Beer and pretzels are a classic combination for a reason.
But beer and soft pretzels? Even better. You don’t have to be a genius to combine the two — or, maybe, it takes some kind of “genius”.
Philadelphia-based Evil Genius Beer Company and Lancaster-based Auntie Anne’s, the world’s largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise, have launched their craft beer collaboration titled “Is Butter a Carb?” August 15th.
“The only thing better than pretzels AND beer is pretzels IN beer,” Trevor Hayward, co-founder of Evil Genius Beer Company, wrote in a press release. “We really wanted to tie the brands together in a fun way that reminds you to bite into a hot pretzel with every sip.
The collaboration marks the second time Evil Genius has teamed up with a Central Pennsylvania company in recent weeks. In July, the brewery announced a partnership with Stoudts, bringing its Oktoberfest beer back to bars for the first time since the Adamstown brewery and pub closed in 2020.
“Is butter a carbohydrate?” is a 5.5% ABV Oktoberfest-style beer that features toasty, malty and salty flavors balanced by hops. The beer is brewed with German hops and malt and freshly baked Auntie Anne soft pretzels. According to a press release from Evil Genius, the collaboration marks the first time Auntie Anne’s has been used in a beer before.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Auntie Anne’s. We all have such fond memories of their warm handmade pretzels and that kind of nostalgia is exactly the kind of feeling we like to convey with our beers. The taste and smell will bring this seasonal drink to life in a way unlike any other Oktoberfest-style beer before,” said Kevin Keller, National Sales Manager of Evil Genius Beer Company, in a press release. .
“Is butter a carbohydrate?” is available in each of the nine states Evil Genius distributes to, including Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, and Ohio. The beer will be available for distribution in retail stores in cans and kegs for bars and restaurants. The press release notes that pricing may vary by market, but will be around $11.99 for a six-pack.
If you’ll be in Philadelphia on Thursday night, a free launch party will be held at the Evil Genius Brewery located at 1727 N. Front St. in Philadelphia from 5-8 p.m. on August 18. Aunt Anne’s food truck will be on site. .
“We can’t wait for Auntie Anne’s and Evil Genius fans to get a taste of this fun collaboration,” Auntie Anne’s Director of Brand Marketing Danika Brown said in a press release. “It was important to us to create not only a beer based on our signature pretzels, but also a beer that could be enjoyed with our pretzels. We knew we wanted something that would transport our fans and make them feel like they were celebrating Oktoberfest in Germany.
