By Andrew Starke
The Fosters Group has lauded its Great Northern beer launch as a major hit for Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) with the first batch selling out in just days.
A spokesperson for the brewer said that pubs across Queensland were well stocked but CUB brewers are quickly producing more Great Northern to meet heavy demand.
The first bottles only hit shelves in Cairns and most of Queensland officially on Wednesday (Nov 3) but the entire first run of production was quickly sold to eager hoteliers keen to have the new brew in their bottle shops for the pre Christmas beer boom.
By yesterday all pre-sales orders had been filled as the first stock trickled into market and the entire first run sold to hotels from Cape Tribulation to the Gold Coast.
CUB Queensland general manager and a co-creator of Great Northern Brewing Co, Cameron Levick, said the response from the market had been excellent.
“The first batch is only just off the production line and we’re brewing more,” he said.
“Hotels were very keen to get their hands on stock and as a result CUB has sold out but drinkers need not worry there are trucks stacked with Great Northern criss-crossing the state this week to get beer into the hands of thirsty drinkers.”
He believes the strength and the size of orders for Great Northern prove the hotel industry is confident a Cairns inspired full strength beer will be a winner with patrons.
“The amount of stock sold signals Great Northern has hit the mark with those that know the drinking market the best – hoteliers,” said Levick.
Grand Hotel general manager, Warren Thompson, said Cairns residents will welcome a new Queensland beer.
“Locals are crying out for a new full strength beer and Great Northern will do well because it tastes and looks great,” Thompson said.
“This beer has what patrons are looking for – a real Queensland beer with a very Queensland look. We’ve only had stock for a couple of days and it’s already walking out the door.”
The recommended retail price for Great Northern is $37.99 a carton (on promotion).
Each 330ml stubby contains 1.1 standard drinks at 4.2 percent ABV.