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Molson Coors Beverage Co details Blue Moon 'spice challenge' Last updated: 21/07/2026 at 6:08 PM 21 July 2026 Molson Coors said the activation has been 'inspired by consumers' growing appetite for spicy-food experiences'. Molson Coors Beverage Co has partnered with condiment brand Frank's RedHot for a spice-themed Blue Moon activation in the US. The Coors Light and Miller Lite brand owner has created 100 'Blue Moon Spicy Orange Challenge' kits that will be sold in two batches, the first on 20 July and the second on 27 July, via a dedicated web page. The kits include a dried orange slice coated with Frank's RedHot Original Hot Sauce and ghost peppers, a Blue Moon beer glass, a gift card for a six-pack of beer and a bottle of Frank's sauce. The packs carry an SRP of US$19.95 plus shipping and handling. The challenge is to "take a bite of the spicy orange, then see how little Blue Moon you need to drink while the spice lingers," according to Molson Coors. "The less you drink, the better you do." The activation has been "inspired by consumers' growing appetite for spicy-food experiences", the brand owner said, citing an IPSOS Bar Community survey that suggested 90% of Blue Moon drinkers 'like' or 'love' spicy foods. "Most people know how well Blue Moon pairs with oranges, but not everybody knows how well Blue Moon pairs with spicy foods," said Molson Coors's Above Premium Beer unit VP, Elizabeth Hitch. "With this spicy orange garnish, we're bringing the heat straight to our fans so they can test out this... pairing for themselves." Also in the US, Molson Coors announced details last week of a wine window-inspired marketing move for the Peroni Nastro Azzurro brand. The "coast-to-coast" campaign will see Molson Coors install pop-up 'Peroni Portals' - windows where consumers can buy a beer, inspired by Italy's 'buchette del vino' tradition.

Motorpoint Arena Nottingham and Molson Coors raise a glass to extension. Celebrating a Six Month Extension to December 2026 Motorpoint Arena Nottingham, the East Midlands leading live entertainment venue, is pleased to announce a six-month extension of its successful partnership with Molson Coors, continuing a collaboration that has enhanced the fan experience through iconic brands and unforgettable live events. The extension reflects the strong relationship built since July 2024, during which fans have embraced Molson Coors favourites such as Rekorderlig, Coors & Madri across the arena's concourse bars, hospitality suites, and special events. "We're delighted to continue our partnership with Molson Coors," said Kylie Costall, Head of Sales & Hospitality at Motorpoint Arena. "They've become an important part of the atmosphere and experience we deliver to fans. Extending the agreement allows us to keep building on that momentum and continue offering customers the brands they love alongside world-class entertainment." Molson Coors has worked closely with the arena to revitalise different areas of the customers experience, including the Rekorderlig self-serve bar on the East Concourse and the Madri takeover of the outside space at the Saltbox Bar. "We're incredibly proud to extend our relationship with the Motorpoint Arena," said James Norman, Regional Sales Controller at Molson Coors. "The partnership has been a fantastic opportunity to connect with audiences who value great live experiences and quality craft brewing. We look forward to more exciting events and continued collaboration."

Pool Water Pale Ale: Keystone Ice returns, George Clooney's beer investment, and a brutal Trader Joe's beer review. The latest episode of Craft Beer Republic covers several recent craft beer and beer industry stories, including George Clooney's investment in Crazy Mountain Beer, the return of Keystone Ice, and Molson Coors launching Keystone Light Apple ahead of Memorial Day. Greg and Flex also spend part of the episode discussing a Trader Joe's exclusive imperial golden ale that quickly became one of the most aggressively disliked beers reviewed on the show. The episode also includes listener beer stories, discussion around Leinenkugel's and legacy brewery ownership, and reactions to several macro beer brands including Pabst Blue Ribbon, Busch Light, and Keystone. George Clooney-Backed Crazy Mountain Beer Raises $15 Million One of the major beer industry stories discussed involves Crazy Mountain Beer securing a $15 million seed funding round tied to actor George Clooney and his business partners. According to the discussion, the funding is expected to support a nationwide expansion beginning next spring. The story reflects a continuing trend of celebrity-backed alcohol investments entering the beer space, particularly as craft breweries search for new growth opportunities and broader distribution strategies. The episode briefly compares the move to other recent beverage industry celebrity partnerships and acquisitions that continue reshaping the craft beer market. Keystone Ice and Keystone Light Apple Expand Molson Coors' Lineup Molson Coors appears twice in the episode's beer news segment. First, Keystone Light Apple is set to launch ahead of Memorial Day. The flavored light beer joins a growing list of fruit-forward macro lager releases targeting seasonal beer drinkers. The hosts also discuss the return of Keystone Ice after the brand was discontinued in 2021 during Molson Coors' premiumization efforts. Keystone Ice is expected to return to shelves in 2026. The conversation turns into a broader discussion about macro beer brands including Busch Light, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Keystone, and regional drinking preferences. Pilot Tom Accidentally Roasts Leinenkugel's Founder One of the standout beer culture stories in the episode comes from listener favorite Pilot Tom. Tom recounts unknowingly criticizing the Leinenkugel's beer lineup directly to Dick Leinenkugel during a flight where Leinenkugel had reportedly covered beer tabs for passengers ordering the brewery's beer. The story also touches on the discontinued Big Eddy series and the larger history surrounding Leinenkugel's ownership under MillerCoors, including the closure discussions tied to Chippewa Falls brewing operations. The segment becomes a broader conversation about legacy regional breweries, acquisition fallout, and how longtime beer brands are viewed by modern craft beer drinkers. Trader Joe's Cookie Butter Beer Gets Destroyed Flex reviews Speculoos Cookie Butter Beer, an imperial golden ale brewed by Hardywood Park Craft Brewery for Trader Joe's. The beer features toasted coconut, vanilla beans, milk sugar, and cookie butter-inspired flavors. While the aroma receives early praise, the actual drinking experience goes downhill quickly. The review turns into a lengthy discussion about Trader Joe's private label beer program, dessert beer trends, and how flavored imperial ales can sometimes miss the mark despite strong concepts and high Untappd ratings. Featured Beers Speculoos Cookie Butter Beer - Hardywood Park Craft Brewery Imperial golden ale brewed with toasted coconut, vanilla beans, milk sugar, and cookie butter-inspired flavors. Me Again - Urban Roots Brewing West Coast IPA brewed with Citra hops featuring citrus, passion fruit, and light tropical fruit character. Episode Content Outside the beer industry discussion, the episode includes a listener story about a pale ale that allegedly tasted like heavily chlorinated pool water, comparisons between Pabst Blue Ribbon and other macro lagers, and Greg recounting a failed job interview after admitting he dislikes country music before learning the position involved editing country music television content. The episode also includes discussion about golf, wakeboarding injuries, and a Northern California campground arrest involving an intoxicated man and a running chainsaw. "Pool Water Pale Ale" is available now on Craft Beer Republic through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.