Roll Into Summer with New Point Coast Radler

STEVENS POINT, Wis. (May 20, 2014) – Point Coast Radler, a refreshing mix of beer and natural citrus flavors from the Stevens Point Brewery, is rolling out to retail stores just in time for the onset of warm summer weather.

Available in six-packs of 12-ounce longneck NR bottles, Point Coast Radler is being introduced during May wherever Point handcrafted beers are sold.

Radler is the German version of England’s shandy, according to Point Brewmaster Gabe Hopkins. “Like the traditional German radlers, Point Coast Radler is designed to be light and refreshing,” Hopkins said. “Point Coast Radler is a light-colored ale brewed with Munich malts and blended with natural lemon, lime and grapefruit. The result is a thirst-quenching brew with a smooth and sweet citrus finish that really hits the spot after a hot summer day outdoors.”

Radlers: Born in Bavaria

Radler is the German word for “cyclist,” and Point Coast Radler, like many of its German counterparts, features bicycle graphics on its brightly colored packaging.

The German Beer Institute reports radler was first introduced in the summer of 1922 by an innkeeper near Munich, Bavaria’s capital city, who mixed beer with lemon soda to serve to a thirsty throng of bicyclists who had spent the day in the hot sun pedaling uphill and coasting downhill through the Bavarian countryside. The refreshing brew was an instant hit and before long other Bavarian inns and beer gardens were serving their own versions.

The German Beer Institute also points out that radler “generally does not make its way across the sea to North America” – until now. The Point Brewery has high expectations for Point Coast Radler, according to Joe Martino, Operating Partner, who noted it was very well received during initial consumer taste tests.

“It is definitely something different for America’s craft beer lovers, and something different is what we strive to deliver to our loyal fans,” he said. “The difference is in the flavor. Point Coast Radler is a tasty, thirst-quenching combination of beer and citrus refreshment, just right for warm weather.”
.