Press Releases

Budweiser and MLB Extend Partnership (PR)

NEW YORK, Aug. 22, 2012  Budweiser and baseball, two American staples whose history can be traced back to the late 1800s, will continue to go hand-in-hand. Anheuser-Busch and Major League Baseball Properties today announced a six-year renewal of the sponsorship agreement Continue Reading →

Great Lakes Heads To Eastern PA (PR)

CLEVELAND, OHIO – Great Lakes Brewing Company (GLBC), Ohio’s most celebrated craft brewer of award-winning lagers and ales, announces its plan to expand into the Eastern Pennsylvania market with All Star Distributing on September 24, 2012. GLBC’s products are currently available Continue Reading →

Dos Equis Mobile Academy Hits The Streets (PR)

NEW YORK, Aug. 21, 2012  Whether it’s alligator tail empanadas in Miami, a jellyfish baguette in Dallas, or grilled kangaroo in Houston, the lunchtime routine just got more interesting. With the recent launch of the Most Interesting Academy, Dos Equis upholds the brand’s commitment Continue Reading →

Posted in Press Releases

Artisanal Imports Acquires USA Brand Import Rights (PR)

(Austin, TX and Seattle, WA) — Artisanal Imports of Austin, TX is pleased to announce the acquisition of the USA brand importing rights held by SBS Imports of Seattle, WA. Artisanal will now be the exclusive U.S. importer of Aspall Cyders from Suffolk, England; Batemans Ales from Lincolshire, England; Bellegems Bruin from the Bockor Brewery in Bellegem, Belgium; and the De Proef Brewmaster’s & Collaboration Series from Lochristi, Belgium. The acquisition will become effective September 1, 2012.  Other terms were not disclosed.

“We have considerable respect for these brands and believe they will greatly enhance our portfolio,” noted Artisanal President, Bob Leggett.  ”We look forward to building upon the foundation established by SBS to help the brands achieve even greater success across the U.S.”

“I have had the pleasure of getting to know Bob and the Artisanal team over the last several years and absolutely believe they are the right company to continue to build these brands in the U.S. market,” added SBS President, Alan Shapiro.  ”We intend to maintain a close working relationship to ensure a successful transition and future success for the portfolio.”

ABOUT ARTISANAL IMPORTS

Artisanal Imports was founded in 2001 by Lanny Hoff and Bob Leggett.  Based in Austin, TX, Artisanal currently imports a number of world-class breweries including Bosteels and Bockor from Belgium, Urthel, La Trappe, and Tilburg from The Netherlands, Meantime, Nethergate, and Robinsons from England, Sunner Kolsch from Germany, and Hue from Vietnam.  The Artisanal portfolio is available in 46 states.  More information is available at: www.artisanalimports.com.

ABOUT SBS IMPORTS

SBS was created by specialty beer industry veteran Alan Shapiro in 2002. The SBS portfolio is currently available in 28 states.  Shapiro is also the co-founder of the REUNION-A Beer for Hope project as well as the Cider Summit series of artisanal cider festivals.  More information is available at www.sbs-imports.com.

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Deschutes Brewing, Press Releases

Deschutes Jubelale Celebrates 25th Year (PR)

August 22, 2012 — Bend, Oregon — For the past 25 years, beer fanatics have made their holiday seasons complete by enjoying a spicy, malty, hoppy bottle of the Deschutes Brewery’s winter seasonal, Jubelale. Almost as anticipated as the beer itself is the beautiful labeling and packaging artwork, which features the creations of a different local artist each year.  That’s why, in a majestic nod to the past, the 2012 label artwork is a grand amalgamation of 25 years of art.

The 2012 label is literally “layered” with meaning —the artwork was created through a complex collaging process by Bend, Oregon artist Kaycee Anseth Townsend.  She uses small scraps of paper to create designs, and she comprised the 2012 packaging entirely from pieces of Jubelale labels from years past. Fans may even be able to see a recognizable scrap or two from years gone by inside the incredibly intricate final design.

