No stranger to revolutions, Samuel Adams, a brand of Boston-based The Boston Beer Co., has once again mirrored the rebellious traits of its namesake and crafted Sam ’76, a union of lager and ale. Brewed using a unique process, Sam ’76 captures the best attributes of these two beer styles, the company says.

LIFEWTR, a brand of Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo Inc., announced it is championing arts in education in its fourth label design series. Although arts education has a significant impact on students beyond self-expression, it is increasingly disappearing from schools, the company says. Highlighting the importance of arts education, LIFEWTR Series 4 will showcase the works of three young artists who demonstrate the impact that art has had on their lives, it adds. 

Louisville-based Copper & Kings American Brandy Co. announced the sale of a minority equity stake to Victor, N.Y.-based Constellation Brands, a leading international producer of beer, wine and spirits.

New York-based Castle Brands Inc. has purchased, or agreed to purchase, an additional $4.2 million of aging and new-fill bourbon. These additional purchases bring Castle Brands total purchases of aging and new-fill bourbon to $9.6 million for the current fiscal year. 

Kraft Hockeyville USA, a program of Pittsburgh- and Chicago-based Kraft Heinz, returns for its fourth year and nominations are officially open to find America’s most spirited and enthusiastic hockey communities. Towns nationwide can compete for the coveted title of “Kraft Hockeyville USA 2018,” which includes the opportunity to host an NHL preseason game and $150,000 in rink upgrades.

Fantesca Estate & Winery, Napa Valley, Calif., announced that DLynn Proctor, former winemaking ambassador for Penfolds, will join Fantesca as director, effective immediately.

Branford, Conn.-based Stony Creek Brewery announced the introduction of its Crankenstein India pale ale (IPA) series, a rotating selection of hybrid IPAs that merge West Coast- and New England-style influences. This concept is set to be released Jan. 15. Each version is numbered and makes its appearance every other month, the company says. The 16-ounce cans will be sold in limited amounts of four-packs throughout all markets where Stony Creek Beer is available.

Like consumers during Christmas and New Year's Eve, the readers of Beverage Industry feel the love for whiskey as 73 percent of voters named Stillhouse Spiced Cherry Whiskey their favorite new beverage in Readers’ Choice: New Product of the Month poll for November.

In honor of the darkest day of the year — Dec. 21 — Dunkin' Donuts, Canton, Mass., and Wormtown Brewery, Worcester, Mass., announced a partnership to launch DDark Roasted Brew, the first beer to be brewed with Dunkin' Donuts Dark Roast coffee beans. This decadent, stout-style beer features full-roasted coffee flavor reminiscent of freshly ground beans with a creamy mouthfeel, the companies say. 

Starbucks Puerto Rico, a business unit of Starbucks Coffee Co., Seattle, is celebrating the opening of its 25th location on the island, a new café at the Metropolitan University (UMET) campus in Cupey, which is part of the Ana G. Méndez University System (SUAGM).