Strongbow, a brand of Heineken USA, White Plains, N.Y., launched its “Golden Hour” on-premise, retail and event activation for the summer. The cider brand will act as a catalyst for spur-of-the-moment experiences to excite consumers of legal drinking age and encourage them to create their own “Golden Hour” celebrations with Strongbow, it says.

Anheuser-Busch, a wholly owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, entered the U.S. cider market with Stella Artois Cidre.

On May 6, Craft Brew Alliance will launch a new brand of hard cider.

Inspired by the European tradition of elderflower cordials, The Boston Beer Co. launched Angry Orchard Elderflower Cider.

 There’s no denying that this time of year can be quite busy.  

Angry Orchard Cider Co., a subsidiary of The Boston Beer Co., launched Angry Orchard Iceman and Strawman as part of a new line of artisanal specialty ciders called the Cider House Collection.

Vermont Hard Cider Co. brought back its seasonal Woodchuck Private Reserve Pumpkin Cider for the fall.

Vermont Hard Cider Co. launched Woodchuck Private Reserve Ginger, which sources organic yellow ginger from Hawaii.

St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch, a wholly owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, expanded its Michelob Ultra brand with the launch of Michelob Ultra Light Cider.

Still cautious from the economic downturn, consumers created an uneven environment for beer once again in 2011. The year’s performance reflected a category of contradictions with trends torn between the ongoing price consciousness of some shoppers and the insatiable taste for variety — even if it carries a higher price — from other demographics.