Anseth Townsend said, “My artistic process of collaging a completely new image from tiny bits of paper often feels like working a puzzle, and using only the past years Jubelale labels as my materials for this project added an extra challenge to the process. It allowed me to really get to know each past label, appreciate the work that went into each one, and also think about how I could repurpose different aspects of that work: sky was used to create snowflakes, snow became light, cabin roofs became trees, a pint glass became a lamppost.”

Jubelale was the very first beer to ever be bottled by the brewery, and it epitomizes the season with a big — and a welcome — warming alcohol temperament.  A new regional artist is commissioned every year to create an original work of art, inspired by Jubelale, to be transformed into label and packaging art.

Memorable works of art, like Jubelale, offer fitting tribute to any seasonal gathering one might attend.  Distinctive flavors establish Jubelale as the ultimate luxury to share with friends and family.

Jubelale will be available in 6-packs, 12-packs and draft this October through December in all 19 states and both provinces where Deschutes beer is sold.

Alcohol by Volume:  6.7%
IBUs: 60

About Deschutes Brewery

Located on the banks of the Deschutes River in beautiful Bend, Oregon, Deschutes Brewery is in the business of daring people to expect more from their beer. That’s why we started off back in 1988, selling Black Butte Porter at a time when others were sure a dark beer would never catch on. Our brewers love to buck convention, especially if it makes someone nervous.  For us, however, the highest praise is a raised glass and a toast of “Bravely Done!”  For more information about Deschutes Brewery and its courageously crafted beers, please visitwww.DeschutesBrewery.com.

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Anheuser-Busch, Press Releases

Budweiser and MLB Extend Partnership (PR)

NEW YORK, Aug. 22, 2012  Budweiser and baseball, two American staples whose history can be traced back to the late 1800s, will continue to go hand-in-hand. Anheuser-Busch and Major League Baseball Properties today announced a six-year renewal of the sponsorship agreement that designates Budweiser as the Official Beer Sponsor of Major League Baseball, continuing a relationship that has lasted more than 30 years.

As part of the sponsorship, Anheuser-Busch will have exclusive rights within the malt beverage category to use the MLB marks and logos.  Budweiser also will be presenting sponsor of MLB Opening Week and the Player of the Month awards, as well as a cornerstone partner of the MLB Fan Cave, the league initiative geared towards engaging fans via social media while increasing the profile of star players and placing baseball at the center of all things pop culture. At the MLB Fan Cave in New York, Budweiser will be a presenting sponsor of the MLBFanCave.com Concert Series, which in 2012 has featured popular musical acts including Nas, Daughtry, Adam Lambert, The Avett Brothers and Far East Movement.

New in 2012, Budweiser will be the presenting sponsor of the first-ever Wild Card Games, the single-elimination games between the two Wild Card teams from each league that will be played on Oct. 5, with the winners advancing to their respective Division Series. MLB expanded the Postseason format earlier this year.

“For more than 30 years, America’s national pastime has partnered with America’s beer and we are proud to continue the union of two brands that evoke such loyalty and emotion,” said Tim Brosnan, Major League Baseball Executive Vice President, Business. “By partnering on initiatives like the Wild Card and MLB Fan Cave, this new agreement truly demonstrates an evolution in our relationship.”

“MLB has a broad and growing fan base and our partnership gives Budweiser a presence with a large and loyal audience of adult beer drinkers,” said Blaise D’Sylva, vice president of media, sports and entertainment marketing at Anheuser-Busch. “As the Official Beer Sponsor, our focus is on Budweiser enhancing the baseball experience for fans, whether in-game or at-home, through exclusive content and unique opportunities at point-of-sale, on-premise and via our social media channels.”

To celebrate its renewed status as the Official Beer Sponsor of MLB, Budweiser will host a “Made in MLB Fan Cave” concert tonight with The Walkmen, who will embark on a U.S. tour this fall in support of their sixth studio album, the critically-acclaimed Heaven. More than 200 Budweiser Facebook fans will be in attendance at the Fan Cave inNew York City, where they will hear a set by The Walkmen and have an opportunity to sample Budweiser’s new “Project 12” beers, small-batch Budweiser “tribute beers,” three of which will be nationally available later this year in a Fall sampler pack.

