SHANDY - Amoskeag Beverages
Transcription
SHANDY - Amoskeag Beverages
AMOSKEAG BEVERAGES Summer 2013 | V.4 FRED MATT SARANAC BREWERY AMERICA REDISCOVERS THE SHANDY Retail Edge Seasonals The Beer Guy New Products Programs HIRE THE BEST EMPLOYEES | SUMMER SELECTIONS | B R E A K O U T T H E W H E AT S Letter toTHE TRADE In This ISSUE Cover Story .........................1 Brewer Highlight ..................2 Wayne’s Market ...................3 Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook .....4 We are so pleased with the positive feedback we have been receiving in regards to the Heady Times. Our suppliers are thrilled to showcase their new and seasonal products, while our sales department is able to use the publication as a selling tool when discussing products and programs with their accounts. Retailers enjoy seeing the actual products before purchasing and are thrilled to have a heads up on beers that are being released. It’s been a win-win for everyone involved! With the recent success of Heady Times, we thought we’d introduce the person behind the publication. Kelly Kirkpatrick has been a part of Amoskeag Beverages in various roles for 20 years. “I was a bit skeptical when the owners approached me about leading the charge for a new Amoskeag publication,” says Kelly, whose past responsibilities have ranged from receptionist, to positions in purchasing and telsell. Now an editor, Kelly says, “It’s nice to be able to highlight some amazing brewers, products and exceptional accounts.” New Packages .....................5 Seasonal Selections...............6 Available Year-Round ...........8 Perfect for the Season Programs.............................9 Retail Edge........................12 The Beer Guy ....................13 This is only our fourth edition, but we look forward to many more in the years to come. Kelly is always looking for news on the latest beer trends and interesting industry stories to share with readers. Please feel free to email her with any suggestions at: [email protected] Thanks again for choosing Amoskeag Beverages. We wish you continued success and a wonderful summer. Ed Murphy VP/General Manager Tom Bullock President Kevin Emmons VP/Marketing Director Heady Times is published four times a year, courtesy of Amoskeag Beverages. CoverSTORY America Rediscovers the Shandy A Refreshing Alternative for Summer A S AMERICANS, WE TEND TO LIKE BEER JUST AS IT IS, from the bottle, can or tap. Although recently, some brewers have begun mixing beer with other beverages like wine and tea and people are digging it! Many Europeans countries, whose beer-drinking history dates back considerably farther than ours, have a long tradition of mixing beer with non-alcoholic beverages or different styles of beer. The Shandy or Radler, as they refer to the blended beverage in Germany, is one of the most popular. Typically, a Shandy is a beer mixed with citrus-flavored soda, lemonade, ginger beer, ginger ale or cider. There seems to be no definitive answer as to when and where the Shandy originated but some tavern historians, yes such people really do exist, have traced the style back as far as the 1600s. Some say England deserves the bragging rights, while others believe the thirst-quenching blends were created in Germany. What we know for sure is that these refreshing concoctions have been enjoyed for centuries. Shandygaffs, as they were once referred to in England, are typically made with equal parts ale and ginger beer. The word Shandygaff is from the old London vernacular for “pint of beer”. It is a combination of the words “shanty,” a public house and “gatter,” an expression for water. The Radler is a combination (usually ½ and ½) of beer and sparkling lemon soda. The name Radler, German for ‘cyclist’, is said to have come from a time when a group of cyclists frequented a particular pub in Germany. As the bar became busy and the bartender feared running out of beer, he would serve it mixed with carbonated lemonade to extend his supply. Despite being readily available in Europe for generations, Shandys are relatively new to our present day beer culture. They are being ordered more often over the bar by drinkers in the U.S. who crave interesting alternatives to typical thirst-quenchers. Samuel Adams offers a pre-mixed Shandy as part of their summer lineup. Porch Rocker, inspired by Bavarian Radlers, is a blend of Helles beer with lemon for a freshsqueezed lemon taste, effervescent sweetness and a slightly tart, refreshing finish. The style of beer used to make Shandys varies, but light lagers or wheat ales seem to be the most popular among today’s American versions. The refreshing quenchers are also being brewed in different variations. The Traveler Beer Co. offers an entire lineup