New York Times Features Tio Rodrigo for Unique Summer Hybrids
New Genres of Summer Drinks that will Entice People to Day Drink
By Joshua M. Bernstein, New York Times
Breweries and beverage companies have invented several new genres of summer drinks, both nonalcoholic and spiked, to keep up with changing tastes.
Parties and get-togethers might look more normal this summer, but we can’t say the same for the drinks cooler. Breweries and beverage companies have invented new summertime drinking options that move beyond the standard lager, canned cocktail or hard seltzer.
These warm-weather drinks blur categories, running the spectrum from hops-infused sparkling water to boozy beer Popsicles and even heavily fruited hard seltzers. Here’s a look at some of these unexpected sips.
"Balances bright acidity with savory heat"
Joshua M. Bernstein, New York Times
The michelada balances bright acidity with savory heat by combining light Mexican lager with lime juice, hot sauce and varied seasonings. Mass-market Mexican breweries have long sold canned micheladas, removing the fuss of mixing at home, but now breweries are taking canned micheladas into other flavorful directions by changing the base beers.
SLO Brew, in San Luis Obispo, Calif., blends the brewery’s softly textured hefeweizen beer with tomato juice, assorted spices and fruits such as mango in its Tío Rodrigo micheladas. Golden Road’s first release in its Chelada Cart series mixes a guava-flavored beer with zippy Clamato. Estrella Jalisco also uses Clamato in its zesty Tropical Chamoy Chelada lager, along with pineapple juice and chamoy, the fruit-based condiment that hits all the notes: sweet, salty, spicy and sour.
New Genres of Summer Drinks that will Entice People to Day Drink
By Joshua M. Bernstein, New York Times
Breweries and beverage companies have invented several new genres of summer drinks, both nonalcoholic and spiked, to keep up with changing tastes.
Parties and get-togethers might look more normal this summer, but we can’t say the same for the drinks cooler. Breweries and beverage companies have invented new summertime drinking options that move beyond the standard lager, canned cocktail or hard seltzer.
These warm-weather drinks blur categories, running the spectrum from hops-infused sparkling water to boozy beer Popsicles and even heavily fruited hard seltzers. Here’s a look at some of these unexpected sips.
"Balances bright acidity with savory heat"
Joshua M. Bernstein, New York Times
The michelada balances bright acidity with savory heat by combining light Mexican lager with lime juice, hot sauce and varied seasonings. Mass-market Mexican breweries have long sold canned micheladas, removing the fuss of mixing at home, but now breweries are taking canned micheladas into other flavorful directions by changing the base beers.
SLO Brew, in San Luis Obispo, Calif., blends the brewery’s softly textured hefeweizen beer with tomato juice, assorted spices and fruits such as mango in its Tío Rodrigo micheladas. Golden Road’s first release in its Chelada Cart series mixes a guava-flavored beer with zippy Clamato. Estrella Jalisco also uses Clamato in its zesty Tropical Chamoy Chelada lager, along with pineapple juice and chamoy, the fruit-based condiment that hits all the notes: sweet, salty, spicy and sour.
SLO Brew Launches Tío Rodrigo 12-Pack
SLO Brew Launches Tio Rodrigo 12-Pack
Ready-to-drink micheladas are now a Cinco de Mayo party staple thanks to California’s Tio Rodrigo. With no mixers and no mess, consumers can celebrate without the fuss of making the classic beer cocktail from scratch.
“We set out to craft the best canned michelada on the market,” said co-founder Rodney Cegelski. “The secret behind Tio Rodrigo’s unbeatable flavor lies with time and quality ingredients.”
Tangy and spicy, Tio Rodrigo Micheladas pair a refreshing mix of real tomato juice, crisp lime and natural spices with classic craft beer from the long-standing Central Coast brewery, SLO Brew. Available in two varieties, Original and Mango, the fiery drinks can be enjoyed straight up or garnished creatively with a chamoy-chili rim, fresh fruit, shrimp or chicharones.
Joining the core lineup of micheladas, Tio Rodrigo’s new Cerveza Clara is available in the all new Fiesta 12-pack. The mexican-style lager is cold fermented with a clean yeast to produce a light and refreshing finish and was recently awarded a 95 point score from Wine Enthusiast.
The celebration doesn’t stop there. Crafted in partnership with Tio Rodrigo and California chip company Taco Works, the world’s first tortilla chip beer is returning to select retailers exclusively for Cinco de Mayo. Brewed from over 400lbs of steaming chips and finished with hints of lime, Taco Works Tortilla Chip Lager has been a fast-favorite, previously selling-out just two-weeks after its release.
