SLO Brew, which began as a neighborhood brewpub over 30 years ago but has since evolved into an award-winning brewery, has launched a truly innovative holiday IPA that is crafted by using the most Christmassy ingredient imaginable in the form of spruce tree tips.
The Holidaze IPA, which boasts an alcohol content of 7 percent, is also infused with orange peel and Citra hops, giving it a deliciously arboreal flavor that is designed to evoke memories of gentle morning hikes through pine orchards. This holiday IPA's festive aesthetic is all the more enhanced by its unique can art which is inspired by ugly Christmas sweaters.
Available on draft and in four-packs of 16-ounce cans for a price of $10.99, SLO Brew's Holidaze IPA is a limited-edition offering that the company's brewmaster Steve Courier says is designed to "invoke the sensation of a fresh-cut Christmas tree in beer form."
Spruce-Infused Pale Ales
This Holiday IPA Uses Fresh Spruce Tree Tips For a Woodsy Flavor
Trend Themes
1. Holiday-inspired Beer - Crafting inventive beer flavors with seasonal, festive ingredients is an opportunity for breweries to capitalize on holiday trends and attract new customers.
2. Unique Can Art - Creating creative and festive designs for limited edition beer cans is an opportunity for breweries to increase brand recognition and appeal to consumers looking for unique holiday gift options.
3. Natural Flavor Additives - Using natural ingredients, such as spruce tree tips, in beer making is an opportunity for breweries to appeal to health-conscious or environmentally-conscious consumers who prioritize natural flavors and products.
Industry Implications
1. Craft Beer - Innovative holiday-inspired beer flavors and festive can designs can set craft breweries apart from larger beer companies, and attract a loyal consumer base looking for unique, limited-edition offerings that are not available year-round.
2. Packaging Design - Designing creative and festive can packaging for limited edition beer flavors is an opportunity for packaging companies to expand their client base to include craft breweries and capitalize on the growing trend of unique holiday gift options.
3. Natural Ingredients - Utilizing natural ingredients in beer making can appeal to a variety of industries such as health and wellness, sustainability, and organic and natural food markets, which are looking for innovative and differentiated products to meet consumer demand for natural flavor additives.