that expands the definition of what a Shandy can be. Each of their Shandys includes wheat beer that is mixed with either, ginger and clover honey (Tenacious Traveler), real lemons and limes (Curious Traveler) or real strawberries (Time Traveler). Flavored malt beverages are even jumping on board with this trend. Mike’s Hard Lemonade recently released a Shandy of its own. The mix of crisp lemonade and golden lager quenches even the toughest thirst. Whichever blend suits your fancy, these delicious, low ABV (typically around 4%) brews make ideal summer quenchers and are perfect for pairing with lighter fair like whitefish or salads drizzled with vinaigrette. www.amoskeagbeverages.com HeadyTimes v.4 1 BrewerHIGHLIGHT Fred Matt | Saranac Brewery 4th Generation of the Matt Family T HE FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED F.X. MATT BREWING Company has prospered at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains in Utica, New York for over a century. It is the oldest brewery in New York and the third oldest in the country. Under the leadership of the third and fourth generations of the Matt Family, the brewery is one of the most respected in the country, producing a variety of distinctive, flavorful beers. In 1878, German-born immigrant Francis Xavier Matt (F.X. Matt I), left the famous Duke of Baden Brewery in Germany to travel to the U.S. in hopes of owning his own brewery. After several years of brewing at the Bierbauer Brewery, he re-organized the faltering brewery to create The West End Brewing Company where he served as both head salesman and brewmaster. The brewery quickly became the largest and most successful of the 12 breweries operating in Utica at the time. “We know what you have to do to keep moving forward, which is why we continue to innovate and re-invent ourselves.” do to keep moving forward, which is why we continue to innovate and re-invent ourselves.” This year marks the 125th anniversary of the brewery and the folks at Saranac want to share this milestone with all of their customers. “We have redesigned our packaging and bottle labels. It’s a great opportunity to do a better job at telling our history and product stories.” Today, Fred Matt, President and 4th generation of the Matt family, carries on the proud tradition and German brewing heritage with the celebrated Saranac family of beers. Matt was instrumental in expanding the brewery’s distributor network and has rebuilt the sales and marketing organization in order to support the explosive growth of the brand. Before joining the brewery, he worked in New York City for Grey Advertising where he managed the Aquafresh toothpaste business. Matt received his BA from Hobart College and went on to receive his MBA from the Simon School of Business. Matt’s brewing philosophy is to create distinctive and drinkable beers, ones that have a unique taste, but are not too malty or too hoppy so you can enjoy them all night long. Though Trail Mix is one of their best sellers, a favorite of Matt’s in the summer months is Blueberry Blonde Ale, which is made from fresh blueberries. The brewery suffered a fire in 2008, but was only out of commission for 33 days. Matt says, “Although this was a difficult situation, the leaders before me not only suffered a fire, but prohibition, the depression and world wars, so this seemed like a minor speed bump compared to what others have faced. It actually made us stronger as a company because it pulled all of us together for one common cause, rebuilding the brewery successfully, and we have. Our company has gone through hard times. We know what you have to Moving forward, in addition to being focused on going green, Matt plans to continue to innovate and brew great beers. He explains, “You’re going to see some unique and different things that we’re doing in our pilot brewery where we will be testing new styles and flavors that we think will appeal to consumers.” 2 HeadyTimes v.4 www.amoskeagbeverages.com Off-PremiseSPOTLIGHT Wayne’s Market T HE WHITE MOUNTAINS REGION OF New Hampshire is a year-round destination known for breathtaking scenery, excellent attractions and a seemingly endless list of activities. Here, along Main Street in the quaint town of North Woodstock, you will find Wayne’s Market…a local favorite. Heady Times met up with owner, Chris Clermont who was happy to show off all that Wayne’s Market has to offer. The store has been open for years, but it wasn’t until 13 years ago that Clermont and his family bought the establishment, and over time have transformed the store into a beer haven. Prior to owning the market, Clermont had been involved in his family’s hospitality businesses in NH. But, it was the prospect of owning and running Wayne’s Market that made him