Award-winning craft beer pioneer, Ballast Point Brewing Co., announced today the addition of Speedboat Salt & Lime Blonde Ale on premise and in 12 oz. 6-packs to its growing core portfolio of year-round beers. The new release supports the brewery’s long-term growth plans and joins an already robust first quarter marked by the opening of Ballast Point’s 12,000 sf tasting room and kitchen in San Francisco’s Mission Bay neighborhood in February. Additional offerings slated for 2023 include the introduction of 19.2 oz. large format singles and updated 12 oz. mixed packs.
“Innovation has been a huge focal point for us the last twelve months and with the ever-evolving craft beer consumer and industry competition, we need to flex our brewers’ skills and show how we can expand our portfolio while also having a little fun,” said Jamie Kelly, Vice President of Product Management. “Everything around us is changing, and with the brewing team we have, I see no better time than now to make some great new beer and bring back some Ballast Point fan favorites.”
Ballast Point’s latest year-round release is a take on a Köln-style ale with new package art designed by long-time resident artist Paul Elder featuring Ballast Point’s signature skeletal sailors cruising along San Diego Bay with the downtown skyline on the horizon. At 4.8% ABV, Speedboat is a smooth-sailing brew, lightly hopped with citrusy, floral noble hops and finished off with a touch of lime and Himalayan sea salt. Bright and refreshing and with sweeter undertones than a Mexican lager, it’s the perfect companion to summertime foods like beer-battered fish tacos or spicy ceviche. The citrus notes build bridges with fruity vinaigrettes and tangy salads, and the sweet, bready undertones from the malt can hang out by the grill with the likes of smoked honey-glazed salmon and cilantro-lime grilled watermelon.
The success of Speedboat is already making waves in California with early reports indicating packaged product is mirroring sales benchmark success set by the brewery’s flagship juggernaut, Sculpin IPA, in just the first 30 days of its release. Since launching mid-February, Speedboat has outpaced initial sales projections with preliminary reports indicating over 1,000 points of distribution established in California thus far. Off premise momentum for the brand has started off strong with sell through to over 230 Southern California chains including Vons, Albertsons and Pavilions grocery stores as well as 21 Total Wines locations and additional convenience stores.
Speedboat accounted for new draft lines in California and Arizona, with locations including major stadiums and entertainment venues including Petco Park, Disneyland, Dodgers Stadium, Crypto Arena, Goodyear Ballpark and Peoria Stadium along with on premise chains including 16 Buffalo Wild Wings locations across Southern California and select locations of California Pizza Kitchen and Dave & Busters. In Ballast Point’s tasting rooms, Speedboat is steadily in the top 10 brands sold since it softly launched in 2022.
Speedboat Salt & Lime Blonde Ale – Blonde Ale, ABV: 4.8% 22 IBUs
Ballast Point’s take on a Köln-style ale is lightly hopped with citrusy, floral noble hops and finished off with a touch of lime and Himalayan sea salt.
Hop Varieties: Hallertau Mittlefruh, Magnum, Tettnager
Malt Varieties: Rahr 2-Row, Weyermann Pilsner, Rahr White Wheat, Dextrin
Draft, 12 oz., 6-pack cans, 19.2 oz. singles
Ballast Point’s long-term growth plan includes continued focus on flagship beers and driving innovation to create more choices for current fans of the brewery and for those new to the brand in Northern California. 19.2 oz. large format singles have been introduced this year with a focus on large venues and c-store markets and will initially include Sculpin IPA, Hazy Sculpin IPA, Swingin’ Friar Ale — the official craft beer of the San Diego Padres — and Speedboat Blonde Ale.
The brewery has also launched new mixed pack product lines in Q1, giving consumers the opportunity to try new and award-winning core beers.
Ballast Point Mixed Pack: (12, 12 oz. cans) – The Ballast Point Mixed Pack includes a variety of new innovation and original favorites for every one and every occasion:
Speedboat Salt & Lime Blonde Ale | Calico (Amber Ale) | Fathom IPA | Hazy Sculpin (India Pale Ale)
Ballast Point IPA Mixed Pack: (12, 12 oz. cans) – The Ballast Point IPA Mixed Pack is geared towards IPA drinkers looking for the original trophy beer and for refreshing spins on the brewery’s signature West Coast-style IPAs:
Sculpin (India Pale Ale) | Grapefruit Sculpin (India Pale Ale) | Fathom IPA | Aloha Sculpin (India Pale Ale)
“Innovation is the key to moving forward and that is the only way we want to go,” adds Kelly. “We have the freedom now to expand our portfolio and have a little fun.”
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