Founders packages last CBS and premium lager Solid Gold in customized 12-oz glass bottles by Ardagh Group

Founders Brewing Co. has made some headlines lately, so feel free to catch up here. In smaller packaging news, the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based brewery is utilizing some interesting new specially designed 12-oz bottles for two of its offerings — Solid Gold premium lager and Canadian Breakfast Stout or CBS — the latter on its last iteration, so get it while you can.

Ardagh Group, Glass – North America dropped us a line that it was partnering with Founders to produce a customized 12-oz Heritage bottle, designed and manufactured in the United States. These glass vessels use 100 percent and endlessly recyclable amber glass (gotta love that), and the bottles feature the words “Founders Brewing Co.” embossed on the neck. From the press release:

“There’s a perception of higher quality when beer is packaged in glass,” said Brad Stevenson, chief production officer at Founders Brewing. “Every drinking occasion is different and the vessel the product comes in should complement the experience. Founders is pleased to work with Ardagh Group in offering beers like Solid Gold and CBS in custom glass bottles.”

Solid Gold was originally released in cans in Feb. 2018 and is now available for the first time in 12-oz glass bottles. It’s being sold in 12-pack cases in select markets across the United States. As we mentioned, the barrel-aged CBS, previously released exclusively in 750-ml glass bottles, is scheduled for release Nov. 1 in 12-oz glass bottles for the first time and maybe it’s last time.

Some interesting bottling stats (from the press release)

Glass bottles are the most commonly used packaging format for the craft beer industry. According to the Brewers Association, glass bottles represent 59 percent of the total volume of craft beer packaged in the United States in 2018. With the absolute volume of craft beer bottles still increasing, the 12-oz glass beer bottle continues to dominate the glass market. Craft brewers like Founders Brewing Co. are launching new products in 12-oz glass bottles for its premium, sustainable appeal.

“Ardagh Group enjoys collaborating with brands to create glass packaging that showcases and protects the integrity of our customers’ products,” said John T Shaddox, chief commercial officer for Ardagh Group’s North American Glass division. “We’ve worked closely with Founders Brewing Co. for the past four years and were thrilled when they asked us to help launch Solid Gold and CBS in 12-oz glass bottles.”