Constellation Brands Plans to Release “Rule of Five” Hard Punch

September 14, 2024 – Constellation Brands is adding a new flavored malt beverage to its lineup, as filings with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau show plans to launch “Rule of Five” – a new hard punch billing itself as “our signature take on the historic rule of five.”

The “rule” in question seems to come from a classic rhyming recipe detailing the ratios for the perfect Barbados punch: “One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak.” The rhyme is sometimes appended with “a dash of bitters and a sprinkle of spice, serve well chilled with plenty of ice.”

Though the rule is usually in reference to punches made with hard spirits, Constellation’s version is made with a malt base. The company has filed three labels with the TTB, for a Cherry Pineapple Orange Punch, Strawberry Watermelon Lemon Punch, and Passionfruit Mango Lime Punch. All three are for 12 oz cans, and come in at 6% ABV.

The products are registered to Starcatcher Beverages, which Constellation Brands lists as a subsidiary in their SEC filings. They are being brewed by Minhas Craft Brewing, a large brewer in Monroe, Wisconsin which does a significant amount of contract brewing.

If released, the product would represent the second major flavored malt beverage in a year for Constellation, after the company released its Shyft “flavor changing” FMB last November.