Molson Coors has teamed up with Casa Komos Beverage Group to launch Tequila-based, ready-to-drink canned cocktail Superbird in the United States. The agreement marks the American drink giant’s first foray into spirits-based ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktails.
“We have clearly executed on our promise to evolve our portfolio beyond beer and moving into fast-growing RTD cocktail space with an incredible brand like Superbird only strengthens our position as a true beverage company,” said Pete Marino, president of emerging growth at Molson Coors. “CKBG created a delicious, authentic, super-premium brand, and it equips our company, and our distributors with another high-quality option.”
Casa Komos Beverage Group (CKBG) launched Superbird back in 2018. Coming in at 5.9% ABV, the canned cocktail is labeled as Paloma, and made with Tequila, grapefruit juice, agave nectar, and sparkling water. It contains no sugar or artificial ingredients.
“With Superbird, we created a ready-to-drink Paloma with high-quality Tequila that we handcraft ourselves, resulting in a purer blanco liquid,” said Richard Betts, co-founder of CKBG. “Finding the local craftsmen and canneries who understood what we were trying to achieve was key. And now bringing Superbird to customers with the right distribution partner is the ultimate accomplishment.”
Molson Coors will help Superbird canned cocktails reach 10 new markets across the U.S. in spring 2021. According to Nielsen, the RTD spirits category grew by 142% in 2020.
In October, Tequila Komos unveiled an Anejo Cristalino that has been aged in white wine barrels. The European Tequila brand comes from Master Sommelier Richard Betts, who previously founded wine labels Betts & Scholl and Scarpetta as well as Sombra Mezcal, and entrepreneur Joe Marchese. Tequila Komos Anejo Cristalino is the brand’s first offering. They source their agave from Jalisco and roast in old-fashioned stone ovens that sit on the side of Tequila Volcano in Mexico. It is aged in French oak white Wine barrels.