Bojangles and Boone-based Appalachian Mountain Brewery launch new hard sweet tea

Two Carolina companies have teamed up to create the new Bojangles hard sweet tea, which will be sold in gas stations and grocery stores across the Carolinas this March.

Boone-based Appalachian Mountain Brewery, which opened its taproom in 2013, and Bojangles, founded in Charlotte in 1977, joined forces.

The brand said it hopes to “tap” into fans’ love of all things Bojangles with this new beverage.

"This collaboration is something sweet," said Jackie Woodward, chief brand and marketing officer for Bojangles. "Partnering with AMB to craft our Legendary Iced Tea into a hard tea for fans of legal drinking age was a natural fit, and the team poured passion into the entire process. We can’t wait for fans to try it!"

Bojangles hard sweet tea will not be available at any Bojangles restaurants. The drink is expected to hit shelves in March in the form of 12-pack, 12-ounce cans and individual 16-ounce cans. It will be available at independent retailers and chains like Circle K, QT, Sheetz, Spinx, Harris Teeter, ingles, Lowes, Walmart, Food Lion and other retailers in North and South Carolina.

"AMB couldn’t be more excited to collaborate with such an iconic Carolina company," said Nathan Kelischek, AMB Founder and Brewmaster. "Bojangles sweet tea is a staple across the South and has earned its ‘legendary’ title. AMB has always been dedicated to making the highest quality craft beer and cider, and the same can be said for this authentic Bojangles Hard Sweet Tea. We are excited to continue to share our craft in innovative, new ways."

For more information on Bojangles Hard Sweet Tea, including updates on release timing and participating retailers, look for @BoHardTea on Instagram and Twitter, as well as @Bojangles Hard Tea on Facebook.