Yatta Beverage will be the first Chu-Hi released in the United States. An offshoot of Shochu, a centuries-old Japanese distilled spirit, Chu-Hi features no carbs, no sugar, no gluten and no artificial flavors or colors. Full details on this interesting beverage are below.

In Japanese slang, the term “Yatta!” means “I did it!” or “We did it!” Like “Ta-da!” or “Viola!”

Well, what did we do? We’ve created the first domestic chu-hi! Yatta! But what is chu-hi? “Chu-hi” is short for “shochu-highball.” What is shochu? Shochu is a centuries-old distilled Japanese spirit. Currently, the category does over 300 million cases a year in Japan alone. In the convenience stores or “konbinis” the chu-hi category is as large as any other alcoholic beverage. Japan has had “hard seltzer” since 1983. And it’s never been made in America. Until now.

Sea Dog Brewing Co. in Portland, Maine has announced the debut of its small-batch hard seltzer. Full details from the brewery are below.

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — Sea Dog Brewing Co., a Maine-based craft brewery that specializes in fruit beers is bringing that strength to a new game: Seltzer. The brewery has released small-batch hard seltzer in blueberry, dark cherry and raspberry.

In the last decade, the seltzer industry has experienced a boom. According to market research firm Euromonitor International, between 2009 and 2014 the volume of carbonated bottled water sold in the U.S. increased by 56.4%. The rise of seltzer inspired beverage brands to release their own takes on hard seltzers. While large national brands continue lead the market, Sea Dog seltzers offer a means to support local craft breweries while still being able to enjoy the bubbly summer drink.

“We New Englanders love our seltzer and we love going to the brewery,” said Fred Forsley, owner of Sea Dog. “It was natural to bring hard seltzer into our craft brewing world here at Sea Dog.”

With craft brewing scenes being prominent in Sea Dog’s home state of Maine and other hot spots around the country, those who are gluten-free can feel left out of the culture. With Sea Dog expanding into seltzers, people who are gluten-free can finally have a craft-brewed drink to order when they visit the taproom.

Flying Embers Hard Kombucha in Ventura, California has announced three new summertime flavors: Blueberry Cassis, Rhodiola Rose and Watermelon Basil. Full details are below.

Ventura, CA — Leading organic hard kombucha brand, Flying Embers, shares the successful launch of their new innovation flavors on the heels of their previously launched direct-to-consumer channel.

On March 19th when the shelter in place was enacted for many states Flying Embers quickly mobilized and launched a new practice they call “DTC360” – a holistic digital retail marketing practice designed to optimize and streamline the direct-to-consumer brand experience. In less than ten days Flying Embers launched this new initiative which included a website redesign to allow consumers to order directly for pickup, delivery, or shipping within certain states. Flying Embers also worked hand-in hand with retail partners and third party delivery platforms to create new programs and streamline delivery offerings for consumers across the country. This quick pivot and ability to adapt business practices has created an opportunity for a series of Flying Embers new product launches.

Sonder Brewing in Mason, Ohio has announced the release of Raspberry Sequel hard seltzer in cans. Full details from the brewery are below.

MASON, Ohio — Every good story has a sequel, and that is the inspiration for Sonder Brewing’s release of their newest brand, Sequel Hard Seltzer. Being the sequel to beer, Sonder has had a Raspberry version of Sequel available on draft in the taproom since early February 2020. The hard seltzer has been a staple for consumers looking for a beer alternative, a healthier option or have an appreciation for a craft hard seltzer. Due to the overwhelming response in the taproom, Sonder decided to lean into the product by packaging it in 4-pack 16oz cans at a $9.99 price point. Sequel will hit limited distribution and available in the taproom while supplies last.

Luna Bay Hard Kombucha in Chicago, Illinois has announced an expansion to Wisconsin. Full details are below.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - Luna Bay Booch is proud to announce its line of hard kombuchas will launch in Wisconsin starting early this summer. Wisconsin marks Luna Bay’s second state of distribution in the Midwest and seventh state across the nation.

“With Chicago as our origin city, we knew early on that we wanted to bring Luna Bay to our neighboring state of Wisconsin. Launching in this state means so much to our team, many of whom have attended their schools and visited their cities and lakes for weekend adventures. We’ve received countless inquiries and it always felt like a perfect fit for our expansion plans,” says Bridget Connelly, CEO of Luna Bay. “Bringing people together is what we are all about. We hope Luna Bay will bring more of that to this beautiful state. Let the summer of booch begin.” 

Luna Bay will join forces with Wisconsin Distributors, the state’s leading beverage distributor, to bring its three flagship flavors - Palo Santo Blueberry, Hibiscus Lavender, Ginger Lemon - to Lake Geneva, Madison, Fox Valley, Milwaukee and other neighboring towns. Unlike other hard kombuchas, Luna Bay is made with Yerba Mate tea and is vegan, gluten-free and low in sugar. 

Porch Pounder Canned Wines in California has announced a distribution deal with Brew Pipeline, which will allow the brand to distribute nationwide. Full details are below.

Pewaukee, Wis. ​– Brew Pipeline,​ a direct-access platform between craft​ beverage producers and new markets,​ ​ announced today it’s welcoming Porch Pounder, award-winning canned wines from California, as its newest PORTFOLIO addition. All five of Porch Pounder’s wines will be available nationwide (44 new states) and year round. 

One of the first wineries to bring canned wine to market, Porch Pounder highlights vinted wines from single appellation vineyards sourced from the central coast wine region of California. With sustainable packaging, each can fills the equivalent of two full glasses of wine or half a bottle. 

“As the canned wine trend continues to grow in popularity, Brew Pipeline is thrilled to add Porch Pounder to the family,” says​ Steve Kwapil, CEO and co-founder of Brew Pipeline. “All five top-quality canned wines are thoughtfully crafted and delicious – w​e’re confident the rest of the​ country will agree.” 

Porch Pounder is available in single 375ml cans and will soon be available on draft. The suggested retail selling price ranges from $4.99 to $5.99 per can.

Product specs include:

• Chardonnay
  • 2018 vintage

                        ○    12% ABV

Stella Rosa Wines in Los Angeles, California has announced the release of a wine app, which is billed as the first of its kind. Full details are below.

Los Angeles, Ca. - Stella Rosa Wines has gained top recognition since they launched their semi-sweet, semi-sparkling wines in 2003, becoming the number one imported Italian wine in the country. Now, the world of Stella Rosa is at your fingertips!

Stella Rosa will be launching a new, one-of-a-kind Stella Rosa app. This will be the first ever application of its kind from a major wine brand. The app will have unique features like augmented reality screen filters, an in-app game, chances to win discounts and merch, cocktail recipes, a store locator, and more.

The in-app game Stella Poppin’ will allow users to play and compete for a top spot on the leaderboard. Win points and share your high score with friends via social media. The game will be updated regularly with additional and bonus levels.

The app will also notify users every Wednesday to open up the app and shake. By doing so, users win prizes and discount codes to use on Stella Rosa merch.

The Stella Rosa App will be available for free in both the App Store and Google Play Store for iOS and Android devices Monday, June 15^th, 2020. Users must be 21 and over to download and register.