Year-round, craft beer outlets and major retailers like Walmart, BevMo! and Total Wine will be stocking their fridges with Tio Rodrigo Original and Mango 12oz 6-packs, and Fiesta Variety 12oz 12-packs throughout California, Arizona and Texas. For those on the Central Coast, stop by SLO Brew Rock to celebrate on 5/5 as Tio Rodrigo kicks off the new releases for Cinco de Mayo.
"Tio Rodrigo brings the bold and authentic flavors of Mexico to a new generation of craft drinkers"
ABOUT TIO RODRIGO
Tio Rodrigo brings the bold and authentic flavors of Mexico to a new generation of craft drinkers. The flagship micheladas pair a refreshing mix of real tomato juice, crisp lime and natural spices with classic craft beer from the long-standing Central Coast brewery, SLO Brew. Find the top rated canned micheladas in stores throughout California, Arizona, and Texas.
ABOUT SLO BREWING CO.
Founded as a humble brewpub in 1988, SLO Brewing Co. is a California brewery with a history of crafting gold-medal-winning beers and earning the honor of “Brew Pub of the Year” at The Great American Beer Festival. Acquired by Rodney Cegelski and Hamish Marshall in 2010, the company’s operations rapidly expanded into a house of ground-breaking brands including SLO Brew craft beers, Tio Rodrigo craft micheladas, Porch Pounder premium canned wine and Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills craft whiskey. Dedicated to proving that innovation is the lifeblood of exciting brands, SLO Brewing Co is a pioneer in creating and nurturing new brands for a new generation of drinkers.
SLO Brew Launches Tio Rodrigo 12-Pack
Ready-to-drink micheladas are now a Cinco de Mayo party staple thanks to California’s Tio Rodrigo. With no mixers and no mess, consumers can celebrate without the fuss of making the classic beer cocktail from scratch.
“We set out to craft the best canned michelada on the market,” said co-founder Rodney Cegelski. “The secret behind Tio Rodrigo’s unbeatable flavor lies with time and quality ingredients.”
Tangy and spicy, Tio Rodrigo Micheladas pair a refreshing mix of real tomato juice, crisp lime and natural spices with classic craft beer from the long-standing Central Coast brewery, SLO Brew. Available in two varieties, Original and Mango, the fiery drinks can be enjoyed straight up or garnished creatively with a chamoy-chili rim, fresh fruit, shrimp or chicharones.
Joining the core lineup of micheladas, Tio Rodrigo’s new Cerveza Clara is available in the all new Fiesta 12-pack. The mexican-style lager is cold fermented with a clean yeast to produce a light and refreshing finish and was recently awarded a 95 point score from Wine Enthusiast.
The celebration doesn’t stop there. Crafted in partnership with Tio Rodrigo and California chip company Taco Works, the world’s first tortilla chip beer is returning to select retailers exclusively for Cinco de Mayo. Brewed from over 400lbs of steaming chips and finished with hints of lime, Taco Works Tortilla Chip Lager has been a fast-favorite, previously selling-out just two-weeks after its release.
Year-round, craft beer outlets and major retailers like Walmart, BevMo! and Total Wine will be stocking their fridges with Tio Rodrigo Original and Mango 12oz 6-packs, and Fiesta Variety 12oz 12-packs throughout California, Arizona and Texas. For those on the Central Coast, stop by SLO Brew Rock to celebrate on 5/5 as Tio Rodrigo kicks off the new releases for Cinco de Mayo.
"Tio Rodrigo brings the bold and authentic flavors of Mexico to a new generation of craft drinkers"
ABOUT TIO RODRIGO
Tio Rodrigo brings the bold and authentic flavors of Mexico to a new generation of craft drinkers. The flagship micheladas pair a refreshing mix of real tomato juice, crisp lime and natural spices with classic craft beer from the long-standing Central Coast brewery, SLO Brew. Find the top rated canned micheladas in stores throughout California, Arizona, and Texas.
ABOUT SLO BREWING CO.
Founded as a humble brewpub in 1988, SLO Brewing Co. is a California brewery with a history of crafting gold-medal-winning beers and earning the honor of “Brew Pub of the Year” at The Great American Beer Festival. Acquired by Rodney Cegelski and Hamish Marshall in 2010, the company’s operations rapidly expanded into a house of ground-breaking brands including SLO Brew craft beers, Tio Rodrigo craft micheladas, Porch Pounder premium canned wine and Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills craft whiskey. Dedicated to proving that innovation is the lifeblood of exciting brands, SLO Brewing Co is a pioneer in creating and nurturing new brands for a new generation of drinkers.
