Big Ditch Brewing Company has launched Jest Hard Tea, a bold new vodka-based beverage that marks the first non-beer brand in the brewery’s 12-year history.
Since opening in 2014, Big Ditch has defined itself by balancing innovation with hard work. After more than a year of intensive R&D, Jest Hard Tea arrives as a vibrant and refreshing alternative, crafted specifically for today’s evolving palate.
“We’ve always been about bold flavor and high drinkability,” said Matt Kahn, president and co-founder. “With Jest, we’re bringing our obsession with quality to the hard tea space. It’s not just another basic beverage—it’s a unique, spirit-based experience that pushes the envelope of what people expect from us.”
While best known for its flagship beers such as Hayburner American IPA, as well as its strong presence in the New York craft beer market, Big Ditch sees Jest as a natural extension of its innovation pipeline and a response to growing consumer interest in ready-to-drink beverages beyond beer.
Jest Hard Tea features a clean vodka base blended with real tea and fun fruit flavors. At 4.2% ABV, only 85 calories per 12-ounce can, and containing no bubbles, it’s built for backyard parties, beach days, tailgates or wherever good times call for something a little different.
The Jest lineup includes four exciting flavor profiles:
- Raspberry & Elderflower, made with vodka and real black tea
- Half & Half, made with vodka, real hibiscus tea, and pink lemonade
- Peach & Blueberry, made with vodka and real white tea
- Mango & Yuzu, made with vodka and real green tea
Jest Hard Tea will be available in 12-ounce four-packs of Raspberry and Half & Half, as well as in a “Varietea” eight-pack featuring all four flavors.
Jest Hard Tea is available at Big Ditch’s Buffalo taproom (55 East Huron St.) and Lockport location (1 East Avenue), as well as select liquor stores and bars across New York State shortly thereafter.
For more information, visit www.jesthardtea.com or follow the journey on social media at @jesthardtea.
