Shiner Adding Choclate Covered Pretzel Bottles

This morning, I’m excited to share another brand‑new holiday beer release coming from Spoetzl Brewery, the legendary home of Shiner Beer, located in Shiner, Texas. Joining the winter seasonal lineup for Winter 2026, this festive new offering is appropriately named Chocolate Covered Pretzel, a dessert‑inspired holiday beer designed to capture nostalgic seasonal flavors in a highly drinkable format.

Shiner Chocolate Covered Pretzel will be brewed as a beer with natural flavor and caramel color, carefully crafted to evoke the sweet‑and‑salty indulgence of its namesake treat. This innovative holiday beer showcases Spoetzl Brewery’s continued commitment to creative seasonal brewing while maintaining the balance and accessibility Shiner is known for.

Flavor Concept and Brewing Style

Inspired by the classic holiday snack, Chocolate Covered Pretzel beer from Shiner is expected to blend notes of chocolate sweetness with hints of toasted pretzel character, offering a comforting and festive drinking experience. The use of natural flavor and caramel color allows for a visually rich and flavorful beer that aligns perfectly with winter seasonal beer expectations.

Designed to be approachable and easy‑drinking, this Shiner holiday beer will debut at a sessionable 5.5% ABV, making it an excellent choice for casual enjoyment, holiday gatherings, and extended seasonal celebrations without overwhelming the palate.

Packaging and Availability

Shiner Chocolate Covered Pretzel will be packaged in 12‑ounce bottles, a classic and versatile format that fits seamlessly into holiday beer variety packs, winter merchandise sets, and individual retail sales. This packaging choice reinforces its accessibility while still appealing to fans seeking limited‑release seasonal beers.

Release Window

Beer fans should stay tuned for Winter 2026 release details, including exact availability timelines, regional distribution information, and complete tasting notes. As with many Shiner seasonal beers, this holiday release is expected to generate strong interest among fans of dessert‑inspired beers, flavored holiday beers, and innovative winter seasonals.

Why This Release Matters

• ✅ Brand‑new Shiner holiday beer for Winter 2026
• ✅ Dessert‑inspired Chocolate Covered Pretzel beer
• ✅ Brewed by Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, Texas
• ✅ 5.5% ABV for sessionable holiday drinking
• ✅ Packaged in 12‑oz bottles
• ✅ Ideal for winter gatherings, gifting, and seasonal beer fans

With Chocolate Covered Pretzel, Spoetzl Brewery once again demonstrates its ability to blend tradition with creativity, delivering a festive, approachable, and flavor‑forward beer that fits perfectly into the Shiner winter seasonal lineup.

More information, including full tasting notes, launch dates, and distribution details, will be shared closer to release. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting new Shiner holiday beer for Winter 2026.

Label Text Shiner Chocolate Covered Pretzel:

“SPOETZL PRETZEL SPECIAL

Cocoa notes, hints of toasted malt and baked grain create a sweet surprise.
Brewed for cool nights, crackling fires, and moments worth slowing down for.
This holiday brew with its smooth, balanced and chocolatey undertones invites you in from the cold to crack one open and enjoy. — PROST!”

About Spoetzl Brewery / Shiner:

The Spoetzl Brewery was founded in Shiner, Texas (population 2,069), in 1909, by Czech and  German immigrants brewing beer with old-world traditions and recipes for Central Texas. Since then, the brewery has grown to be one of the largest independent craft brewers in the country with beers available in all 50 states and Mexico. To this day, every drop of the award-winning beer is brewed right in Shiner, TX, where it all started 115 years ago.

Shiner beer is brewed in Shiner, Texas by Spoetzl Brewery. The brewery has been in operation since 1909. Shiner beers include Shiner Bock, Shiner Light Blonde, Shiner ¡Órale!, and more.

Shiner Bock

An American-style amber lager with 4.4% ABV and 13 IBU
Brewed with roasted barley malt and German hops
Originally seasonal, but has been available year-round since 1973

Other Shiner beers

Shiner Light Blonde: A light beer with a crisp finish
Shiner Premium: A traditional golden lager with a crisp taste and slight sweetness
Shiner ¡Órale!: A Mexican-style cerveza brewed with agave
Shiner Ruby Redbird: A tart, crisp, and refreshing lager with a kick of ginger and citrus
Shiner Prickly Pear: A crisp lager brewed with cactus fruit
Shiner 1909: A pre-prohibition lager inspired by the ingredients Shiner used in 1909

Shiner/Spoetzl are owned by The Gambrinus Company. Founded in 1986, The Gambrinus Company is a family-owned company with headquarters in San Antonio, Texas. Gambrinus sells and markets craft beers from two independent craft breweries—the historic Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, Texas and the Trumer Brewery in Berkeley, California.

Shiner is a beer brand made by the Spoetzl Brewery, the oldest independent brewery in Texas. Established in 1909 by German and Czech immigrants, the brewery is located in the small town of Shiner, Texas. While the brewery has expanded its operations over the years, all Shiner beer is still brewed in its founding town. 

History
1909: The brewery is founded by a group of immigrants who craved Old-World-style beer. They were assisted by Bavarian brewmaster Kosmos Spoetzl, for whom the brewery is named.

Prohibition: The Spoetzl Brewery was one of the few to survive Prohibition by producing “near beer” and ice.
1970s: Shiner’s popularity spread beyond its small town, gaining a following among music and beer lovers in Austin.
1993: The beer crossed state lines for the first time, expanding into 14 states.
1989-present: The brewery has been owned by The Gambrinus Company, a family-owned business from San Antonio. 

Flagship beers
Shiner Bock: This American-style amber lager is the brewery’s most famous product. It was first brewed in 1913, and its popularity led to it becoming a year-round offering in 1973.
Shiner Premium: This traditional golden lager is inspired by the brewery’s original 1909 recipe. 

Other offerings
In addition to its flagship beers, the Spoetzl Brewery
 produces a wide range of seasonal and year-round brews, including: 
Shiner Light Blonde
Shiner Black Lager
Shiner Prickly Pear
Shiner Ruby Redbird
Shiner ¡Órale! (a Mexican-style cerveza)
Shiner Sea Salt & Lime
Shiner Rodeo (a series of non-alcoholic beers) 

Brewery today
Independent craft brewer: Shiner is one of the largest independent craft brewers in the United States.
Spirits: In 2023, the Spoetzl Brewery expanded its offerings to include craft spirits, such as whiskey, gin, and vodka.
Brewery tours: The brewery offers tours where visitors can see the brewing facilities, learn about its history, and sample different beers.

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