FYI – Wonder how this one tastes…Cheers! -
~Brian
Jack's
Pumpkin Spice Ale latest brew from Anheuser-Busch
Anheuser-Busch
Cos. is launching a series of seasonal beers available on tap, to reinforce the
brewer's already strong presence in bars and taverns.
To
kick off this draught program, the nation's largest brewer this week rolls out
a pumpkin-flavored beer, Jack's Pumpkin Spice Ale, for the fall.
Anheuser-Busch
has quickened the pace of new products this year as it seeks to drive up sales
in a sluggish beer market.
Although
the company faces increased competition from Miller Brewing Co., it sees a
bigger threat coming from distilled spirits.
Spirits
have been growing in popularity among younger adult drinkers who are looking
for the wide variety of colors and flavors typically found in mixed drinks.
Under
development for the past year, the new program will offer different beers to
match each of the four seasons, said John Costello, product manager, Michelob
Specialty Brands at Anheuser-Busch's domestic brewing subsidiary.
Using
pumpkin for the fall beer seemed a natural choice, he said. "I like to
describe Jack's as a wicked blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove and real
delicious pumpkins."
Anheuser-Busch
contends today's beer drinkers are adventurous enough to try the brew.
"This
is just another way for us to offer our core consumers the flavor and variety
they seek," Costello said.
When
drinking the beer, consumers get a balanced taste of spices and slight
sweetness of the malt and pumpkin, said Florian Kuplent, a brewmaster at the
domestic brewing unit.
"It's
a well-rounded beer that goes with food very well," Kuplent said.
"You could serve it with turkey and as a dessert beer."
Anheuser-Busch
originally planned to have the pumpkin-flavored drink available only on
draught. But the brewmasters convinced the marketing department that the beer
should be part of the Michelob Special Sampler Collection, a seasonal package
of bottled specialty beers that Anheuser-Busch has offered every fall since
1997, Costello said.
The
12-bottle and 18-bottle sampler collection also includes Michelob, Michelob
Marzen, Michelob Pale Ale, Michelob Honey Lager and Michelob AmberBock.
Although
this fall's offering is being bottled, upcoming seasonal beers will be
available only on tap.
Anheuser-Busch's
brewmasters are developing a winter brew now, which should be ready in December.
