Major beer brand loved by footie fans AXED from the supermarket shelves
A POPULAR lager has been pulled from store shelves, leaving fans furious.
Drinkers are campaigning to get Carling Premier back in supermarkets after manufacturer Molson Coors said it was no longer viable to produce in cans.
Punters can still buy it, but only on tap in selected pubs – a decision that has gone down badly with the army of loyal fans.
Due to their scarcity, cans are now being sold on Amazon for an eye-watering £62.99 for a pack of 24.
Multipacks have been spotted in Iceland, Spar, Premier stores and various convenience stores in recent weeks, but many fans are now saying they can’t find one.
One fan asked Molson Coors on X: “Please tell me it’s not true that you stopped making Carling Premier in cans?”
A second asked: ‘Can you tell me why I can’t find Carling Premier lager in the shops lately? I’ve been everywhere, but no luck so far.’
A third wrote: “Very sad to hear this. I think it’s much better than the standard Carling.”
One supporter, John Henrick, has even launched a petition on Change.org.
He wrote: “Carling Premier, a beloved lager known for its smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor, is no longer available in cans from Molson Coors.
“This decision has disappointed countless fans and loyal customers and left them longing for the unique taste that only Carling Premier can provide.
“It’s not just a drink; it’s part of our social fabric that brings people together.”
A Facebook group called “Carling Premier WE LOVE IT So bring it back to Pubs” includes discussions about which pubs serve the public as many do not, as well as stock levels in stores.
Carling Premier was originally introduced to celebrate Carling’s sponsorship of the FA Premier League in 1992.
It is known as a super smooth pint because it is activated by nitrogen.
The addition of nitrogen forms smaller, more abundant bubbles that give the beer a smoother taste and texture than if it were made with carbon dioxide.
Premier’s alcohol content is also higher at 4.7%, compared to Carling Original’s 4%.
A spokesperson for Molson Coors Beverage Company confirmed that production had stopped in November.
He added: “It’s great to see the latent love for Carling Premier!
“Unfortunately, demand in stores had fallen so it was no longer viable to produce it in cans, but it is still available on tap in the on-trade in over 300 pubs, clubs and social venues across the UK.
“The pub is a great place to enjoy a Carling Premier, which has always been a super smooth pint because it is activated by nitrogen.
You can also find the nearest catering suppliers by sending us a message at consumerhelpline@molsoncoors.com.”
It’s not the only change in beer in recent months.
At the beginning of this year, Heineken reduced the alcohol content of John Smith’s Extra Smooth from 3.6% to 3.4%.
The drinks company said the decision to make the bitter weaker was to promote healthy drinking.
Last year, Carlsberg reduced its lager from 3.8% to 3.4%.
How can I save money at Wetherspoons?
FREE refills – Buy €1.50 of tea, coffee or hot chocolate and get free refills. The deal is available all day, every day.
Check a map – Prices may vary by location, even if they are close together. So if you’re planning on having a pint at a Spons, it’s worth visiting nearby pubs to see if you can get the cheapest deal.
Choose your day – Every evening the pub chain organizes certain theme evenings with food. For example, there is a curry club every Thursday evening, where diners can get a main meal and a drink for a fixed price cheaper than normal.
Collection slips – Students can often purchase voucher books from their local universities, which offer discounts on food and drink, so keep your eyes peeled.
Request an app – The Wetherspoons app allows you to order and pay for your drink and food from your table, but you don’t have to be in the pub to use it. Taking full advantage of this, cheeky customers have taken to social media to ask their friends and family to order drinks for them. The app can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play.
Both now fall under the new, lower tax rate on drinks of less than 3.5% following a government change in alcohol excise duty.
Meanwhile, an investigation by The Sun found that the alcohol content in popular supermarket wines has been reduced, but prices have not followed suit.
They say they are doing this to keep prices low following the UK government’s alcohol duty reforms, which means higher taxes on stronger drinks.
Heineken also reduced Fosters’ ABV from 4% to 3.7% in early 2023.
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