In addition to its status as Official Beer Sponsor of MLB, Budweiser sponsors 23 of the league’s 30 teams and continues to support America’s fallen heroes throughout the 2012 MLB season via its “Walk Off a Hero” program. Budweiser is donating $5,000* for every walk-off win during baseball’s regular season to the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides post-secondary educational scholarships for families of U.S. military personnel killed or disabled while serving their country.

For more information, visit Budweiser’s website and Facebook page.

About Anheuser-Busch

Based in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 47.7 percent share of U.S. beer sales to retailers.  The company brews Budweiser and Bud Light, two of the world’s largest-selling beers.  Anheuser-Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico’s leading brewer.  Anheuser-Busch is a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and has been a leading aluminum recycler for more than 30 years.  The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the leading global brewer, and continues to operate under the Anheuser-Busch name and logo.  For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com.

About Major League Baseball Properties

The Major League Baseball Clubs formed Major League Baseball Properties (MLBP) in 1966 as the Clubs’ agent for marketing and trademark licensing and protection. Major League Baseball Properties is responsible for managing consumer licensing activities, developing national advertising campaigns, cultivating sponsorship opportunities with major consumer brands and corporations, growing the game and the business of baseball outside the United States and creating national marketing programs in conjunction with Clubs, broadcast rights holders and national sponsors. MLBP also operates a full-service video and audio production unit (Major League Baseball Productions), a publishing division and stock photo licensing agency, and manages logistics for the All-Star Game and World Series as well as all other special events. For more information on Major League Baseball, log on to www.MLB.com.
PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1lqJF)

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Press Releases

Two Beers Brewing Preps Early Fresh Hop Release (PR)

SEATTLE — As the most highly anticipated beer on the growing brewery’s impressive tap list, Two Beers Brewing is excited to announce the early release of its 2012 Fresh Hop. Hop-enthusiasts can enjoy their first sip of this long-awaited beer beginning August 31 at the Two Beers Brewing tasting room — the earliest release for this beer yet — followed by its release in bars, restaurants and retail establishments throughout the Pacific Northwest beginning September 3.Adding to the excitement, Fresh Hop will soon after be accompanied by Two Beers Brewing’s Heart of Darkness Imperial CDA and Pumpkin Spice Ale — now both available in 22-ounce bottles.

“We look forward to this time of the year at the brewery and the flavorful beers that come with it,” said Joel VandenBrink, Two Beers Brewing founder and head brewer. “Plus, we’re excited to add Pumpkin Spice to our lineup of 22-ounce bottles, meaning more opportunity for our fans to enjoy the delicious flavors of fall.”

First brewed in 2009, Fresh Hop enters its fourth season on the brewery’s fall lineup. This Northwest-inspired brew’s strong citrus aroma — featuring hints of grapefruit and passion fruit — can be attributed to the freshly picked, Yakima Valley-grown Centennial hops used to create it. Copper in color with deep caramel malt tones, Fresh Hop 2012 settles in at 6.2 percent ABV resembling an aggressively dry-hopped mid-range IPA, but packing the punch only fresh hops can deliver. In addition to Centennial hops, this beer features locally grown Apollo, Cascade, Columbus, Super Galena, and Warrior hops, helping this popular beer achieve its bright and delightfully bitter flavor.

“This beer is a true demonstration of team work and our love for craft beer,” added VandenBrink. “Each year, we wait with anticipation for the call that the hops are ready. The moment we receive it, we drive to Yakima to pick them ourselves and that same day, we’re back at the brewery with staff and loyal fans handpicking the hops off the vines. There’s nothing else like it.”

“Two Beers Brewing does an amazing job capturing the flavor of the season with its Fresh Hop, which was voted top Washington fresh hop at our annual Fresh Hop Throwdown last year,” said Ellen Kelly and Rick Weersing, owners of The Noble Fir in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, known for its outstanding craft beer selection. “It’s a true tribute to local beer and Washington-grown hops, and we couldn’t be more excited for its return.”