leave his amazing gig as a golf professional in Florida and return to his home turf. Owner, Chris Clermont With over 1,000 SKUs of beer, it’s no wonder customers will travel long distances to reach this spot. As Heady Times walked through the store, the endless rows of big bottles in addition to 15 cooler doors, full of cold beer, were hard to miss. But big changes are on the horizon. “We are beginning renovations on our beer section,” says Clermont. The plans are to incorporate a beer cave to house Wayne’s huge assortment. Customers will be able to walk in, feel the cool air and know their beer will be cold and refreshing. Custom beer caves have become very popular in convenience stores, as they offer an inviting space for customers to browse. Beer tastings, held at the store every Friday from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., have really helped with the explosion of Wayne Market’s craft beer sales. “I was a little unsure at first, not knowing if my customers were willing to pay higher prices for some of these craft products,” said Clermont. His worries were put to rest once people had the opportunity to try a new beer and talk to a knowledgeable staff member about it. The choice then became easy. “Our local brews like Woodstock, Moat Mountain and Nepenthe Ales really fly off the shelves,” he says, but Clermont is always willing to bring in something new. “Experimentation is the most enjoyable aspect of craft beer.” For information on their products, checkout Wayne’s Market on Facebook. Gearing up for summer, the store’s busiest season, means getting the store in tip-top shape. With the help of 18 well-trained and dedicated employees running the deli and the rest of the market, that should be a piece of cake. Clermont is also considering having the store open 24 hours a day as it once was. Community service is another area close to Clermont’s heart, as he donates weekly to the local food pantry. “We live and work in a small community, it’s what you do - help out your neighbor,” he says. Clermont’s spirit of giving in combination with the store’s local charm, great service and amazing product selection have made Wayne’s Market the success it is today. www.amoskeagbeverages.com HeadyTimes v.4 3 On-PremiseSPOTLIGHT Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook T H E B A N K O F N E W H A M P S H I R E PAV I L I O N at Meadowbrook is an 8,000-seat amphitheater on the shores of beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee in Gilford, New Hampshire. What started as a mere vision on a grassy hill, has evolved into northern New England’s premier summer concert venue. When Heady Times caught up with RJ and Bridget Harding, owners of the venue, the place was rockin’! An expansion of the secondary pavilion is now underway and includes new parking lots as well as new entrance and exit roads, all in an effort to ease traffic concerns. Always looking to enhance their customer’s experience, these upgrades will be completed for the opening Mötley Crüe concert on May 17th. “When we first started this, our family set up folding chairs and erected a rented stage on the grassy field for local tribute bands to perform,” says RJ. Now Meadowbrook is known throughout New England and employs over 300 people with more than 20 big-time concert events each year. Many guests are season ticket holders or VIP “Inner Circle” members. “Once you‘ve experienced a Meadowbrook concert, you’re hooked,” says RJ. Each summer season, Meadowbrook hosts an incredible array of musical and comedic talent. Customers spend upwards of five hours at any given event, socializing with friends and engaging in a memorable evening they will remember years after the show has ended. “Having 40,000 Facebook friends and a huge Twitter following helps us keep our fans up to date on the latest Meadowbrook news,” Bridget added. Meadowbrook has formed a wonderful partnership with Amoskeag Beverages and their suppliers. “What sets us apart is our hospitality background,” says Bridget and they’ve found a perfect fit with Amoskeag who is more than just a sponsor. The Magic Hat 2nd Stage, the Harpoon Saloon, the Red Stripe VIP Lounge and the Sam Adams Brew House are all part of this amazing, natural outdoor venue. Coors Light and Miller Lite aluminum cans are always big sellers at the concerts as well as Twisted Tea 24 oz. cans, but guests are able to enjoy a wide variety of brews and they do! Giving back to the community has always been important to the Hardings. They helped start the Meadowbrook Foundation, whose mission is to enhance the educational and cultural well-being of the community through scholarships and other programs designed to expose citizens to music and other performing arts. Many music and art 