The Boston Marathon is the gold standard for runners all over the world, and the Boston Beer Company has just released a new beer that pays tribute to the spirit of marathons everywhere.
The all-new 26.2 Brew comes from Marathon Brewing, a new endeavor from Boston Beer Company, and it is built from the ground up to appeal to modern, active consumers who want a beer that fits a healthier lifestyle.
It Keeps You Running
Staying motivated during a long run can be difficult, but the thought of a cold 26.2 Brew waiting at the finish line promises to keep active consumers moving. The golden, hazy ale provides athletes of all types—not just runners—a refreshing, rewarding way to celebrate their sweet, satisfying victories.
26.2 Brew is made with Himalayan sea salt and coriander, creating a crisp body and refreshing finish with just 4.0% ABV and only 120 calories per serving.
Light on calories, not on taste, 26.2 Brew meets and exceeds what athletic beer drinkers are looking for in a beverage. Boston Beer Company’s own Shelley Smith, herself a brewer, marathon runner and triathlete, developed the 26.2 with people like herself in mind.
"As someone who loves beer and running, having the opportunity to brew a beer that helps runners celebrate their hard work was a passion project for me," Smith, Advanced Cicerone and Manager of Research & Product Innovation at The Boston Beer Company, said in a recent statement from the company. "Understanding what is important to runners is what made brewing this beer different from what is currently available. While most brewers are stripping flavor to hit a certain calorie mark, we focused on brewing a beer that not only fit what runners were looking for, but also delivered a great taste."
Running Down a Dream
Crafting a beer that fits in with an active, athletic lifestyle was more than just a personal passion project for Smith. Other runners were also drawn into the effort to gain insight into what drinkers and athletes want in a beer, including her brewery teammates as well as decorated athletic champions Meb Keflezighi and Desiree Linden.
"I've run my fair share of marathons over the years, and there are countless finish lines throughout the training process that deserve a celebration,” Keflezighi said. "26.2 Brew celebrates runners' hard work and achievement with high-quality ingredients and a really great taste."
"Boston was an incredible experience for me last year, and I can't wait to return," said Desiree Linden, two-time Olympian and the first American woman to win the Boston Marathon open division in 33 years. "I'm especially looking forward to celebrating post-race with a new 26.2 Brew.”
Gonna Run To You
Just like a champion runner spends years training, the new 26.2 Brew has evolved over time out of the original Boston 26.2 Brew, a creation which was only available in and around Boston during the Boston Marathon over the past seven years. Now, however, the rest of the nation will be able to enjoy the end results of the Boston Beer Company’s work to perfect this brew.
In addition to the absolutely perfect “26.2 Brew” name, this new beer’s packaging and national point-of-sale materials will proudly display the unmistakable Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) unicorn logo, the symbol of the Boston Marathon. For runners everywhere, the logo is the embodiment of respect and appreciation for the sport of marathon running, and the incredible dedication of the B.A.A. throughout its long history as the caretakers of "The Marathon." In addition, 26.2 Brew will be the official beer of the Boston Marathon, enjoyed by thousands of runners and spectators from around the nation—and the world—who attend events leading up to and on race day.
In addition to the Boston Marathon, Marathon Brewing will sponsor select marathons nationwide, including the Los Angeles Marathon, the OC Marathon and the Myrtle Beach Marathon as well as have a presence at additional races throughout the country.
Talk to your Breakthru Sales Consultant about how 26.2 and the full portfolio from the Boston Beer Company can be a major win for your business.