Anheuser-Busch’s newest draught — Beach Bum Blonde Ale — continues to bring refreshment and relaxation to adults this summer, perpetuating the brewer's popular seasonal draught program.
   Beach Bum Blonde Ale captures discerning beer drinkers’ attention with its rich golden color, pleasant hop aroma and slightly spicy and malty taste. This American blonde ale is brewed with the finest pale and caramel roasted barley malts and is hopped with imported Alsace and Hallertau hops, as well as Cascade hops from the Pacific Northwest.
   “The addition of Beach Bum Blonde Ale is a nice way to conclude our first year of this program because it can be enjoyed by everyone from casual beer drinkers to beer purists who are looking for an ale with a nice balance, gentle flavor and smooth finish,” said Florian Kuplent, brewmaster, Anheuser-Busch Inc.  
Available through early September, Beach Bum Blonde Ale is brewed at the Anheuser-Busch Fort Collins, Colo., brewery.

   United Brands Company has unveiled a new look for 3SUM, its exciting ready-to-drink alcohol beverage. Out goes the silver, and in comes the black. The sexy-sleek design is a perfect match for 3SUM’s personality. The drink infuses 6 percent premium, triple-filtered clear malt with fresh-fruit flavors and a combination of caffeine, ginseng and taurine.
   “Our new look is a stand-out on store shelves,” said United Brands’ CEO and President Michael Michail. “We’re targeting 20-something consumers looking for hip, flavorful, ready-to-drink beverages that match their fast-paced lifestyles.” 
   3SUM was the industry’s first malternative product to infuse caffeine, ginseng and taurine in four unique varieties:  Original, Apple, Watermelon and Tropical, a blend of exotic fruits. 
   United Brands’ strategy is paying off. 3SUM now can be found in nightclubs and casinos in 22 states. The drink comes in two sizes:  8.3 ounce and 16 ounce.

   On a day when all things green are in vogue, Seagram’s launches Purple Rage Gin & Juice –– a bold new prepared cocktail flavor with authentic grape taste and vibrant purple packaging that is sure to be all the rage among consumers everywhere.
   “Flavor is the name of the game,” said Wayne Hartunian, Seagram’s Gin global brand director, Pernod Ricard, USA. “Flavorful line extensions are a key business driver in the prepared cocktails category. The introduction of an exciting new flavor coupled with the strength of the Seagram’s name translates into increased category sales. The Seagram’s Gin & Juice business has been witnessing very strong growth over the past year. If history is any indication of the future, the Purple Rage launch will only accelerate the momentum even more.Purple Rage’s launch also complements the new Gin & Juice full line packaging makeover and helps communicate the energetic, cutting-edge personality of the entire range of flavors.
   “We are excited to offer consumers a new flavor and to offer retailers a new opportunity to increase their category sales,” Hartunian said.

   Diageo, the world’s leading spirits, beer and wine company, announces the launch of new Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Tropical Malt Beverages with real fruit juices. These malt based beverages are available in three tropical flavors: Wave Runner, a combination of passion fruit and mango flavors; Sunset Surf, which combines pineapple and orange flavors; and Matava Blue, which is a blend of berry and kiwi flavors. Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Tropical Malt Beverages are 5 percent alcohol by volume and made with 10 percent real fruit juice.
   “New Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Tropical Malt Beverages will bring a flavorful taste to those who appreciate real island experiences,” said Nagisa Manabe, VP, Diageo Innovation.
   The 11.2-ounce bottles are packaged in an island-inspired 6-pack, and a 12-pack version combining all three flavors will be available this month. 

 Back to SQUARE ONE

    Wine and spirits industry veteran Allison Evanow, a Northern Californian who bartended her way through her MBA, has created Square One Vodka, a top-shelf artisanal spirit, produced in a socially conscious manner, superior in its flavor profile and stunning in its sustainably-created packaging.
   The idea for Square One was conceived several years ago, and today, the vodka’s foray into the market is a timely one as Americans are starting to recognize that doing good does not necessarily mean doing without, Evanow says.
   Square One vodka begins with North Dakota-grown certified organic rye, prized for centuries for its subtle, nutty flavor. The only other ingredient in Square One is pristine water from the Teton Mountains. The vodka is then distilled in Idaho at Distilled Resources Inc. through a proprietary certified organic fermentation process, all taking place within a 100-foot radius of where the grain arrives.
For more information, visit www.squareonevodka.com.