4 HeadyTimes v.4 www.amoskeagbeverages.com Owners, RJ and Bridget Harding programs have been shut down due to nationwide budget cuts. So much so, that in many schools, they’re a mere shadow of what they once were. “We’re pleased to announce that we will be leading the charge and providing funding for the addition of the state-of-the-art music education software, SmartMusic, to Gilford schools,” says Bridget. “It’s so important that children have music in their lives and we are thrilled to help.” Amoskeag would like to give Kudos to the licensee, Centerplate as well as Stephanie and her crew who do an amazing job. NewPACKAGES Mike’s Hard Party Kit The Sam Can™ Mike’s latest variety pack is chock full of your favorite Mike’s flavors: Hard Lemonade, Hard Black Cherry, Hard Limeade and the new Hard Strawberry Lemonade. Party hard with Mike’s new variety pack! Availability: Now, year-round The Sam Can™ was developed over two years of research and testing to provide the best flavor for beer in a can. The design provides a drinking experience that is closer to the taste and comfort of drinking beer from a glass. The difference between drinking out of the new can, as compared to a standard can, will be subtle, but drinkers will notice enhanced flavors and a more comfortable experience. The extended lip places beer at the front of your palate to maximize enjoyment of the sweetness from the malt, while the hourglass ridge creates turbulence (like their patented Perfect Pint glass) which “pushes flavor out of the beer.” The hourglass ridge and positioning of the can opening work in concert to allow more airflow which enhances the flavor of the beer. You pour the beer into your mouth as opposed to “sucking” the beer out of a can. Availability: Both Boston Lager and Summer Ale 12 oz. cans are available now Grumpy Monk The long-held brewing traditions of Belgian Monk’s aren’t meant to be broken. Yet, to the Monk’s dismay, the distinctive character of Belgian yeast, with its spicy clove and fruit notes, can be re-imagined when combined with the brazen hop character of an IPA. These hops impart a citrusy, piney and earthy flavor that’s balanced by roasted malt sweetness for a complex and playful brew. Grumpy Monk is a spirited reinvention of the Belgian tradition. ABV: 6.5% Package: Draught only Availability: Now, year round Red Stripe 12 oz. Cans Everyone’s favorite Jamaican lager boasts an extremely refreshing taste, balancing malty-sweet and lightly hoppy flavors. The taste quality enhances the enjoyment of hot and spicy fare. Just in time for summer activities, this cool drinking lager will soon be available in 12 oz. cans! Hooray Red Stripe! ABV: 4.9% Package/Availability: 12 oz. cans are available now Woodstock 4000 Footer IPA A big American IPA, 4000 Footer is brewed with Chinook, Columbus and Amarillo hops and dry-hopped with Goldings. This tasty IPA honors the 48 mountain peaks that rise over 4000 feet! ABV: 6.4% Packages: 12 oz. bottles and draught Availability: Now, year-round www.amoskeagbeverages.com HeadyTimes v.4 5 NewPACKAGES T.G.I. Friday’s® Frozen Cocktails For nearly 50 years, T.G.I. Friday’s® has been mixing world famous cocktails and this summer, drinkers can take the world’s most trusted recipes just about anywhere! Available in Tropical Pina Colada, Wild Strawberry Daiquiri, Platinum Margarita and Blackberry Long Island Iced Tea flavors, just freeze and enjoy for authentic bartender taste. ABV: 5% Package: 10 oz. pouches only Availability: Year-round, beginning in June SeasonalSELECTIONS Woodchuck Summer Cider When Demand Exceeds Supply Many of our craft seasonal and specialty releases are available in limited quantities. Breweries only produce a certain amount of their specialty beers and Amoskeag does all they can to get as much product as possible. In addition, this magazine is compiled months prior to the decision made by the brewery to allocate their products to the wholesaler. Variations in production for some of these limited release offerings will fluctuate, resulting in lower quantities than anticipated. If you are interested in something you see in this publication and it is out of stock when you place your order, please contact your Amoskeag Beverages sales representative to discuss a similar product. Woodstock Inn Raspberry Weasel Wheat This light and refreshing, American-style wheat ale is blond in color with low hop bitterness and a hint of raspberry in each sip. ABV: 4.4% Packages: 12 oz. bottles and draught Availability: Now! 6 HeadyTimes v.4 www.amoskeagbeverages.com Exhibiting a slight tartness, this cider begins with a full, robust flavor followed by a rich taste reminiscent of New England blueberries. Summer Cider is the perfect refreshment on a warm, summer day. ABV: 