." Available starting on May 4th through June 28, 2023, CureVeza™ arrives just in time for Cinco de Mayo celebrations and is the perfect remedy for cooling off on a warm day. The medium-bodied, refreshing beer is inspired by Mexican-style lagers which are widely enjoyed for their drinkability and subtle flavors; plus, it pairs perfectly with BJ's signature dishes including Avocado Egg Rolls, Loaded Nachos, Shrimp Tacos, and more! For more information on BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse and the limited-edition CureVeza™ beer, please visit bjsrestaurants.com. For more information on The National MS Society, visit  nationalmssociety.org. About The National Multiple Sclerosis Society The National MS Society, founded in 1946, is the global leader of a growing movement dedicated to creating a world free of MS. The Society provides global leadership and funds research for a cure, drives change through advocacy and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. Connect to learn more and get involved: nationalMSsociety.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or 1-800-344-4867. About BJ's Restaurants, Inc. BJ's Restaurants, Inc. is a national brand with brewhouse roots where Craft Matters®. BJ's broad menu has something for everyone: slow-roasted entrees, like prime rib, BJ's EnLIGHTened Entrees® including Cherry Chipotle Glazed Salmon, signature deep-dish pizza and the often imitated, but never replicated world-famous Pizookie® dessert. A winner of the 2023 Vibe Vista Award in the Best Spirits Program category and the most decorated restaurant-brewery in the country, BJ's has been a pioneer in the craft brewing world since 1996 and takes pride in serving BJ's award-winning proprietary handcrafted beers, brewed at its brewing operations in four states and by independent third-party craft brewers. The BJ's experience offers high-quality ingredients, bold flavors, moderate prices, sincere service, and a cool, contemporary atmosphere. Founded in 1978, BJ's owns and operates over 200 casual dining restaurants in 30 states. All restaurants offer dine in, take out, delivery, and large-party catering. For more information on BJ's, visit http://www.bjsrestaurants.com.

Leading Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer Maker Athletic Brewing and JetBlue Strike First-of-Its-Kind Partnership

JetBlue becomes the first major U.S. airline to serve non-alcoholic beer in the skies

MILFORD, Conn. and SAN DIEGO, May 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Athletic Brewing Company, America's leading producer of non-alcoholic craft beer, today announced that JetBlue will become the first major U.S. airline to sell non-alcoholic beer at 35,000 feet. Beginning in May 2023, JetBlue customers will be able to enjoy Athletic Brewing's award-winning Upside Dawn Golden on all domestic flights. "We're excited to take flight with JetBlue and allow flyers to relax at 35,000 feet with a great-tasting alternative to full-strength brews," said Bill Shufelt, Athletic Brewing co-founder & CEO. "This is a huge milestone for Athletic and a key partnership for us in the travel industry." According to a recent survey, one-third of Americans are trying to consume less alcohol in 20231. At the same time, year-to-date dollar sales of non-alcoholic beer are up 34%2. Athletic Brewing is the second-largest non-alcoholic beer brand in the U.S., with dollar sales growing 94%3. As the demand for non-alcoholic beverage options continues to grow, Athletic Brewing's Upside Dawn will provide a refreshing alternative for JetBlue customers who want to enjoy a brew without the effects of alcohol. "In our continued effort to provide customers with an onboard experience customized to their needs and preferences, JetBlue is proud to be the first major U.S. airline to serve non-alcoholic beer," said Mariya Stoyanova, director of product development, JetBlue. "We're thrilled to partner with industry leader Athletic Brewing to offer our customers the refreshing, balanced taste of a classic craft Golden without the alcohol." Upside Dawn is a bright and light-bodied brew that has been crafted to remove gluten4. Crisp with floral and earthy notes, it is made with premium Vienna malt and a combination of English and American hops. Upside Dawn contains just 45 calories and 10 grams of carbohydrates5. JetBlue customers can enjoy this new offering as part of the airline's commitment to providing high-quality, delicious food and beverage offerings for diverse palates. Athletic Brewing is the most decorated non-alcoholic brewer in the world, and Upside Dawn has won over a dozen international brewing awards for taste and quality. Launched in 2018, Athletic Brewing developed a proprietary brewing method to craft its award-winning non-alcoholic beers. The company doesn't rely on any alcohol removal techniques and fully ferments its brews to be less than 0.5% ABV, which is the legal limit for non-alcoholic beer in the U.S. Notes: 1 NCSolutions consumer sentiment survey of 1,000 Americans. 2,3 NielsenIQ, Total US xAOC + Liq Plus + Conv, CYTD ending 3/25/23. 4 This product is fermented from grains containing gluten and crafted to remove gluten. The gluten content of this product cannot be verified, and this product may contain gluten. 5 Average Analysis per 12 fl. oz. - Calories 45, Carbohydrates 10 g, Protein <1 g, Fat 0g. About Athletic Brewing Company Athletic Brewing, founded in 2017 by Bill Shufelt and John Walker, is the 13th largest craft brewer in America and the leading producer of non-alcoholic craft beer. The company's brews, which launched commercially in 2018, are now distributed in all 50 states and available at 50,000 retail stores nationwide. In 2023, Athletic was ranked as the 4th fastest-growing company in the Americas by Financial Times. Athletic was also ranked as the fastest-growing U.S. beverage manufacturer by Inc. Magazine in 2022, and named one of TIME's "100 Most Influential Companies." The company has won over 70 prestigious brewing awards, including Gold & Silver for its Run Wild and Free Wave IPAs in the 2022 US Open of Beer Championship. It was also named the North American Brewer of the Year at the 2022 International Beer Challenge. Athletic has custom breweries in Milford, Connecticut, and San Diego, and donates up to $2 million of all sales to protecting and restoring outdoor spaces across the globe via its Two For The Trails program. Plus, as a part of its IMPACT Program, 1% of revenue goes to non-profit organizations that support positive impact and opportunity from the ground up. Athletic Brewing is proudly a Certified B Corporation™. Its full-flavored near beers and hop-infused sparkling waters are available on www.athleticbrewing.com. About JetBlue JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline®️, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries customers to more than 100 cities throughout the United States, Latin America, Caribbean, Canada, and United Kingdom. For more information and the best fares, visit jetblue.com.