Adding to the excitement, another of the brewery’s popular fall seasonals — Pumpkin Spice Ale — will be available in 22-ounce bottles for the first time in the beer’s four-year history. Malt forward with a nutmeg and clove aroma, drinkers of this fall-focused brew will enjoy cinnamon lingering on the tongue, with allspice rounding out the back end of the palate. First released in the fall of 2009, this perfectly spiced, deep copper colored ale — brewed with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and allspice — makes its return in 2012 on
September 7.

Also joining the Two Beer Brewing tap list in September is the brewery’s Heart of Darkness Imperial Cascadian Dark Ale (CDA). Coming in 67 IBUs and a 8.4 percent ABV, this beer was first brewed as a limited release in 2011 and quickly became a popular pick, both on tap and in a bottle. An imperial version of the emerging “Black IPA” style, the Heart of Darkness Imperial CDA mixes dark roasted specialty malts with highly citrus and floral hops, and is then dry-hopped with Columbus hops for a smooth finish.  Featuring flavors of molasses, dark cherry, oak and chocolate, this noteworthy beer will be available in 22-ounce bottles at select retailers and on tap at The Woods tasting room beginning October 1.

Two Beers Brewing will continue to distribute its five year-round offerings this fall, as well as a host of packaged products. In addition to Fresh Hop 2011, Heart of Darkness Imperial CDA and Pumpkin Spice Ale, craft beer enthusiasts can pick up Persnickety Pale Ale and Evolutionary IPA in 22-ounce bottles. Also available is Two Beers Brewing’s popular line of 12-ounce aluminum cans — sold in six-packs at select retailers including Whole Foods and Central Market — featuring Evolutionary IPA, Immersion Amber, Panorama Wheat, Persnickety Pale Ale, Trailhead ISA and SoDo Brown.

Offering twelve beers — including five year-round, seven seasonal, and a host of intricate infusions and limited releases — Two Beers Brewing also offers pints, growlers and kegs-to-go in its 4,800-square-foot SoDo brewery and tasting room, dubbed “The Woods.” Packaged products can be found throughout Washington, Oregon and Alaska, in addition to being available on tap in more than 500 restaurants and bars in Washington and Idaho. For more information, be sure to follow Two Beers Brewing on Facebook and Twitter, or visit www.twobeersbrewery.com.

About Two Beers Brewing Co.

Two Beers Brewing Co. — makers of Evolutionary IPA and a host of Northwest-inspired beers — began operations in a small Seattle basement in 2007. Today, Two Beers Brewing produces twelve unique beers including five year-round, seven seasonals and a host of intricate infusions in its 4,800-square-foot SoDo brewery. Two Beers Brewing can be found in Seattle-area bars and restaurants, with tastings kegs and growler fill-ups available at their tasting room located at 4700 Ohio Ave. S. (Unit A) in SoDo, open weekly Tuesday — Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 — 6 p.m. Select brews can also be found in 22-ounce bottles and 12-ounce cans through the tasting room, as well as local retailers in Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Idaho. With a strong belief in supporting the local economy, Two Beers Brewing takes pride in using Washington ingredients to create all of its handcrafted beers. For more information, visit www.twobeersbrewery.com.

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Great Lakes Brewing Company, Press Releases

Great Lakes Heads To Eastern PA (PR)

CLEVELAND, OHIO – Great Lakes Brewing Company (GLBC), Ohio’s most celebrated craft brewer of award-winning lagers and ales, announces its plan to expand into the Eastern Pennsylvania market with All Star Distributing on September 24, 2012. GLBC’s products are currently available in Western and Central Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. Expansion into the new Eastern Pennsylvania territory will serve the company’s strategic growth plans.Customers can expect to see GLBC’s year-round family of beers in package and draft, as well as GLBC’s “Taster’s Pack” (a sampler 12-pack).

The new market rollout will involve multiple customer appreciation events, meet-and-greets, tastings and giveaways throughout the area. GLBC co-owner Pat Conway says of the expansion, “Many breweries choose a strategy of being a mile wide and an inch deep. We prefer to penetrate deeper into existing markets. Entering Eastern Pennsylvania is a logical extension of that idea.  We’ve served Pennsylvania for years so finally getting our products to this part of the state will satisfy the many accounts that have been asking for our beer for a long time.”

