Genesee is one of those beers that is spoken of fondly and one of the few cream ales out there. (It is one of those neglected styles until someone makes an imperial brett version). I am glad to see that it is taking off again if only for me to get it out here on the west coast. And I do like the return to retro look as well. It works so much better when the product in the can is good too. Here is the scoop from Genesee….
“First introduced in 1960, Genesee Cream Ale was an overnight success among beer drinkers thirsty for something a little different. Now, more than 50 years later, Genesee Cream Ale is returning to the packaging that once made it famous.
According to Janine Schoos, brand manager for the Genesee Family of Beers, Genesee Cream Ale is experiencing a resurgence. The beer is taking off in cities like Brooklyn, Atlanta and Seattle. Better availability, along with growing interest in beers with heritage, have helped Genesee Cream Ale gain relevance among consumers.
The new packaging mirrors a move made last year with Genesee Beer. “The response to Genesee Beer’s vintage packaging, along with the release of a collection of heritage beers, has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Schoos. “We’re getting back to our roots and reintroducing the packaging that people knew and loved. And beer drinkers are responding – Genesee is rapidly growing.
“We know people have fond memories of Genesee Cream Ale,” said Schoos. Genesee was once a household name and we want to bring it back.” The new Genesee Cream Ale packaging began appearing on shelves in early May.
Along with 12 oz. cans and single serve offerings, Genesee Cream Ale is available in six pack 12 oz. “glass cans,” also known as stubby bottles that it donned in its glory days. First introduced in 1974, the iconic bottles, embossed with a signature letter “G” for Genesee, helped propel Genesee Cream Ale sales to 1.4 million barrels that year.”