SweetWater Brewing Co., a subsidiary of Tilray Brands Inc., recently combined flavor innovations with higher ABV content with the release of two additions to the SweetWater Gummies line of brews: Sour Watermelon India Pale Ale (IPA) and Cherry Limeaid IPA, which are both brewed with real fruit and clock in at 9.5% ABV. Sour Watermelon IPA features a watermelon candy aroma, a crisp fruity body with a hint of tartness, and a slightly sweet finish, the company says. Cherry Limeaid IPA is a lime-forward profile, with a subtle maraschino cherry aroma, a sweet citrus body, and a hint of candy cherry flavor with a clean, sweet finish, the company adds.
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, a division of The Boston Beer Co., also is adding more flavor to the craft beer market with its springtime brew Mandarin & Mango Crush (6.0% ABV), a citrus-forward fruit ale brewed with boatloads of tart mandarin oranges and juicy Alphonso mangos.
Part of Dogfish Head’s 2024 Art Series, an annual selection of four beers featuring designs by a singular collaborating artist, Mandarin & Mango Crush showcases label artwork by Methane Studios, an Atlanta-based operation made up of an Ohio-native, beer-loving duo, Mark McDevitt and Robert Lee. The team’s otherworldly interpretation of Mandarin & Mango Crush centers on a sea monster amidst shark-infested waters balancing whole oranges and mangos amongst his many tentacles, it says.
Going forward, consumers interest in flavorful innovations will continue to impact craft beer, experts note.
“Demand for sweeter, fruity, bolder flavor profiles across all of alcohol has influenced craft innovation and the brands that are driving segment growth,” Toenies and Piotrowski say.
https://www.bevindustry.com/articles/96452-2024-beer-market-report