Craft beer lovers who wait all year to queue up for their free Rita’s Italian Ice on the first day of spring have a lot to look forward to.
That annual spring ritual may be in our rear view now, but Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co. in Bucks County is ready to tempt beer lovers with a new line of Rita’s inspired brews.
The scoop on Rita’s Fruit Brews Mango
Seeing as craft beer and water ice are two warm-weather favorites, it seems a natural pairing. Neshaminy will launch its first collaborative flavor, Rita’s Fruit Brews Mango, “a refreshing seasonal Blonde Ale brewed with mango at an easy-going 5% ABV,’’ on Saturday, April 15, according to press materials.
To try Rita’s Fruit Brews Mango, beer lovers can visit Neshaminy Creek locations in New Hope, Croydon and Dublin, Pennsylvania.
They also can score 12-ounce can six-packs much closer to home. While supplies last, Rita’s Fruit beers will be at beer distributors, liquor stores and supermarkets that carry Neshaminy products throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey.
The new brew also will show up on taps at select bars and restaurants, but will not be sold at Rita’s Italian Ice stands or shops, Neshaminy folks said.
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“A tribute to the brand’s most popular flavor, Rita’s Fruit Brews Mango is brewed with 2-Row malt, white wheat, flaked oats, and hopped with Herkules and Chinook then conditioned on loads of sweet mangoes,’’ the company says in promoting the new line. “The result is an easy-drinking beer with a nostalgic aroma and big fruity flavor transporting you back to waiting under the signature candy-striped awning for an icy sweet treat.
Beer feature bright fruity flavor
“Highly sessionable with bright fruity flavor, the new Blonde Ale will appeal to craft beer drinkers looking for something fresh this spring and summer along with newcomers who may have a sentimental soft spot for Rita’s.’’
Neshaminy and Rita’s are neighbors, with both brands based in Bucks County.
“Rita’s first location opened in 1984, just minutes from Neshaminy Creek’s production brewery and taproom,’’ the press release says.
Neshaminy Creek also plans to host launch parties at its Croydon and Dublin taprooms, offering live music, circus performers, food trucks, Rita’s Italian Ice and more on Saturday, April 15, beginning at noon.
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“As a lifetime Bucks County resident and Rita’s fan myself, I couldn’t be more excited or proud to launch this beer,” said Kyle Park, director of sales and marketing at Neshaminy Creek. “The idea originated during the height of the pandemic when taking my kids to Rita’s was one of the few escapes from the monotony of working from home. The brand continues to be such a big part of our summer memories, creating a line of beers inspired by them felt like a no-brainer. Just as fans look to Rita’s to mark a special occasion or treat themselves, I’m hoping they do the same with Rita’s Fruit Brews.”
“We’re thrilled to see Neshaminy Creek bring Rita’s to life in a new, exciting way for our adult fans,” said Linda Chadwick, CEO of Rita’s Licensing, LLC. “Rita’s Fruit Brews Mango is delightfully refreshing, unexpectedly not too sweet, and is true to the beer quality you can come to expect from Neshaminy Creek. It is sure to be a staple for craft beer lovers and Rita’s adult fans alike, and we can’t wait to see what flavor mashup their brewing team comes up with next.”
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co.: Brewery, Taproom, Beer Garden, 909 Ray Ave., Croydon, Pennsylvania; Ferry Market Satellite Taproom, 32 S. Main St., New Hope, Pennsylvania; The Station Satellite Taproom, 139 N. Main St., Dublin, Pennsylvania. Visit neshaminycreekbrewing.com; (215) 458-7081.
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