Casella Family branches out into beer

Casella, the makers of Yellow Tail and Peter Lehmann wines, is branching into beer with the launch of a Yellow Tail lager in the US.

Casella’s track record in launching wine brands is strong, however its ability within the beer market has so far gone untested. Casella currently ships eight million cases of its Yellow Tail wine to the US each year, representing about 70% of the company’s volumes, having built the brand from scratch 10 years ago to become the most popular imported wine in the US.

Unveiled last week, the company is hoping to build on its presence in the US, and the success of its Yellow Tail brand with the launch of Yellow Tail beer in two US test markets.

A Yellow Tail Australian Pale Ale, is now available in kegs in the Tidewater region of Virginia, and will be reaching on-trade locations in Rhode Island by mid-February. This will be followed by a roll-out in those states of the entire range; Australian Pale Ale, Sunset Lager and Whistling Wheat, from March 2016.

Announcing its Yellow Tail range Casella Family Brands said: “The beer is full of taste and highlights the wonderful natural flavours that Australia has to offer. The brews have been created to reflect the sun-kissed Aussie lifestyle, offering consumers a craft beer that is flavourful yet approachable.”