March 29--Six months after introducing Tocayo Hominy White Ale on draft with chef Rick Bayless, Constellation Brands is launching the beer in cans and bottles.
The citrus-forward wheat ale is expected to be on shelves as soon as this week. Constellation will mark the occasion with an April 6 launch event at Binny's Beverage Depot (1720 N. Marcey St., 6-9 p.m.), which will include a cooking demonstration and question-and-answer session with Bayless, whose restaurants include Frontera Grill, Topolobampo and Xoco.
Tickets ($25) are available at the Binny's website; proceeds benefit the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.
Constellation, which owns the American production rights to Corona and Modelo Especial among other Mexican brands, has expanded its beer footprint in recent months, including the purchase of San Diego craft brewery Ballast Point for $1 billion and the introduction of Tocayo.
Bayless has similarly embraced beer and plans to open a brewpub, Cruz Blanca, in the coming months.
Available only in the Chicago area (for now), Tocayo is made under contract with Two Brothers Brewing in Warrenville.
jbnoel@tribpub.com