5% Packages: 12 oz. bottles and draught Availability: Now! Woodchuck Hard Cider Private Reserve Belgian White A handcrafted treasure, the ultralimited edition, Woodchuck Private Reserve Belgian White is crafted with a classic Belgian beer yeast. Cloudy, with a rich, golden hue, it presents a delicate aroma and taste with coriander and orange notes, laced with the complexity of apple notes. This unique cider pairs excellently with seafood, mixed greens and sharp cheeses. Join the select few who get an exclusive taste of the fruits of Woodchuck’s labor. ABV: 5.5% Packages: 12 oz. bottles and draught Availability: Limited quantities in June SeasonalSELECTIONS Irish Beer Discovery Pack Abita Lemon Wheat The best of Irish beer will be available this summer in one attractive 8pk carton! The variety pack contains Guinness Draught, Guinness Black Lager, the first ever can of Smithwick’s and the brand new, Smithwick’s Pale Ale, the first new addition to the Smithwick’s brand since 1983! The English-style pale ale is smooth and light on the palate with a complex and interesting nose. Smithwick’s Pale Ale is a rich, golden color with a creamy head and clean, satisfying, full body. All the beers in this mix pack are in 14.9 oz. cans. Availability: June Lemon Wheat is a crisp, refreshing beer made with lemon peel for a fresh citrus taste and aroma. This unfiltered brew has a hazy, golden color and is made with pale and wheat malts, Centennial hops and Biere de Garde yeast. This brew pairs wonderfully with salads if the dressing is not too sweet, shrimp, lobster or any fish. ABV: 4.4% Packages: 12 oz. bottles and draught Availability: May A Variety of Travelers Harpoon White IPA Harpoon brewer, Ken Hermann took Harpoon’s exploration of – and adoration for – the IPA style in a new direction when he brewed a White IPA for the 100 Barrel Series. When the brewery decided to celebrate 20 years of brewing – and loving – Harpoon IPA, they knew that style had to be part of the fun. With notes of orange peel and coriander, the soft mouth feel of a Belgian wit and the hop additions of an American IPA, Harpoon White IPA combines the best of both worlds. Formerly available only in the IPA Adventure mix packs, Harpoon is proud to offer Harpoon White IPA as the first of their Limited Release IPAs. ABV: 6.2% Package: 12 oz. bottles only Availability: May Twisted Tea Tropical This seasonal delight includes tropical fruit notes made with mango, star fruit, passion fruit and white peach blended with a rich base of fresh brewed tea. ABV: 5% Packages: 12 oz. bottles as well as 12 and 24 oz. cans Availability: Now! A Variety of Travelers is a refreshing assortment of three delicious Shandys from The Traveler Beer Co. Curious Traveler, the original American Shandy, Tenacious Traveler, a spicier take on a Shandy, brewed with ginger and clover honey and Time Traveler, a delicious wheat beer brewed with fresh strawberry for a subtle fruit aroma and flavor. Availability: June Mike’s Hard Pink Lemonade Think Pink with Mike’s Hard Pink Lemonade! Lightly carbonated and packed with all the punch and sour that’s made Mike’s famous, this summer seasonal features a distinctively tart, pink lemonade taste – perfect for the summer! The packaging features the iconic pink ribbon as well as the very personal story behind Mike’s involvement with Breast Cancer research. A portion of the profits from the sale of Pink Lemonade are donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation each year. Cheers to finding a cure with Mike’s Hard Pink Lemonade! ABV: 5% Package: 11.2 oz. bottles only Availability: June www.amoskeagbeverages.com HeadyTimes v.4 7 Available Year-Round PERFECT FOR THE SEASON Verdi Sparkling Italian Summer Fun Verdi and Sparkletini by Verdi offer 100% natural, delightfully sparkling, summertime, or anytime, refreshment. ABV: 5% Packages: 8 and 24 oz. bottles Availability: Year-round Corona Light At only 99 calories and a low 4.5% ABV, Corona Light is the perfect summer refresher. Created with the purest water, the finest malt and the best hops, the #1 imported light beer in the U.S. offers the same smooth and refreshing taste as Corona Extra, but with less calories. A great addition to any summer picnic, Corona Light is a perfect match for sweet or vinegary barbeque. ABV: 4.5% Packages: 12 oz. bottles, cans and draught Availability: Year-round CoronaRita CoronaRitas are driving innovation and increasing sales and profits! By combining the most popular cocktail with the #1 selling import beer – you get a winning refresher! How it works: Take a 7 oz. Corona bottle (Coronita) and flip it upside down into the securely fastened Corona Clip. A subtle, yet distinct Corona flavor slowly seeps into the margarita while the cocktail is being consumed. Sit back and enjoy the delicious combination this summer! 