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The NFL season is getting to its exciting finale, so there's never been a better time of year for snacks like chili cheese dip.
Minneapolis brewery Modist Brewing Co. is bringing the flavor and spirit of Hormel chili cheese dip by creating a special edition branded beer that it says captures the dip's essence in beer form.
"The crushable American lager features Minnesota Pilsner barley malt and flaked corn," Hormel says, according to Bring Me The News. "With this delicious corn chip-flavored base, Modist Brewing Co. added a mix of savory spices and hints of cheddar cheese powder to bring the flavors of Hormel Chili Cheese Dip to life."
Beer, but chili-cheese-i-fy it. Introducing HORMEL® Chili Cheese Brew. Pick up a delicious 4-pack while supplies last. Shop Now: https://t.co/pe6jxHlsGD
Brewed in partnership with Modist Brewing Co., Minneapolis, MN. Not available in all states. Must be 21+ to purchase. https://t.co/wrhbVaR9RQ
— Hormel Foods (@HormelFoods) January 24, 2023
They had us for a while. Pilsner sounds nice. Flaked corn, OK, that's on the theme of chili cheese dip without going too crazy with flavors. And some beers use spices like this and turn out delicious, so we're interested. But, then we got to "cheddar cheese powder" and they lost us. That's just how we feel personally, but we could be wrong. We're not trying to yuck anyone's yum here.
One local reporter did get to try it and said it wasn't too cheese-forward, which is possibly a brand new sentence in regards to beer flavor.
"Honestly, I would drink this beer with a little tomato juice and go michelada-style with it," she wrote.
Regardless of whether you like the taste or not, it's a really fun way for a food brand to get its logo on a different surface. A beer also adds a new dimension to a promotion: flavor.
I think this #HormelChili beer is going to be fun to review for @Uproxx, but did I really need four cans? #Hormel #HormelChili #ChiliCheeseBrew @ModistBrewing pic.twitter.com/WCGvTE90ba
— Christopher Osburn (@ChrisOsburn) January 26, 2023
Beer companies have found good ways to brand themselves, with things like out-there promotions or even labels that become stickers. But, producing a beer that tastes like chili cheese dip is a new one.
Brendan Menapace is the content director for Promo+Promo Marketing.