Firestone Walker to Acquire Cali-Squeeze from SLO Brewing Co.
Firestone Walker intends to fuel Cali-Squeeze’s rapid growth while SLO Brewing Co. looks to focus on other up-and-coming brands within their portfolio
Firestone Walker, the 25-year old craft brewing veteran, and SLO Brewing Co. announced today that they have signed a definitive agreement for Firestone Walker to acquire SLO Brewing Co.’s Cali-Squeeze brand.
Packed with refreshing real fruit juice and a soft Hefeweizen body, Cali-Squeeze was launched in 2017 and became an immediate hit. The infused brand caught the eye of Firestone Walker after taking note of its rapid growth and success.
“We have been close friends with Hamish and Rod for 20-plus years, and we’ve remained impressed with their commitment to innovation and the way they bring their brands to life,” said David Walker, co-founder of Firestone Walker. “Cali-Squeeze presents a unique beer style for us to explore through what we like to call ‘Fruits with Benefits.’ As a traditional hop-forward craft brewer, we have watched these styles evolve and we see Cali-Squeeze as the beer to help with that discovery.”
"This sale provides a significant opportunity for us to invest in what we do best – developing and building up new, groundbreaking brands"
Hamish Marshall, Co-owner of SLO Brewing Company
Since its founding in 1996, Firestone Walker has grown to become a leading California craft brewer with brands such as 805, Union Jack and Mind Haze, along with its storied vintage ale program. Firestone Walker is confident that its state-of-the-art brewing facility and distribution platform will help propel Cali-Squeeze to the next level while making some new friends along the way. Cali-Squeeze will retain its own identity while bringing a new beer style and brand proposition into the Firestone Walker family.
“SLO Brew is more than a craft brewery – it is an innovative incubator of brands. Cali-Squeeze has been a great win for us, and in a short space of time has become a runaway success on the West Coast,” said Hamish Marshall, Co-owner of SLO Brewing Company. “Our talented team of brewers and marketers know how to capture the spirit of the times, creating new and exciting types of beverages for the evolving marketplace. This sale provides a significant opportunity for us to invest in what we do best – developing and building up new, groundbreaking brands, including Tio Rodrigo craft micheladas, Porch Pounder and Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills whiskey.”
No details of the transaction will be disclosed other than to say that it is expected to close by July 1st 2021, pending customary closing conditions. SLO Brewing Co will continue to produce Cali-Squeeze during the transition to keep shelves stocked throughout the western U.S. Cheers to a new chapter!
Firestone Walker intends to fuel Cali-Squeeze’s rapid growth while SLO Brewing Co. looks to focus on other up-and-coming brands within their portfolio
Firestone Walker, the 25-year old craft brewing veteran, and SLO Brewing Co. announced today that they have signed a definitive agreement for Firestone Walker to acquire SLO Brewing Co.’s Cali-Squeeze brand.
Packed with refreshing real fruit juice and a soft Hefeweizen body, Cali-Squeeze was launched in 2017 and became an immediate hit. The infused brand caught the eye of Firestone Walker after taking note of its rapid growth and success.
“We have been close friends with Hamish and Rod for 20-plus years, and we’ve remained impressed with their commitment to innovation and the way they bring their brands to life,” said David Walker, co-founder of Firestone Walker. “Cali-Squeeze presents a unique beer style for us to explore through what we like to call ‘Fruits with Benefits.’ As a traditional hop-forward craft brewer, we have watched these styles evolve and we see Cali-Squeeze as the beer to help with that discovery.”
"This sale provides a significant opportunity for us to invest in what we do best – developing and building up new, groundbreaking brands"
Hamish Marshall, Co-owner of SLO Brewing Company
Since its founding in 1996, Firestone Walker has grown to become a leading California craft brewer with brands such as 805, Union Jack and Mind Haze, along with its storied vintage ale program. Firestone Walker is confident that its state-of-the-art brewing facility and distribution platform will help propel Cali-Squeeze to the next level while making some new friends along the way. Cali-Squeeze will retain its own identity while bringing a new beer style and brand proposition into the Firestone Walker family.