8 HeadyTimes v.4 www.amoskeagbeverages.com Magners Irish Cider Since its introduction to the U.S. in 2000, Magners Original Irish cider, crafted using the juice of 17 different apple varieties, has become the #1 selling imported cider in many major markets. Magners Pear is made using 100% premium pears which are filtered to get rid of any impurities before fermenting slowly. This is what makes every bottle so fresh, fruity and full of flavor. Quality, tradition and refreshment are served in every bottle of Magners Irish Cider and both Original and Pear are 100% naturally gluten free. Perfect in the summer months, enjoy these refreshing Irish ciders over ice. ABV: 4.5% Packages: Original is available in 11.2 oz. bottles, 16.9 oz. cans and draught. Pear is available in 11.2 oz. bottles only. Availability: Year-round Programs Molson Canadian Pure Possibilities Red Bull Back to Basics No other beer is more passionate about the land and all of the great things it provides than Molson Canadian. Molson seeks to inspire drinkers to take advantage of the land and all of its possibilities, especially amidst the fleeting – but ideal – summer conditions. For a summer vacation, which would you choose … a weekend anywhere in North America or a month-long vacation within 200 miles of your home? With 45 different “Pure Possibilities” on back labels of Molson Canadian, each representing a duo of traditional and not-so-traditional summer adventures, Molson Canadian will not only encourage drinkers to maximize the summer season, but will also prompt a lively debate around which of the possibilities presented will be the winner. What’s more, an interactive digital overlay allows consumers to vote online, with the opportunity to see and comment on how other drinkers would choose to spend their summers. These unique labels will be featured prominently on secondary packaging (12 and 24pk bottles) and on summer-themed POS, providing both on and off-premise retailers the opportunity to attract new drinkers and drive repeat purchase, as consumers try to find – and weigh in on – all 45 Molson Canadian “Pure Possibilities.” Corona Summer Live It. Share It. Win It. This summer, Corona and Corona Light will inspire consumers to get out and enjoy summer to the fullest - whenever, wherever and however. Drinkers will be encouraged to live a summer with no regrets with the tools they need to celebrate the season and share their experiences. Consumers can enter to win hundreds of weekly prizes or a grand prize experience via codes in specially marked packages of Corona and Corona Light. They are also encouraged to share photos of themselves with Corona/Corona Light for a chance to win prizes and possibly be featured in a Corona advertisement! www.amoskeagbeverages.com HeadyTimes v.4 9 Programs Win a Trip to Pick With Mike American Vintage Hard Tea has picked the perfect partner to help them jump start the brand! Mike Wolf, star and creator of the History Channel’s hit show, American Pickers, reaches millions of viewers as he picks through American’s forgotten stuff to discover treasure. This summer, 10 lucky winners will win a once-in-a-lifetime chance to go “picking” with Mike in Atlanta. Consumers will visit and “like” American Vintage Hard Tea on Facebook and post images of cool American classic vintage items. Each “like” gets one sweepstakes entry and each image post gets 10. The sweepstakes will be promoted on Mike Wolfe’s Twitter and Facebook page as well as POS materials for American Vintage Hard Tea both in the on and off-premise. Contest submissions will be accepted from April 1st through June 15th. Have your customers show some American Vintage! Upload your picture and enter via www.PickWithMike.com Coors Light The Night’s Most Refreshing Beer Coors Light’s newest and freshest campaign, “The Night’s Most Refreshing Beer” promotion celebrates the transition from day to nighttime drinking occasions. Just as key beer drinkers transition easily from work to play, Coors Light is there with them, and ready for high energy and social networking. The creative platform for the program reinforces the Coors Light brand equity cues via a nod to the Rockies, while representing the energy that is so often associated with the Northeast’s most beautiful cities at night. Where will consumers engage with Coors Light, the 10 HeadyTimes v.4 www.amoskeagbeverages.com Night’s Most Refreshing Beer? Throughout the Northeast, this campaign will hit local media and programming including out of home, radio, TV, digital, POS, local sweeps and primary packaging in the onpremise. While the campaign has launched just in time for summer, it includes year-round trade