Austin Eastciders, the Southwestern team behind the country’s second largest cider producer Blake’s Beverage Co., announced the release of Rico Tepache. 

The 6.8% ABV Rico Tepache is a fermented flavor fusion inspired by the deep-rooted traditions of pre-Hispanic Mexico and is loaded with refreshing pineapple, piloncillo (brown sugar), cinnamon and ginger, the company says.

“Austin, and Texas in general, is very culturally diverse from the food to the beverages enjoyed. One of those is Tepache — but it’s not made with apples. That said, we utilized our core competency of fermenting fruit (this time, pineapples) to create a new-to-market ‘fourth category’ concept,” said Andrew Blake, CEO of Blake's Beverage Co., in a statement. “We’re blending consumer groups as well, by bringing the culturally beloved flavors and rich heritage of Tepache to more accessible formats, thereby introducing the traditional cider category to new audiences.”

Kim Oakley, senior vice president of marketing at Blake's Beverage Co., added: “Tepache is a special drink to many people, so our team has worked diligently on honoring its long tradition in every aspect, from flavor R&D to packaging and everything in between. Often low-alc and home-made from pineapple rinds in Mexico City, our Texas take on Tepache is a modern twist that ferments the fruit instead of the rind, promising a clean finish and a higher ABV.”

Austin Eastciders’ Rico Tepache now is available on draft, in six-packs of 12-ounce cans, and in single serve 19.2-ounce cans across Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Oklahoma. 

www.austineastciders.com