A Louisville-based rum brand is debuting a new product line of ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails this week.
Saltwater Woody, co-founded by Paul Heintzman, Matt Kenney and Fred Sutterlin in 2020, unveiled the lineup three new flavors Tuesday — Lemon Mojito, Piña Colada and Watermelon Pineapple Daiquiri. The 12-ounce cans are now available in bars, restaurants and liquor stores in Kentucky and Indiana and will continue to roll out nationwide, according to a news release.
Made with real fruit juice and Saltwater Woody rum, the three noncarbonated RTD cocktails are 4.5% alcohol by volume. At 99 calories each and no added sugar, the cocktails also merge into the "better-for-you space" that hard seltzer brands have capitalizing on for years.
“Over the past two years, the craft cocktail industry has exploded,” Heintzman said in the release. “We’re thrilled to join the ready-to-drink ranks and provide a more convenient way for longtime fans and new consumers to ride the Saltwater Woody wave. While beverage trends and popularity are constantly changing, we know that our consumers never get tired of having fun, and that’s what Saltwater Woody represents.”
Saltwater Woody brands itself as an American rum that is handcrafted in small batches and cut to proof with saltwater. In a previous interview, Heintzman told me salt tampers the bitterness in the rum, bringing out sweeter flavors and enhancing the aromatic properties of the drink.
The ready-to-drink cocktails join previously launched brand products, including Saltwater Woody Original, Saltwater Woody Grapefruit and Saltwater Woody Lemon.
“Our unique blending process already helps enhance the flavors in cocktails, so it was only natural for us to expand into the ready-to-drink space,” Kenney said in the release. “Featuring real fruit juice and no sugar added, we’re joining the ready-to-drink space with a non-carbonated and better-for-you option for consumers to continue enjoying our rum. These cocktails are like summer vacation in a can.”
Big brands are getting in on the ready-made cocktail action, too. Reporter Laurel Deppen recently wrote about Brown-Forman Corp.'s (NYSE: BF.B) partnership with the Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) to launch a canned version of the classic Jack and Coke cocktail. Brown-Forman plans to launch the product in the U.S. next year.
