2022 GIRL FLOCK PARTY SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: BLUE NORTHER

Jan 27

This week we are highlighting Blue Norther for their generous 2022 Girl Flock Party sponsorship. They will be providing their hard seltzer at our annual event on March 27th.

Born and bred in Austin, Texas, Blur Norther is a spiked seltzer brand that takes ingredients seriously. We thank them for their partnership, helping us to achieve our goals in the community.

**Austin M. Pittman**

**Founder & President (right), pictured with his father Austin T. Pittman (left)**

What is the origin story of Blue Norther?

We’re a father-son team of longtime Texans, both named Austin (yep, Austin & Austin from Austin). At the end of a long day working on our family ranch in early ‘19, my Dad and I decided to unwind with a drink. The big-name hard seltzer we tried was refreshing, but it had weak flavor, a strange aftertaste and confusing ingredients. We decided that we could do better – that we could make a better seltzer that the people of Texas could not only enjoy, but be proud of. We set out to craft something bold, refreshing, and real. 2 years later, we’ve done just that! Our Austin-brewed underdog has won local and international awards for flavor, and we’ve sold nearly half a million cans of Blue Norther. And we’re just getting started.

Explain what your business does.

We brew delicious, craft hard seltzer and put it on shelves in grocery stores (like H-E-B and Whole Foods), convenience stores (like Royal Blue and Fresh Plus), and bars (like Bungalow and Banger's). We also throw great events at our Tasting Room in South Austin, where we bring people together with live music, food pop-ups, vendors, etc.

What is your business niche?

We're the first full-flavored hard seltzer (read: seltzer that is actually delicious). We use real fruit, organic agave, and great ingredients - and no malt - and the result is a bold, refreshing, and real take on the category.

How many employees?

6 full-time, 5 part-time, and a team of contractors to help us fill the gaps.

What are 3 things people should know about Blue Norther?

1) It tastes better than any hard seltzer on the market, hands-down. You have to try it to believe it. 2) We brew our alcohol using raw cane sugar, no malt! We also avoid any artificial flavors or chemicals, and are truly gluten-free. The clean, natural taste isn't by accident. 3) We're born and brewed here in Austin, and we support local in everything we do.

What are your goals for the business?

First, to become Austin's favorite hard seltzer. Next, to grow to become a loved brand across the state of Texas. Third, to create a new paradigm in hard seltzer - one closer to craft beer - that includes delicious drinks, real people, and good times together.

How would you spend an extra $100,000 at Blue Norther?

Marketing, marketing, marketing. Brand awareness is incredibly expensive; I'd love the extra juice to help us compete against the big guys with bottomless pockets.

Favorite quote?

"Positive energy is contagious."