“SLO Brew is more than a craft brewery – it is an innovative incubator of brands. Cali-Squeeze has been a great win for us, and in a short space of time has become a runaway success on the West Coast,” said Hamish Marshall, Co-owner of SLO Brewing Company. “Our talented team of brewers and marketers know how to capture the spirit of the times, creating new and exciting types of beverages for the evolving marketplace. This sale provides a significant opportunity for us to invest in what we do best – developing and building up new, groundbreaking brands, including Tio Rodrigo craft micheladas, Porch Pounder and Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills whiskey.”
No details of the transaction will be disclosed other than to say that it is expected to close by July 1st 2021, pending customary closing conditions. SLO Brewing Co will continue to produce Cali-Squeeze during the transition to keep shelves stocked throughout the western U.S. Cheers to a new chapter!
SLO Brew Joins Black is Beautiful Beer Initiative
SLO Brew & Liquid Gravity Brewing Join More Than 800 Breweries In “Black is Beautiful” Beer Initiative
SLO Brew & Liquid Gravity Brewing are proudly joining the global beer collaboration “Black is Beautiful” to help raise awareness for race-base injustice. As part of the initiative, the local breweries will be making a collective donation to the NAACP SLO County Branch in support of securing political, educational, social and economic equality of rights in the fight to eliminate racial discrimination.
“It’s humbling to be a part of such a powerful project,” said SLO Brew principle Rodney Cegelski. “We promise to keep listening to the conversation for change in commitment to the long-term work of equality.”
“The time is now to shine a light on injustice and begin moving forward towards a society filled with love, respect and equality.”
Brendan Gough, Liquid Gravity Brewing
Spearheaded by Weathered Souls Brewing Company in San Antonio, Texas, the “Black is Beautiful” project invites any brewer to use a base stout beer recipe and introduce unique flavor profiles. Participating breweries are asked to donate 100 percent of the beer’s proceeds to local organizations that support police brutality reform and legal defense resources. As of Friday, June 19th over 800 breweries in 50 states and 13 countries have committed to the initiative.
“We are honored to join this collaboration,” said Brendan Gough, Liquid Gravity Brewing owner & head brewer. “The time is now to shine a light on injustice and begin moving forward towards a society filled with love, respect and equality.”
SLO Brew and Liquid Gravity Brewing combined forces to craft an 8% Coconut Coffee Stout brewed in a 20 BBL batch with 1800 lbs of malt for toasted notes of caramel followed by light additions of CTZ hop to tease a bit of bitterness. This deep, rich brew fermented for two weeks. Once settled, fresh ground coffee & coconut were added to pass along a delectable complexity.
SLO Brew & Liquid Gravity Brewing Join More Than 800 Breweries In “Black is Beautiful” Beer Initiative
SLO Brew & Liquid Gravity Brewing are proudly joining the global beer collaboration “Black is Beautiful” to help raise awareness for race-base injustice. As part of the initiative, the local breweries will be making a collective donation to the NAACP SLO County Branch in support of securing political, educational, social and economic equality of rights in the fight to eliminate racial discrimination.
“It’s humbling to be a part of such a powerful project,” said SLO Brew principle Rodney Cegelski. “We promise to keep listening to the conversation for change in commitment to the long-term work of equality.”
“The time is now to shine a light on injustice and begin moving forward towards a society filled with love, respect and equality.”
Brendan Gough, Liquid Gravity Brewing
Spearheaded by Weathered Souls Brewing Company in San Antonio, Texas, the “Black is Beautiful” project invites any brewer to use a base stout beer recipe and introduce unique flavor profiles. Participating breweries are asked to donate 100 percent of the beer’s proceeds to local organizations that support police brutality reform and legal defense resources. As of Friday, June 19th over 800 breweries in 50 states and 13 countries have committed to the initiative.
“We are honored to join this collaboration,” said Brendan Gough, Liquid Gravity Brewing owner & head brewer. “The time is now to shine a light on injustice and begin moving forward towards a society filled with love, respect and equality.”
SLO Brew and Liquid Gravity Brewing combined forces to craft an 8% Coconut Coffee Stout brewed in a 20 BBL batch with 1800 lbs of malt for toasted notes of caramel followed by light additions of CTZ hop to tease a bit of bitterness. This deep, rich brew fermented for two weeks. Once settled, fresh ground coffee & coconut were added to pass along a delectable complexity.
ATOD Magazine Calls our Lofts the 'Best Luxury Party Hotel'
The Best Luxury Party Hotel in SLO
By Dawn Garcia, ATOD Magazine
Saying “best luxury party hotel” when referring to a place on the Central Coast of California may seem a little unusual but, assuredly, SLO Brew Lofts is legit.
