Suzie’s Brewery has announced a new line of hard seltzers loaded with a whopping 9.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). Suzie’s Loaded Organic Hard Seltzer will appear in three cocktail-inspired flavors including Mojito, Pina Colada, and Moscow Mule.
Suzie’s revealed that the the lineup will be available in select markets later this month.
Through an Instagram campaign the brand sets the mood. “Our mojito flavor reminds us of the cool breeze on a warm summer’s day. Hints of our sour lime and fresh mint, mixed with our sparkling organic hard seltzer, will take your taste buds on a trip.”
The beverages are to be packaged in 16 ounce cans and contain no carbs or sugar. In addition to being organic, the Loaded line is gluten free and will be packaged in single-flavor 4 packs.
“As the Official Hard Seltzer of Mother Nature, we wanted to create these cocktail flavor seltzers people could take with them on any of their outdoor adventures,” states Suzie’s CEO Chris Barhyte.
“We began with the cleanest, purist spring water from the Blue Mountains of Northwest Oregon and added ingredients grown using organic-certified farming practices,” Barhyte continued.
At 9.5% Suzie’s Loaded Organic Hard Seltzers have a higher ABV than many of the most popular imperial hard seltzers on the market. White Claw Surge, Truly Extra, and Bud Light Platinum each contain an ABV of 8%.
By definition, hard seltzers contain an ABV between 4% and 6%. Suzie’s original line of hard seltzers contain an ABV of 5%. It is worth noting, however, that there are hard seltzers on the market with an even higher ABV than Suzie’s. Four Loko Hard Seltzer, for instance, boasts an ABV of 12%.
Suzie’s Brewery made HSN headlines this past February when they sued beverage giant Anheuser-Busch over an ad campaign for Michelob ULTRA Organic Seltzer. In an ad that aired in January, Michelob ULTRA claimed to be the “first national USDA certified organic hard seltzer.” Suzie’s Organic Hard Seltzer is a national USDA certified organic seltzer. The brand is certified by Oregon Tilth’s nationally recognized program and has been on the market since July of 2020.
Anheuser-Busch insisted their use of the word “national” was not in reference to their certification status but rather to the fact that their seltzer is available nationally, whereas Suzie’s can only be purchased in Oregon, Montana, New Jersey, Washington, and Wyoming.
In an exclusive interview with Hard Seltzer News Chris Barhyte said, “It’s tough to fight the big guy, right? I mean, that was a tough thing, but it was so amazingly false, it was kind of an easy decision.” Suzie’s was granted a temporary restraining order barring Anheuser-Busch from running the ad. The two companies reached a settlement last month for undisclosed terms.
Suzie’s Brewery, which is located in historic Pendleton, Oregon, is unique in that their facility is partially run on wind power. The family-owned business started out in the early 80s as Barhyte Specialty Foods, a mustard and condiment company, but expanded into organic hard seltzers last year when the seltzer market exploded.
In addition to being one of the country’s Top Ten True Western Towns, Pendleton is also home to Pendleton Woolen Mills, makers of the famous Jacquard blanket.
Suzie’s hopes their new Loaded Organic Hard Seltzers will be a welcome addition to the brand.
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