Press Release:
(Rochester, NY) – First introduced in 1960, Genesee Cream Ale was an overnight success among beer drinkers thirsty for something a little different. Now, more than 50 years later, Genesee Cream Ale is returning to the packaging that once made it famous.
According to Janine Schoos, brand manager for the Genesee Family of Beers, Genesee Cream Ale is experiencing a resurgence. The beer is taking off in cities like Brooklyn, Atlanta and Seattle. Better availability, along with growing interest in beers with heritage, have helped Genesee Cream Ale gain relevance among consumers.
The new packaging mirrors a move made last year with Genesee Beer. “The response to Genesee Beer’s vintage packaging, along with the release of a collection of heritage beers, has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Schoos. “We’re getting back to our roots and reintroducing the packaging that people knew and loved. And beer drinkers are responding – Genesee is rapidly growing.
“We know people have fond memories of Genesee Cream Ale,” said Schoos. Genesee was once a household name and we want to bring it back.” The new Genesee Cream Ale packaging began appearing on shelves in early May.
Along with 12 oz. cans and single serve offerings, Genesee Cream Ale is available in six pack 12 oz. “glass cans,” also known as stubby bottles that it donned in its glory days. First introduced in 1974, the iconic bottles, embossed with a signature letter “G” for Genesee, helped propel Genesee Cream Ale sales to 1.4 million barrels that year.
The History of Genesee Cream Ale
The classic, smooth and balanced flavor of Genesee Cream Ale has been appealing to generations of beer lovers for more than 50 years. Already an established go-to beer for many, Genesee Cream Ale is growing in popularity as people are reminded of its roots in American brewing. Today’s beer drinker connects with Genesee Cream Ale’s rich nostalgia and tradition.
Genesee Cream Ale first appeared on shelves in the early 1960s after Brewmaster Clarence Geminn victoriously proclaimed, “I think we got a winner here.” And a winner it is. Over the last 25 years, Genesee Cream Ale has won 10 medals at the Great American Beer Festival, including two golds. The World Beer Cup also awarded the beer with gold and silver medals in the “American Lager/Ale or Cream Ale” category.
“Genesee Cream Ale is an American original. Today, it’s still being enjoyed by those who were there when it was first poured, and by those who are discovering it for the first time,” said Schoos.
About The Genesee Brewery:
The Genesee Brewery, based in Rochester, New York, is one of the largest and oldest continually operating breweries in the United States and is part of North American Breweries. In 2010, the Genesee Brewery earned the AIB Recognition of Accomplishment, a nationally recognized industry designation for quality excellence in food, beverage, and brewing manufacturing practices and product safety. The brewery makes the classic Genesee line of beers, Seagram’s Escapes, the Original Honey Brown Lager as well as Dundee Ales and Lagers family of craft beers. The Genesee Brewery also manufactures beer and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages under contracts on behalf of other companies.
Had my first Genny Cream Ale last month in Florida. One week later I noticed they changed the cans. As a designer I got to say the I like the new retro ones better.
Looks like Hess Oil.
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Genny Cream Ale was the first beer I ever had, and it brings back awesome memories. Seeing the new retro label is pretty great!
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Since moving to Freeport, Florida 32439 from the northeast, have been nuable to find Genesee Cream Ale. Where can I purchase some of your wonderful produce. Or how far north do I have to drive.
Please advise
I’ve very much enjoyed Genesee Cream Ale since 2003 or so. One excellent store, Market Basket, in my area stocks it so I get it there.
For myself, as a design, I much prefer the 19th century looking curlicue script, green, cold, white and red can; that’s actually from the 2000s, starting when Genesee Cream Ale first received Great American Beer Festival awards and more attention.
If I had some fond association with Genny from the 70’s I might like the can style that replaced it this May. A 1978 style, according to Genesee’s Website. But with no association with Genny of the ’70’s, the current replacement design looks to me too plain and cheap looking. -Since it is an inexpensive beer (yay!) that tastes great I hope consumers unfamiliar with it don’t from its label tag it as cheap, generic. Since May sales in my area seem steady, don’t know if they’ve increased.
I e-mailed Genesee suggesting as a Retro design they say on the pkg that’s what it is. E.g., “Classic flavor in a classic (1970’s) design.” But they haven’t replied or added any note.
I hope Genny does well. The cream ale itself hasn’t changed, and tastes refreshing.
My name is Gregory Straight and I’m proud to say that my Grandfather was Clarence Geminn. I was thinking of him today and decided to do a web search, it was so nice to see him mentioned so much. I can still smell the brewery, I ran all over that place with my brother and we would watch the fireworks from atop one of the storage tanks. Thanks for remembering him so kindly.
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I loved the mini gennies..7 oz mini beers..cant find them..guess not in production anymore..