Casella Announces [yellow tail] Beer Trial

Casella Family Brands has announced it is releasing [yellow tail] beer into two test markets in the US.

Speculation about the [yellow tail] beer launch has been rife since San Diego brewer Ballast Point - which itself was acquired by Constellation Brands last November - ceased using Yellowtail as the brand name for its Pale Ale, allegedly under pressure from Casella.

The flagship [yellow tail] brew, Australian Pale Ale, is now available in kegs in the Tidewater region of Virginia and will be rolling out in on-premise locations in Rhode Island by mid-February.

This will be followed by a roll-out in those states of the entire range, Australian Pale Ale, Sunset Lager and Whistling Wheat, in 12 fl. oz. bottles, being offered to on and off-premise locations beginning March 2016.

The export venture comes as the world-beating winemaker continues to enjoy the benefits of a weakened Australian dollar, after several tough years when the currency was in a position of strength.

At the time of writing, the Australian dollar is worth US72¢ and Managing Director John Casella this month said the company is “comfortably profitable” at about US85¢ and below.

The beers will be contract produced by Australian Beer Company, Casella’s joint venture with Coca-Cola Amatil.

Casella says [yellow tail] beer is “refreshing without bitter notes so frequently found in other beers”.

“The beer is full of taste and highlights the wonderful natural flavours that Australia has to offer,” the company says.

“The brews have been created to reflect the sun-kissed Aussie lifestyle, offering consumers a craft beer that is flavourful yet approachable.”