Wiley Roots Brewing Company announces the return of slush beers

Wiley Roots Brewing Company announces return of its Cherry Limeade Slush beer. Courtesy photo.

By Kelly Ragan

As Wiley Roots Brewing Company celebrates a new 60-barrel fermenter, quirky beer lovers can rejoice as slush beers return to the menu. 

Wiley announced slush beers are set to return Friday with two classic favorites: Cherry Limeade Slush and Peach Lemonade Slush. 

“The wait is nearly over, and we can’t wait to share these two fantastic beers with all of you who have been patiently waiting for warmer days and patio loving nights,” Wiley said in a statement on Facebook. 

The brewery first introduced the slush beers in 2018, riffing off Sonic Drive-In’s beloved summertime fare – even going so far as to make some parody commercials and spoof the Sonic logo. 

In a news release, head brewer and co-owner Kyle Carbaugh said the goal was to “create a sour beer series for everyone that wasn’t so damn serious.” 

The idea was a hit.  

Of course, that didn’t go unnoticed by Sonic, which issued a cease-and-desist letter. 

Wiley pivoted and refreshed the branding – though the beer maintains an homage to the OG summer drink. 

“We’re still huge fans of Sonic and will continue to frequent their restaurants,” Carbaugh said in a 2019 news release. “Sonic is the original summer drink stop and we are thankful for their influence on this beer series.”

In the statement, Wiley Roots stated it continued to fine-tune the slush during the off-season. 

“We brought back the things we loved the most, along with a higher ABV,” Wiley stated.