Two breweries owned by Heineken USA are collaborating.
The company has announced the March 2019 relaunch of Newcastle Brown Ale, brewed by Lagunitas Brewing Company.
“Now with Lagunitas in the family, we have the perfect partner to reimagine our beloved Newcastle Brown Ale,” says Amy Tay, brand director. “Lagunitas Brewing Company is one of the most recognized and respected brewers in the craft beer space.”
The new liquid is brewed with American Centennial and Chinook hops, fermented using the Lagunitas’ English house ale yeast. The medium-colored brown ale is slightly roasty with a hoppy note, the company says.
“We are not known for malty beers,” says Jeremy Marshall, Lagunitas brew master. “We are really honored and excited to re-imagine the new Newcastle Brown Ale using our malts, hops, and yeast for a silky smooth flavorful experience.”
To support the launch along with highly targeted digital outreach, the team will lead with retail sampling, brew tastings at community events and fan influencer engagements. In addition, a range of POS and merchandising materials for both retail and on-premise accounts will help encourage shoppers and on-premise drinkers to try this new brown ale.
Newcastle Brown Ale will be produced at Lagunitas’ breweries in Petaluma, CA. and Chicago, IL. It’s available in 12-oz. bottles in packs of 6, 12 and 24 — as well as a 7.75-gallon slim steel keg. The brand will continue to be marketed by Heineken USA and distributed through its network.
Lagunitas Begins Brewing Newcastle Brown Ale we hate this new formula we like the original Newcastle, please bring it back. We have switched beers because of it.
Why did this happen?I just bought a 6 pack and I am throughly disappointed. The original was a classic for a reason. I respect lagunitas and their brand however this was a huge misstep.
Newcastle was my go to ale since the 1980’s. Lagunitas & Heineken have completely ruined it!!! Now the only time I can have a REAL Newcastle is when I got to visit my wife’s family in Ukraine. The American version is wretched swill!!!
Funny to read the comments. Americans heavy handed on the hops? Of course the are they are incapable of brewing a balanced or malt forward beer.
I was able to buy Newcastle brown ale for the first time in 2 years, the taste is similar to what I know as new castle brown ale but is not the same it tastes watery as ales that have water added after brewing. I must add I was disappointed , which means I won’t be buying it again.