Raise a glass, a frosted mug, a can or a bottle – heck, even a red solo cup – for here is the latest beer industry news, trends and new products for October. This is a big beer month, too, with Oktoberfest in Munich and celebrations in several big cities and small towns around the world, college football and the NFL fully under way and Halloween at the end of the month.
Michelob ULTRA Passes Bud Light As America’s Top-Selling Beer
The “exercise” beer, or the one marketed as one to drink after running a 10K or marathon, biking or some other physical activity, has passed Bud Light as America’s top-selling beer, according to Anheuser-Busch. Michelob Ultra is a low-carb and low-calorie beer – it has 2.6 g of carbs. and 95 calories – and has grown 15%2, gaining over 2% of the market3 in the last five years, the company stated in a press release.
PubClub.com has drank a few at 10K beer gardens and occassionally in bars and knows the company has been very aggressive for several years in sponsoring those type of events. The strategy is obviously working.
Redhook Introduces A Light Lager For ‘Quittin’ Time’
Redhook 81 is a new no-frills light lager that’s precision-engineered to quench excessive thirst from a hard day’s work.Denoted by a clean cut, crisp flavor profile and retro-style can design that pays homage to the brewery’s origins, Redhook 81 is a smooth, balanced 4.2% ABV light lager that delivers without the kickback. It’s tailor-made to celebrate wins big and small, and for best results, serve with a little sweat and elbow grease. Redhook 81 is available at your local supermarkets and convenience stores in the following varieties and price points:16oz 4-pack, $5.99-$6.99 16oz 12-pack, $15.99-$16.99
It also has launched a Quittin’ Time Sweepstakes. Through Nov. 30, beer lovers can can sign up for a shot to win the complete end-of-shift package, including:Redhook-branded Grizzly 45 cooler, a fishing rod, a amp mug, koozies, metal pint glasses and 4-pack of Redhook 81. Here’s the link to enter.
San Francisco’s Iconic Anchor Brewing Coming Back To Life Thanks To Buyer
Anchor Brewing, which to some was as iconic to San Francisco as the cable cars and Golden Gate Bridge, is back in business. After a failed label resesign and rebranding by the previous owner that caused it to sink to the bottom of the bay, it has been purchased and the owner vows he’s going back to what made it so popular in the first place.
The new owner is billionaire entrepreneur Hamdi Ulukaya, founder of Chobani, the country’s largest producer of Greek yogurt. “That is what really attracts me, a true brand in business, coming back in a new refreshed way, but still connected to its roots,” Ulukaya told the San Francisco Standard. “Being part of a rebirth and brand of the company and being part of maybe a new dimension of the city is pretty exciting.”
The flagship Anchor Steam beer, with its distinctive ribbon and anchor label, was sacred to San Francisco beer drinkers. At least until Sapporo Breweries purchased the company for $85 million in 2017. A redesign and rebranding fell flat and Sapporo pulled the plug in 2023. While there is no timetable for when the brewery will start making beer again, Ulukaya is ready for local and regional beer lovers to pop the tops pretty soon. “I don’t like sitting around and waiting too long,” he told the Standard. “I don’t have a lot of patience. You have to get to work.”
Karl Strauss’ Seasonal Peanut Butter Cup Porter Is Back
Karl Strauss Brewing Company’s sesonal Peanut Butter Cup Porter is back for October. The 5.4 percent alcohol-by-volume (ABV) beer will be served on draft at Karl Strauss’ four San Diego County brewpubs and other bars and restaurants throughout the city starting Oct. 16. Four packs of cans are available at the brewpubs and at several retail outlets. Peanut Butter Cup Porter has tasting notes of peanut butter, espresso, and cocoa. It has a full body and a rich, slightly dry finish. The four San Diego brewpubs are located in 4S Ranch, Carlsbad, Downtown, and Sorrento Mesa.
San Diego’s Ballast Point Closes Miramar Tasting Room
This was posted on the brewery’s Facebook page: “Miramar has been more than just a tasting room. It’s been a gathering place for our community, where countless pints were poured, stories and laughter were shared, and memories were made. Words can’t begin to express our gratitude for the team who brought this location to life, and to everyone who has shared in its spirit of hospitality.
“While we’re closing this chapter at the end of the year, our story together is far from over. We can’t wait to share more pints, laughter, and memories with you at our tasting rooms in Little Italy, Anaheim, Long Beach, and San Francisco.”
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