CHICAGO — The expanded beer category continues to extend its reach with new products meant to extend beer-drinking occasions through new flavors (chelada), styles (hard kombucha) and varieties (spritzer), among other innovations.
Here’s a look at six products we’re watching …
Chicago-based MillerCoors Mexican import Sol is bringing an iconic Mexican flavor to drinkers with the introduction of Sol Chelada. Releasing in the United States in March, Sol Chelada is a ready-to-drink mix that combines Sol beer with tomato, lime, spices and other natural flavors. At 3.5% alcohol by volume, Sol Chelada is available in 24-ounce single cans.
AB InBev’s Stella Artois has introduced Stella Artois Spritzers. The drink is an effervescent dry cider made from a blend of crisp apples and hibiscus flavors, with 3.5% alcohol by volume, according to the St. Louis-based company. Stella Artois Spritzers come in six-packs of 12-ounce slim cans.
Craft-beer maker Left Hand Brewing Co. has brought back a fan favorite and introduced a new variation on its award-winning Milk Stout CO2. Previous limited-time release Hard Wired Nitro is now available in 13.65-ounce nitro widget cans. Hard Wired Nitro features Allegro Coffee Co.’s Hard Wired Coffee, a blend of beans selected specifically for this beer. At 6% alcohol by volume, Hard Wired Nitro is a smooth and creamy nitro porter with chocolate malt, coffee and toffee notes, according to the Longmont, Colo.-based company. Left Hand also introduced Raspberry Milk Stout. The 5.7% ABV beer has roasted coffee notes combined with raspberries and chocolate malt for a raspberry truffle-like experience, the company said. Raspberry Milk Stout is available in 12-ounce cans and six-packs.
Flying Embers Organic Hard Kombucha is a fermented drink with an adaptogenic base of ginger, turmeric, ashwagandha and astragalus. Flying Embers is organic, vegan, gluten-free and brewed with live probiotics. The Ventura, Calif.-based company's hard kombucha is available in three flavors: Ginger & Oak, Ancient Berry and Lemon Orchard.
After testing Dos Equis Mexican Pale Ale (MPA) in restaurants and bars, Heineken USA, White Plains, N.Y., launched the brand extension in retail in February. With citrus hops and a hint of spicy heat on the finish, Dos Equis MPA is a traditional pale ale with a Mexican twist. The new beer is available in 12-pack bottles and cans and six-pack bottles.
It's not an alcohol beverage, but Affinity Beverages LLC, Locust Vally, N.Y., maker of Regatta Classic Bermuda Stone Ginger Beer, has launched a collection of new craft mixers. The lineup, available in March, includes Regatta Dry Citrus Sparkling Tonic, Regatta Royal Oak Ginger Ale and Regatta Pacific Sea Salt Club Soda. Regatta Craft Mixers are packaged in 8.4-ounce “perfect pour” slim cans and four-packs.
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