activation ideas to make the program more flexible at retail. From first round to last call, with Coors Light, the Night’s Most Refreshing Beer campaign will have you saying, “Carpe PM!” all summer long. Stay tuned for phase two of this exciting promotion! Programs Win a Trip to Brasil with Modelo Especial This summer, consumers will have an opportunity to win a trip to Brasil in 2014 to discover soccer on the world’s greatest stage! Modelo Especial will become the global ambassador for fútbol, helping new fans discover the game and join the tribe of passionate fans all over the world! In-pack codes inside cases of Modelo Especial can be entered at foxsoccer.com/modelounido for a chance to win. Two national grand prize winners, each with a guest, will jet off to Rio for the ultimate soccer experience. Accommodations include a five night hotel stay, round trip airfare and tickets to a World Cup game. Enter in-pack codes at FOXSOCCER.COM/MODELOUNIDO Harpoon Celebrates 20 Years of Harpoon IPA Twenty years ago in Boston, Harpoon IPA was brewed for the first time. Harpoon Brewery co-founders Rich Doyle and Dan Kenary were unsure how local drinkers would take to this medium-bodied, hoppy, bitter, coppercolored ale, so they introduced it as a summer seasonal. It became an instant favorite and in 1994 Harpoon IPA became a year-round offering. Harpoon IPA has since become the brewery’s best selling beer and it remains the brewery’s flagship. Harpoon celebrated the beer’s 20th Anniversary by sharing the brewery’s IPA story, and by inviting Harpoon IPA fans to share their own stories in the “Tell Us Your IPA Story” contest on Facebook. And to continue the IPA celebration throughout the year, Harpoon will release limited edition 6pks of two new IPAs, Harpoon White IPA and Harpoon Black IPA. The White IPA, a blend of a Belgian wit and American hops, will be released in May, while the Black IPA will be released later this fall. Cheers to 20 years of Harpoon IPA! www.amoskeagbeverages.com HeadyTimes v.4 11 RetailEDGE Hire the Best Applicants for Your Business Finding good people to work for you is not always easy. In addition to possessing the skills to do the job, a potential hire must also fit the culture of your organization and have the appropriate background experience when needed. Resist the temptation to hire the first person to apply. It is up to you to find good workers and place them in positions that will help your business thrive. Here are some general guidelines to follow… Define the job. What do you want out of this position? What sort of background is needed to do the job? Clarify the type of person you want as well as the ones you don’t. Identify duties and tasks. Prioritize the characteristics and experience of the person you would like to hire, but set realistic expectations. Develop a clear job description. List responsibilities and range of tasks, whether full or part time, hours the employee will work and requirements in terms of work experience, education, technical skills or certifications. Do not over-define the job as you want the position to be fairly flexible if unforeseen tasks arise. Elaborate on the positives of your company and make sure the position sounds exciting or interesting. You may also want to list a salary range in order to weed out inappropriate candidates. Get the word out. Post the position both internally and externally when appropriate and let your current employees know you will be posting outside. Hiring from within can help keep the talent you have by letting your people know there is possibility of promotion. Utilize online resources like careerbuilder.com and monster.com. There is a cost associated with these sites, but it will allow for more choices. Post the position on your website and use social media to get the word out. Those who frequent your site or follow you on Facebook/Twitter are most likely interested in the industry. 12 HeadyTimes v.4 www.amoskeagbeverages.com Evaluate the candidates. Screen resumes or applications against the prioritized qualifications and criteria you have established. You may want to weed out candidates who have had many short-term jobs, no indication of increased responsibility or long periods of time between jobs with no explanation. Get the most out of the interview. Make candidates feel comfortable. The best questions to ask are those that are behavior-based. For example, “What problems have you encountered in previous jobs or with prior employers and how have you handled them?” This kind of questioning helps you see into past behavior and predict future performance. Ask open-ended questions and let them talk. Getting a feel for the interviewee’s personality allows you to get a sense of whether or not they will fit in