Genesee Brewery doubles production of seasonal Cran Orange Kellerbier
Genesee Brewery has released its 2022 run of Cran Orange Kellerbier, a 4.5% alcohol unfiltered golden lager infused with cranberry and orange flavors, and this year’s batch is twice as big as when the beverage debuted in 2021.
The seasonal offering, meant to bridge the gap between the lighter beers of summer and heavier cold-weather brews, just arrived on store shelves in Rochester and other upstate New York markets.
Last year, Genesee brewed 64,000 12-packs of 12-ounce cans of Cran Orange Kellerbier, more than planned, and sold them out, said Genesee brand director Jaime Polisoto. For 2022, the company produced around 130,000 12-packs.
“Many fall beers have a heavier malt flavor and taste. We wanted to keep Kellerbier sessionable, smooth and fun,” she said of the beer, whose fruit flavors complement its light malt body.
Ruby Red Kolsch, Genesee’s grapefruit-forward summer beer that debuted in 2018, was a huge hit for the brewery from the start has been the No. 1-selling flavored beer 12-pack in the state for the past four years, brewery representatives said. This year it was joined by Tropical Pineapple Kolsch.
The Kellerbier, along with Oktoberfest, have helped maintain interest in Genesee specialty products throughout late summer and fall, when Kolsch is no longer in season, the company stated.
Kellerbier is a style of lager first brewed in Germany that dates back to the Middle Ages. Kellerbier literally means “cellar beer” because it referred to any beer being aged under the brewery and served straight from the lagering vessel.
Founded in 1878, Genesee is the state’s oldest brewery.
Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @MarciaGreenwood.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Genesee Brewery doubles production of seasonal Cran Orange Kellerbier
