Narragansett Beer has announced the release of a new craft beer to be available year-round, Cream Ale. Last fall, more than 1,000 fans voted between a Cream and a Rye Ale in a consumer campaign that crowned Cream Ale the winning beer. Joining award-winning Narragansett Lager, Light, and four seasonal crafts, Cream Ale makes its debut in the brand’s signature 16oz Tallboy cans and on draught at bars, restaurants and package stores.
Despite a decline in beer sales in 2011, Narragansett experienced significant overall growth, including expanding into new markets Southern New York, Eastern Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Revived by Mark Hellendrung in 2005, the brand began releasing craft seasonals just eighteen months ago, all of which have been met with critical acclaim and enthusiasm from fans. Last year, Narragansett’s craft beers accounted for 25% volume growth and 35% dollar growth for the brewer.
“The support for our craft styles has been dually exciting and a driving force behind our goals for growth,” explains Hellendrung. “The release of a high-quality year-round craft is a natural next step for Narragansett.”
The original Cream Ale was incredibly popular in the 1960s and 1970s, and made for a refreshing alternative to its then Lager and Porter styles. Today’s craftier version of this easy-drinking, session brew is a throwback to Pre-Prohibition cream ales but with a slightly hoppier flavor.
