Ale-8-One launches first caffeine-free flavor with Cranberry Ale-8

Ale-8-One is introducing Cranberry Ale-8, its first caffeine-free flavor, with limited release beginning at the end of October. The holiday-season soda will be sold in Kentucky and select nearby states as the company broadens its flavor lineup.

Why it matters: - Cranberry Ale-8 gives Ale-8-One its first caffeine-free option. - The limited release arrives ahead of the holiday season, when cranberry flavors typically see stronger demand. - The launch expands the Kentucky soda brand’s flavor portfolio as it tries to meet fan requests for new products.

What happened: - Ale-8-One is launching Cranberry Ale-8 at the end of October. - The limited-edition flavor will be available in retailers across Kentucky during the last week of October. - Select stores in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee will also carry limited quantities. - The product is appearing in glass 4-packs. - Ale-8-One is also offering Cranberry Ale-8 on fountain for a limited time at Windy Corner in Lexington and B&N Food Market in Bagdad. - Later this year, the flavor will show up in special drinks at Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto.

The details: - Cranberry Ale-8 blends cranberry flavor with a hint of cinnamon and Ale-8’s ginger profile. - The drink uses 100% real sugar. - The soda uses natural colors. - Cranberry Ale-8 is gluten-free. - Each bottle has 120 calories. - Ellen McGeeney, CEO of Ale-8-One Bottling Company, said cranberry was the right choice for the company’s first caffeine-free flavor because fans had asked for it and cranberry is traditionally caffeine free. - Daphne Phipps, director of product excellence and innovation, said the flavor was inspired by holiday memories and designed with cinnamon to fit seasonal cooking and baking.

Between the lines: - Ale-8-One is leaning into seasonal nostalgia while keeping the product tied to its core ginger identity. - The rollout across retail, fountain and distillery channels suggests a test of demand beyond one sales format. - The company is building on momentum from its 100-year birthday festivities in August, when thousands gathered in downtown Winchester. - Ale-8-One is positioning itself as a heritage brand that still adjusts products around fan feedback and changing tastes.

What's next: - Consumers can find retailer updates and product information at Ale-8-One’s website or on @ale8one social channels. - The company plans to keep Cranberry Ale-8 available only for a limited time. - Ale-8-One may use the launch to gauge whether caffeine-free and seasonal flavors deserve a bigger place in the portfolio.

The bottom line: - Ale-8-One is betting a holiday-ready cranberry soda can open a new lane for one of Kentucky’s most iconic soft drinks.