Upland Brewing unveils new brand, adds its first product; changes at farm stop, food trucks

Upland Brewing Co., Indiana’s third largest craft brewery that was begun in Bloomington, recently unveiled rāe, a new sibling beverage brand and its first product, a sparkling golden ale of the same name. 

Sparkling golden ale is a style of pale ale beer that is becoming more popular nationally. The goal of Upland's new brand is to create a new beverage that appeals to craft consumers looking for something different than what is already on the market, the company said in a press release.

“It is important for us to be more accessible to both a younger and more diverse generation,” Samantha Marr, Upland's wholesale brands marketing director, said in a news release. “rāe is a reimagination of what consumers have been led to believe beer must taste and look like. This sparkling golden ale embraces the evolution of craft flavor profiles and packaging trends with its slim can. It will be a standout in a market dominated by sugary and artificial-tasting seltzers and canned cocktails.” 

The first rāe product is made with all natural ingredients including lemon and ginger, has a 4.2% alcohol by volume (ABV) and 110 calories. To create rāe, Upland Wholesale Brands used an outside firm, SMARI, to conduct market research. 

Upland Brewing also used artificial intelligence to create the slim can design for the first rāe item. It was first time the company has tapped AI for any part of beverage creation intended for wholesale distribution. 

“Twenty-five years ago, Upland Wheat Ale led the introduction of quality craft beer to so many Indiana consumers. The new rāe brand promises to bring light, both figuratively and literally, to a marginalized consumer group that represents the next generation of craft beer drinkers,” said Eddie DeSalle, president of Upland’s wholesale division.

Customers can find rāe where Upland Brewing Co. products are sold, including bars, specialty grocery stores, chain outlets and liquor stores.

Changes at restaurants, farm stops, more

Lots of changes are happening at Bloomington restaurants and food trucks, from the opening of the Bethel Lane Farm Stop for the 2024 season to the closing of a KFC restaurant. Here's more about what's open, what's moving and more.

Bethel Lane Farm Stop, at 4501 E. Bethel Lane, has opened for the season. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday. Currently, spring greens, eggs, rhubarb, kimchi, lamb, turkey, milk, herbs and more are available. For the latest, go to the Bethel Lane Farm Stop Facebook page.

Top Shotta Jerk Chicken & Cuisine food truck has changed its location. On past weekends, the food truck had been in downtown Bloomington, but that's no longer an option. This Friday, the food truck serving Jamaican food will be at Tire Genie in Ellettsville from 2 to 6 p.m. As in the past, it's cash or Venmo only for purchases. The food truck will also be outside of Vineyard Community Church on South Walnut Street 2:15-7 p.m. Saturdays. Check the Facebook page for times and other locations.

The sign at the KFC restaurant at 2901 E. Third St. says the restaurant will close May 19. The restaurant along with the Taco Bell next door will be closing so a carwash can be constructed in that location.

As mentioned in a previous story, the Irish Lion will close its doors this week and is expected to reopen May 22 as a delivery-only restaurant serving its pub fare. The days of operation may change, so check the website, www.irishlion.com.

More:Irish Lion announces it's closing, to reopen soon as delivery-only restaurant

Applerose is a new food business that serves savory hand pies, desserts (including macarons), fresh drinks and more every Saturday at the Bloomington Community Farmers' Market, open 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at 401 N. Morton St. It's run by Jennifer Burt, former co-owner of Feast Market and Cellar, and her family, and is located next to the Brown County Coffee Co. booth.

Summer meal plan series begins May 25

Kids and families are invited to attend summer meal plan sessions sponsored by Bloomingfoods that will be at the Monroe County Public Library, 303 E. Kirkwood Ave. The Nutrition Made Easy series will be the fourth Saturday of each month, May through October. Participants will learn how to create a summer meal plan, cook (with a volunteer chef) and have fun with kids while learning how to eat healthy. The series is opento all ages 8 and older. The sessions will be:

• May 25: Savor summer one bite at a time! Summer meal planningand dietary guidelines review.
• June 22: Nutrition Mission! Nutritional grocery shopping (for kids)
• July 27: Cultures Around the World — exploring food traditions (forkids)
• Aug. 24: Nutritious can also be delicious! – Cooking withBloomingfoods
• Sept. 28: Nutritious can also be delicious! Cooking withBloomingfoods
• Oct. 26: Nutritious can also be delicious! Cooking withBloomingfoods.

The classes are free and open to everyone. The sessions are made possible through an Indiana Department of Health grant. For more information and to register, go online to www.bloomingfoods.coop/nutrition-made-easy-series.

Contact Carol Kugler atckugler@heraldt.com.