Luxury can be defined in many ways but the traditional definition means the state of great comfort and extravagant living. Nothing quite showcases that like a newly designed boutique hotel. What separates a boutique hotel from the standard hotels are the intricate details, personal touches, and overall experience.
In SLO, also known as San Luis Obispo, this county of about 45,000 residents is among those continually evolving. While SLO has become synonymous with craft beers, unique wines, great golf, and no shortage of charm, it’s raising the bar in terms of design and art. (And partying in style.)
Introducing SLO LOFTS
The 1BR | 738 Higuera Street | San Luis Obispo, CA
Recently, we discovered a design beauty that hit all the marks of what we’re looking for in a luxury boutique hotel. The theme is a blend of European modern meets rustic chic. Art lines the walls whether it be in the realm of black and white photography, hand painted elevator doors, gorgeous sculptures, iron moldings, and even clever greenery, the attention to detail is beyond impressive. And then … you enter the rooms.
Beautiful wood flooring, full kitchens stocked with top of the line appliances including the refrigerator remnant of the 1950’s filled of complimentary bottled water, 4 varietal cans of SLO Brew beer for the drinking, and several six-packs of beer and wine bottles available for purchase. The bathroom reeks of elegance as subway tiles lined with black grout contrast the stark white walls and rich black painted industrial door accents.
The bedroom is just outside of the bathroom door with a raised rustic wooden bed frame, white sheets, and tableside lamps beautifully patched with elements of colors and textures making their own creative statement. Rounding the corner back into the kitchen and dining area of the loft are brick-lined walls floor-to-ceiling and a console table. On the console table sits a Crosley record player with old vinyls beside it including Simon & Garfunkel and Andrés Segovia Torres.
"Raising the bar in terms of design and art and partying in style."
Dawn Garcia - ATODMagazine
Just past that? The bar height kitchen table made old reclaimed woods and six gray leather barstools but it’s what faces opposite the table that ends up being the coolest part of the room: a large black and white framed print of Steve McQueen. The photo is a print from LIFE in 1963 while he was in his Palm Springs bungalow taken by photographer John Dominis. It’s one of the coolest images capturing the “King of Cool” himself.
The Best Luxury Party Hotel in SLO
By Dawn Garcia, ATOD Magazine
Saying “best luxury party hotel” when referring to a place on the Central Coast of California may seem a little unusual but, assuredly, SLO Brew Lofts is legit.
Luxury can be defined in many ways but the traditional definition means the state of great comfort and extravagant living. Nothing quite showcases that like a newly designed boutique hotel. What separates a boutique hotel from the standard hotels are the intricate details, personal touches, and overall experience.
In SLO, also known as San Luis Obispo, this county of about 45,000 residents is among those continually evolving. While SLO has become synonymous with craft beers, unique wines, great golf, and no shortage of charm, it’s raising the bar in terms of design and art. (And partying in style.)
Introducing SLO LOFTS
The 1BR | 738 Higuera Street | San Luis Obispo, CA
Recently, we discovered a design beauty that hit all the marks of what we’re looking for in a luxury boutique hotel. The theme is a blend of European modern meets rustic chic. Art lines the walls whether it be in the realm of black and white photography, hand painted elevator doors, gorgeous sculptures, iron moldings, and even clever greenery, the attention to detail is beyond impressive. And then … you enter the rooms.
Beautiful wood flooring, full kitchens stocked with top of the line appliances including the refrigerator remnant of the 1950’s filled of complimentary bottled water, 4 varietal cans of SLO Brew beer for the drinking, and several six-packs of beer and wine bottles available for purchase. The bathroom reeks of elegance as subway tiles lined with black grout contrast the stark white walls and rich black painted industrial door accents.
The bedroom is just outside of the bathroom door with a raised rustic wooden bed frame, white sheets, and tableside lamps beautifully patched with elements of colors and textures making their own creative statement. Rounding the corner back into the kitchen and dining area of the loft are brick-lined walls floor-to-ceiling and a console table. On the console table sits a Crosley record player with old vinyls beside it including Simon & Garfunkel and Andrés Segovia Torres.
"Raising the bar in terms of design and art and partying in style."
Dawn Garcia - ATODMagazine
Just past that? The bar height kitchen table made old reclaimed woods and six gray leather barstools but it’s what faces opposite the table that ends up being the coolest part of the room: a large black and white framed print of Steve McQueen. The photo is a print from LIFE in 1963 while he was in his Palm Springs bungalow taken by photographer John Dominis. It’s one of the coolest images capturing the “King of Cool” himself.