GLBC currently serves 13 states and Washington DC. Founded in 1988 by brothers Pat and Dan Conway as the first craft brewery in the state of Ohio, GLBC is nationally known for its exceptional family of beers including Dortmunder Gold Lager, Eliot Ness Amber Lager, Burning River Pale Ale, Commodore Perry India Pale Ale and Edmund Fitzgerald Porter. Visit greatlakesbrewing.com/easternpa and follow @GLBCinEastPA on Twitter for exclusive updates and event announcements.

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Golden Road Brewing, Press Releases

Golden Road Brewing Hires New GM, Paul Burgis (PR)

LOS ANGELES, CA – The producers of Southern California’s first and only canned craft beer, Golden Road Brewing, continue to set a foundation for growth with the hiring of Paul Burgis as General Manager. At Anheuser-Busch, Burgis supervised packaging, managed production lines, and was responsible for product consistency and quality, as well as plant finances.

Burgis earned operational expertise while rising through the ranks of Anheuser-Busch, and his managerial and production skills will be a great asset to Golden Road as they continue to follow an aggressive plan for expansion and increased efficiency.

Says Golden Road Brewing CEO and co-founder Tony Yanow, “The moment we met Paul we recognized his unique skill-set and his dedication to the production of quality products.”

Adds President and co-founder Meg Gill, “We did not know we needed this role until we met Paul, and are honored to have found an individual who is not only a great fit in terms of timing, but also fits our culture. I’m excited to let go of some of the daily operational duties, and focus on creative endeavors and local distribution, knowing that I have Paul’s full support.”

Golden Road Brewing recently debuted Wolf Among Weeds, the inaugural beer in their Custom IPA series which celebratesCalifornia’s enthusiasm for hop-forward IPAs. Wolf Among Weeds joinsGolden Road’s two flagship canned beers, Point the Way IPA and Golden Road Hefeweizen, on the shelf.  With Burgis’ guidance, Golden Road Brewing is preparing for its next canned release slated for early this fall, following Golden Road’s one year anniversary.

“Anheuser-Busch is a company of owners and I am amazed everyday at the dedication of their team. Although I will miss Anheuser-Busch I have learned so much from my many years with them.  As a native Angeleno, I look forward to joining Golden Road and supporting Meg and Tony’s passion for making great local beer!” says Burgis.’

About:

Golden Road Brewing was founded in October 2011 by Tony Yanow and Meg Gill, who are committed to bringing fresh beer to market in the most sustainable way possible.  Golden Road Brewing is the maker of Los Angeles’ only canned craft beer, packaged in 16 once cans to deliver an honest pint of the brewery’s flagship Point the Way IPA and Golden Road Hefeweizen.  Golden Road currently produces sixteen beers which include a Custom IPA and twelve limited releases.  Golden Road Brewing and The Pub at Golden Road Brewing are located at 5410 W. San Fernando Road, Los Angeles, CA90039. For more information, please visit www.goldenroad.la

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Heineken NV, Press Releases

Dos Equis Mobile Academy Hits The Streets (PR)

NEW YORK, Aug. 21, 2012  Whether it’s alligator tail empanadas in Miami, a jellyfish baguette in Dallas, or grilled kangaroo in Houston, the lunchtime routine just got more interesting. With the recent launch of the Most Interesting Academy, Dos Equis upholds the brand’s commitment to encourage fans to stay thirsty through interesting, engaging and adventurous experiences. As part of that effort, Dos Equis is hitting the streets beginning on August 21st, 2012 with the Dos Equis Mobile Academy, a fleet of seven different food trucks with menus as unique as the cities they roll in.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120821/NY60501)

The Dos Equis Mobile Academy is a culinary experience featuring adventurous cuisines from a variety of regions and cultures for fans that are craving something new, or are just bored from eating endless variations of the chicken sandwich. Each Mobile Academy truck will have an individualized menu with a corresponding cultural ritual that truly brings the experience to life. Culinary ambassadors will be present at every Mobile Academy stop to provide extensive background on the culture and regions represented.

