As beer consumers have been looking to trade up and explore new flavors, the imported beer segment has been enjoying growth. In fact, the imported beer segment grew about 8.4 percent in dollar sales in the 52 weeks ending Dec. 28, 2014, in channels measured by Chicago-based Information Resources Inc.

Tinkering with more than just the vintage distilling equipment it uses, the Cordtz father-son duo at Sonoma Cider infuses decades of industry know-how in its innovative cider production techniques.

Constellation Brands Inc., Chicago, announced that internationally-renowned soccer players Clint Dempsey and Miguel Layún will serve as brand ambassadors for Modelo Especial, a pilsner-style lager brewed for 90 years in Mexico. The brand, which recently became the second most imported beer in the United States, has partnered with Dempsey and Layún as part of its summer marketing campaign, which began this month and centers around the sport of soccer.

Heineken Light, a brand of Heineken USA, New York, N.Y., announced that this summer, the brand’s Best Tasting Light 360 degree program will inspire LDA+ shoppers to set a new standard for their summer gatherings by choosing Heineken Light as their go-to light beer, the company says. National TV, digital and web activations, social support and retail and on-premise activation will help shift the light beer conversation back where it belongs – taste – to drive trial and incremental sales of superior tasting, higher margin Heineken Light, it says.  

Coronado Brewing Co. announced the release of Señor Saison as a part of the company’s crown series. 

Chicago-based Coors announced that this summer, the beer brand also wants to refresh the Great Lakes. For every case of 12-ounce cans sold this summer in select states, Coors Light will donate 25 cents to the Alliance for the Great Lakes, a nonprofit organization devoted to ensuring a healthy Great Lakes for people and wildlife for future generations, up to a maximum of $60,000, the company says. The Coors Light "keep 'em great" campaign will run through the end of August in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.

 Saint Arnold Brewing Co. released the latest edition in its small-batch series of barrel-aged beers: Bishop's Barrel No. 9.  

The Boston Beer Co. added two new year-round flavors to its Twisted Tea lineup: Twisted Tea Strawberry Lime and Twisted Watermelon Lemonade.

Gordon Biersch Brewing Co. added Zwickel Pils to its series of limited-release Uberbier craft beers. 

Anheuser-Busch launched a new beer, Oculto, inspired by and brewed for nightlife. “Oculto,” which means “hidden,” or “waiting to be found,” in Spanish, combines the social invitation of beer with the exciting nature associated with tequila, the company says.