Page Contents
The Untold Truth of Twisted Tea
Twisted Tea has become a favorite drink for many, especially during the summer months. It combines the refreshing taste of tea with a twist of alcohol, making it a popular choice among beverage enthusiasts. While the origins of Twisted Tea may be shrouded in mystery, it has undoubtedly captured the hearts of tea lovers worldwide for the past two decades. In this article, we delve into the untold truth of Twisted Tea, revealing its history, flavors, unique characteristics, and more.
Twisted Tea and Boston Beer Company
Twisted Tea is owned by the Boston Beer Company, a renowned beverage company known for creating several popular beverages such as Samuel Adams Boston Lager, Truly Hard Seltzer, and Angry Orchard Hard Cider. Founded in 1984, Boston Beer Company began its journey with the iconic Samuel Adams Boston Lager. Shortly after its introduction, the beer was recognized as “The Best Beer in America” in the Great American Beer Festival’s consumer preference poll.
Twisted Tea joined the Boston Beer Company’s lineup in 2001, adding a unique twist of tea and alcohol to its offerings. Over the years, Boston Beer Company has paved the way for successful branding and partnerships, including a collaboration with PepsiCo to create a boozy version of the fan-favorite Mountain Dew beverage, set to hit shelves in early 2022.
A variety of flavors
To cater to different tastes, Twisted Tea offers nine different flavors. These include Half & Half, Slightly Sweet, Blueberry, Light, Peach, Mango, Blackberry, Raspberry and the classic Original flavor. In addition, the brand has introduced limited-time flavors such as Black Cherry and Passion Fruit. Whether you prefer a traditional flavor or something more adventurous, Twisted Tea has a flavor to satisfy your cravings.
For those looking for a party-sized option, Twisted Tea offers the Twisted Tea Bag N’ Box. This five-liter paperboard container is filled with the brand’s original flavor, providing a convenient and enjoyable way to share Twisted Tea with friends and family.
Allergen Free and Vegan Friendly
Twisted Tea strives to appeal to a wide range of consumers by ensuring that its beverages are allergen-free. The brand uses real tea leaves, natural flavors and a beer-derived malt base in its brewing process. While Twisted Tea is not gluten-free or caffeine-free due to the beer-based malt and brewed tea leaves, it does not contain any ingredients containing milk, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts or soy.
With a significant portion of the population affected by allergies and an increasing number of people following a vegan diet, Twisted Tea’s commitment to allergen-free and animal-free beverages is a notable aspect of its appeal.
Fans as the face of Twisted Tea
Twisted Tea goes the extra mile to show appreciation for its fans by featuring their faces on cans. The brand encourages customers to submit creative and “twisted” photos to be featured on the back label of the cans. Whether it’s a photo related to food, sports, DIY projects or the great outdoors, Twisted Tea welcomes diverse submissions.
To ensure responsible representation, Twisted Tea has specific guidelines for submissions. Drinkers in the photos must be at least 25 years old, and the images should not depict anyone actually drinking. The brand also prohibits depictions of drunk driving, sexually explicit content, or any illegal activity.
As an added treat for fans, Twisted Tea runs contests such as the “TeaDrop” contest, where participants have the chance to win a year’s supply of the beverage and Twisted Tea summer merchandise.
The BoDean’s Lawsuit
Twisted Tea faced a legal challenge early on when it was known as “BoDean’s Twisted Tea”. The name was a tribute to the rock music group The BoDeans. However, the band took issue with the brand’s use of their name without permission or compensation. The dispute escalated into a lengthy legal battle between the band and the Boston Beer Company.
Eventually, after nearly a year of litigation, the company agreed to rename the product Twisted Tea and stop using the BoDean’s name. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting intellectual property rights and obtaining proper permission for collaborations or endorsements.
Viral fame and memes
Twisted Tea gained further popularity when a video went viral in late 2020. The clip showed Barry Allen, a black man, getting into a verbal altercation with an intoxicated person in an Ohio convenience store. Faced with racial slurs and threats to his family, Allen took matters into his own hands, using a 22-ounce can of Twisted Tea to beat the perpetrator.
The incident sparked a wave of memes and discussions around Twisted Tea as a symbol of empowerment and self-defense. The viral video not only showcased the brand, but also sparked conversations about standing up to racism and bigotry.
Bottom line
Twisted Tea has become a popular and iconic beverage that combines the refreshing qualities of tea with the added twist of alcohol. Owned by the Boston Beer Company, Twisted Tea has a rich history and offers a variety of flavors to suit different tastes. Its commitment to being allergen-free and vegan-friendly makes it an inclusive choice for many consumers. The brand’s unique feature of featuring fans’ faces on its cans adds a personal touch to the drinking experience. Despite facing legal challenges and finding itself at the center of viral fame, Twisted Tea continues to capture the taste buds and imaginations of drinkers worldwide.
As you enjoy a cold can of Twisted Tea, reflect on the untold truth behind this popular beverage and appreciate the blend of flavors, the company’s commitment to inclusivity and fan engagement, and the cultural impact it has made. Here’s to the twisted pleasure of sipping a Twisted Tea!
FAQS
Who owns Twisted Tea?
Twisted Tea is owned by the Boston Beer Company, the same company behind popular beverages like Samuel Adams Boston Lager and Truly Hard Seltzer.
How many flavors does Twisted Tea have?
Twisted Tea offers nine different flavors including Half & Half, Slightly Sweet, Blueberry, Light, Peach, Mango, Blackberry, Raspberry and the classic Original flavor.
Is Twisted Tea allergen free?
Twisted Tea strives to accommodate everyone by keeping its beverages allergen free. While it contains brewed tea leaves and a malt base derived from beer, it does not contain ingredients such as milk, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts or soy.
Can I find Twisted Tea in party sizes?
Yes, Twisted Tea offers the Twisted Tea Bag N’ Box, a five-liter cardboard box filled with the brand’s original flavor. It is a convenient and enjoyable way to share Twisted Tea with friends and family.
How did Twisted Tea go viral?
Twisted Tea gained viral fame when a video went viral in late 2020. The video showed an altercation in an Ohio convenience store, where a man used a can of Twisted Tea to defend himself against racial slurs and threats. The incident sparked discussions and memes, turning Twisted Tea into a symbol of empowerment and self-defense.
What was the lawsuit that Twisted Tea was involved in?
Twisted Tea faced a legal challenge when it was known as “BoDean’s Twisted Tea”, as the rock music group The BoDeans claimed that their name was being used without permission or compensation. After a year-long legal battle, the company rebranded the product as Twisted Tea, respecting intellectual property rights.