The Dos Equis Mobile Academy will be at various locations from 11am to 2pm in the cities listed below. For more information on the Mobile Academy experience and locations, visit MostInterestingAcademy.com or follow Dos Equis via Twitter at @DosEquis.

Chicago, August 21-30
Menu created by DucknRoll (@ducknrolltruck), featuring Miso Braised Beef Tongue Served in Steam Buns, Sea Cucumber and Jellyfish Salad.

Dallas, September 12-22
Menu created by Nammi Truck (@nammitruck), featuring Soy Silkworm, Jellyfish or Crispy Spiced Quail on banh mi baguette rolls.

Houston, September 12-22
Menu created by H-Town StrEATs (@HtownStrEATs), featuring Grilled Kangaroo, Barramundi Fillets and Wontons stuffed with Australian Rock Lobster and Sea Urchin.

Miami, September 12-22
Menu created by Los Chamos (@LosChamosTruck), featuring Cow’s Tongue Arepita, Alligator Tail Empanadas and Venezuelan Style Frog Legs.

Phoenix, September 12-22
Menu created by Hey Joe! Food Truck (@HEYJOETRUCK), featuring Python Sisig, Crocodile Lumpia and Camel Siopao.

San Diego, October 3-13
Menu created by MIHO Gastrotruck (@MIHOgastrotruck), featuring Octopus Takoyaki, Prawn Samosa and Wild Hare Paella.

San Francisco, October 3-13
Menu created by Hapa SF (@HapaSF), featuring Duck Egg Itlog na Maalat, Chicken Feet Adidas Atchara and Pig’s Head Sisig.

“Connecting our fans with incredible experiences that enrich their lives is what Dos Equis is all about,” said Nipa Parekh, Senior Brand Director at Dos Equis. “We’ve got a great selection of local chefs that we’re partnering with across the country, and can’t wait to flip the script to bring fans a new take on the traditional food truck experience.”

As part of the Most Interesting Academy, Dos Equis will also reward adventure seekers with the chance to bring their most ambitious dreams to life through the “Stay Thirsty Grant” competition*. Whether it’s a nationwide tour of the best food trucks in the U.S. or a culinary journey through Europe, Dos Equis will offer applicants the opportunity to realize their dreams. Each grant can have a value of up to $25,000.

To learn how to apply for the Stay Thirsty Grant and stay current with information regarding the Most Interesting Academy go to MostInterestingAcademy.com, “Like” Dos Equis on Facebook (Facebook.com/DosEquis), or follow Dos Equis via Twitter (@DosEquis).

About Heineken® USA

Heineken USA Inc., the nation’s premier beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, which is the world’s most international brewer. Brands imported into the U.S. include: Heineken Lager, the world’s most international beer brand; Heineken Light; Amstel Light, a leading imported light beer brand; Newcastle Brown Ale, the leading imported ale in the United States; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. Heineken USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate, Tecate Light, Dos Equis, Sol, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from FEMSA Cerveza of Mexico. For a safe ride home, download the Heineken USA-sponsored Taxi Magicâ„¢ application from your smartphone. Please visit www.EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com.

*Stay Thirst Grant Eligibility

All applicants must be legal residents of the fifty United States or the District of Columbia (except California), 21 years of age or older.  California residents are not eligible to apply due to legal constraints.  Grant applications will NOT be accepted from anyone in any of the following categories:  (a) employees, officers, directors of any alcohol beverage licensee or persons with a financial interest in an alcoholic beverage licensee, including but not limited to licensed retailers, wholesalers, distributors, importers or manufacturers of alcoholic beverages; (b)  current or former employees, officers or directors of any promotion, marketing, advertising or public relations agency;  (c) the immediate families (parents, children, grandparents, siblings, spouse) or members of the same household (whether related or not) of such employees/officers/directors, or (d) any resident of California.  Each Stay Thirsty Grant applicant must have full right, power and authority to submit an application (and, if application is accepted, the ability to realize his/her dream as a result of receiving the Grant), such that his her submission of an application will not result in the violations of the rights of any third party.

by Reid Ramsay