Not surprised by another series of tie-in beers, but it surprising that it's a small NW brewery other than Fish. Who's up for an Imperial Saison with "an electrifying blast of hops and CO2"? Can I expect the beers to finish me instead of the other way around? Press Release: (San Diego, CA): Warner Bros., Sound Brewery and Global Beverage Traders are pleased to announce a series of beers based on the massively popular video game Mortal Kombat X, which was released to consumers in 2015. This all-new beer series boasts bold flavors aimed to match the intensity and excitement of Mortal Kombat X. Consisting of a “Scorpion” Imperial Stout with chilies and vanilla bean; “Sub-Zero” Imperial IPA the perfect mixture of hops and malt; and “Raiden” Imperial Saison a Belgian style ale that gives you an electrifying blast of hops and CO2. This new series of beers inspired by Mortal Kombat X is a limited release and available for shipping in 22oz single serve bottles (12/22 oz case). Product produced by Sound Brewery, Poulsbo, Washington and distributed exclusively by Global Beverage Traders. The Mortal Kombat X- inspired beer series is produced under license with Warner Bros. Consumer Products. Global Beverage Traders – is a San Diego based international beverage management and distribution company specializing in delivering unique premium innovative craft and specialty beverages to today’s consumer palates. For more information contact [email protected] or call 858-717-8125.
I'm not a Sound Brewery expert, but this licensing seems really out of character for their brand. Which makes me wonder what are the reasons a brewery would choose to seek out this kind of business? Do they have temporary extra capacity they need to fill, do they think it will boost their name recognition, is the owner just a big enough fan of Game of Thrones/Hobbit/Vacation/Mortal Combat that it's a pet project? I have a hard time thinking someone will pick up a Sub-Zero Imperial IPA and say, "Wow, I really need to try Humulo Nimbus!" Though for all I know, Sub-Zero might just be a rebranded Humulo Nimbus. Maybe I'm not giving enough credit to those who are lured by licensing, but I don't foresee a ton of crossover to Sound's non-Mortal Combat beers.
I would guess name recognition. They just recently started distributing in Oregon and I'm sure they have plans for other States. They have a new brewery so are definitely producing a lot more beer.
I'll try one only it unlocks a fatality when I get to the end. Seriously, who knows? Sound is pretty common around here but I get they may want broader markets. Maybe excess capacity. Maybe the owner is a huge fan. Waiting for a Mario Cart collab.....
I'm blanking on the guy's name, but when I asked about this I was told someone who owns one of the distributors in WA has connections to the "entertainment industry", and he's been responsible for the licensing deals for all of these movie and game tie-in beers. On a related note, I was told Oregon wouldn't be receiving bottles for some reason.
I could actually see that more than the Mortal Combat series, just because the flavor/texture tie-ins would seem more obvious and straightforward. Banana Peel Hefeweizen, anyone? Oil Slick Stout? I like a big, strong beer as much as the next guy, but would rather avoid any that have the power to literally rip out my heart, or my skull and spine from my body. Utter fatality in drinking today actually means, if nothing else, no more drinking tomorrow. T'is generally not a worthwhile trade-off... As others have mentioned, it's probably a ploy to help turn an over-saturated market to one's advantage, and maybe also the product of a hobbyist (distributor). Honestly, I can't blame Sound for trying this, if that's been their plan. It's a tough market out there, even for really solid breweries in the NW. These places have to try and distinguish themselves somehow.
Nintendo is vey proud of their family friendly image. I can't see them ever having beers based on their IP. At least not in North America.