with the culture of your business. Joel Moran, Director of Human Resources for Amoskeag Beverages feels it’s important to be certain that applicants are looking for the kind of job you are offering. He says, “Know your business well enough to match the expectations of your hires.” Know Who You Are Hiring. Why would any employer hire someone without doing a complete background check? Not doing so can cost employers thousands of dollars in time spent interviewing, training and providing benefits. Yet, many don’t. For about $30 per applicant and less than ten minutes of time, employers can have peace of mind knowing that the new employee is a good investment. Moran says, “The cost to do a background check is a lot less than the cost of a bad hire.” Take advantage of the many preemployment screening services available online. InfoCheckUSA.com is a national provider of background checks and screening, while criminal background checks can be performed for less than $20 on sentrylink.com. Reference checks are also beneficial, however many companies are wary of disclosing information on past employees for fear of a lawsuit. Your best bet is to ask questions like, “Is the candidate eligible for re-hire?” The BeerGUY When The Weather Heats Up, There’s Just One Thing To Do… Break Out The Wheat Beer By acclaimed beer writer Steve Hawk Wheat. It’s not the most widely used malt ingredient in beer, but it definitely makes a popular brew, especially for the summer. Adding wheat gives beer a particularly refreshing, light and crisp flavor, which makes it perfect when the weather is warm. Wheat beers originated in Germany and Belgium, where wheat was most abundant. Some believe this is one of the oldest styles of beer, as it is thought that farmers may have stumbled upon it accidently by allowing their harvested grain to ferment. There are many different kinds of wheat beers, from pale Belgian wits to dark dunkleweizens, and cloudy unfiltered hefewiezens to clear kristalweizens. They also vary in strength of alcohol and flavor. Here are just a couple styles of wheat beer you may want to promote during the summer months. “Wheat beer is clearly a good choice for the summer.” Hefeweizen Belgian Wit Originating in Southern Germany, this is an easy style of beer to love, as it is low in alcohol and fruity in flavor. Half or more of the malt in this recipe is wheat, and when combined with the special blend of Bavarian yeast, flavors of banana and clove are naturally produced. Hefeweizens have just a slight hop bitterness and a cloudy appearance, as these are unfiltered beers with yeast particles, still in suspension. In fact, the prefix “hefe” means “with yeast”. If you want to sample a terrific local brew, try a Sebago Hefeweizen. An unfiltered Belgian-style ale, Belgian wits are also brewed with a high percentage of wheat. They are always spiced with coriander and orange peel and traditionally they are high in carbonation and low in alcohol content. These brews are very refreshing and drinkable, with prominent citrusy and spicy undertones. The term “Wit,” also referred to as “White,” refers to the cloudiness of the style due to the suspension of the yeast. Excellent examples of Belgian-style wits are the highly-popular Allagash White and Blue Moon Belgian White, which are both available all year long. You can’t go wrong with either one! Wheat beer is clearly a good choice for the summer. Whether it’s for a picnic, tailgate party or any other outdoor activity, the versatile style is sure to keep you – and your customers – cool. www.amoskeagbeverages.com HeadyTimes v.4 13 510 Hall Street Bow, NH 03304-3105 Celebrate the 90th Anniversary of Laconia Motorcycle Week June 8-16, 2013 T HE ORIGINAL RIDING RALLY, LACONIA Motorcycle Week, is back again for their 90th Anniversary! The Laconia motorcycle rally, one of the premier rallies in the world, will have every attraction you can imagine. One of the best things about this major rally in New Hampshire is that it attracts the best custom bike builders and their creations. Events and attractions will be everywhere, but the place to be at night is Weirs Beach. Other attractions at the rally will include the Laconia Bike Show, Ride-In Bike Show, ultimate fighting matches, a motorcycle parade, a motorcycle auction, the Northeast Regional Trike-In, tattoo contests, motorcycle stunts, poker runs, guided rides and live music. Attractions at the bars will include music, Twisted Tea, Coors Light and Miller Lite promotions, biker contests, stunt riders, a bikini bike wash, tattoo contests and more. Local dealerships will be hosting events like the Miss Heritage Harley Davidson Contest as well as other biker contests, bikini contests and several different attractions for the bikers.