St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch (A-B), the U.S. arm of Anheuser-Busch InBev, will release its new Johnny Appleseed Hard Apple Cider brand nationwide April 7. Inspired by the legendary adventurer and storyteller, Johnny Appleseed Hard Apple Cider features a refreshingly sweet flavor with a crisp apple bite, the company says.

Like its explorer namesake, Johnny Appleseed Hard Apple Cider was created for — and by — those who believe life is about the journey, not the destination, the company says. More than 750 men and women between the ages of 21 and 34 from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom helped to co-design the brand, from taste profile to packaging, it adds.

In development since 2011, Johnny Appleseed Hard Apple Cider is the first wholly new brand from A-B in eight years and is timed with the growth in the hard cider category, the company says.

“Cider is hotter than ever right now, and Johnny Appleseed is an exciting new entry to the category,” said Adam Oakley, vice president of high-end at A-B, in a statement. “We have something very special here — the perfect balance of sweetness and intensity with a refreshing crisp apple bite. It’s unlike any other hard cider on the market today.”

With 5.5 percent alcohol by volume, Johnny Appleseed Hard Apple Cider is crafted in Baldwinsville, N.Y., from apple juice sourced from apples in the United States and orchards around the globe as well as cider yeast and other natural ingredients. The alcohol beverage is best enjoyed on the rocks in a highball glass to bring out the full, crisp apple taste, according to A-B.

Johnny Appleseed Hard Apple Cider will be available in 12-ounce glass bottles with twist-off caps in six-and 12-packs and sold individually in 16- and 25-ounce cans. Draft distribution will be available starting this summer.

For more information about Johnny Appleseed Hard Cider, visit www.jappleseed.com or facebook.com/appleseedcider.