Amstel Light® Fires Up the Grill to Host Sixth Annual Amstel Light Burger Bash 2012

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Feb. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Amstel Light, a leading imported light beer from Amsterdam, is raising a glass to the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE in honor of the 11^th year of the prestigious event. On Friday, February 24^th, celebrity chef, author and talk show star Rachael Ray will host the sixth annual Amstel Light Burger Bash®, which is set to take place on the white sands of South Beach. Often touted as the "go-to event of the Festival," the Amstel Light Burger Bash gathers the best chefs from kitchens all over the nation, giving them the opportunity to show off their unique spin on this American classic in the ultimate burger showdown.

This year, Amstel Light welcomes Zakary Pelaccio as the brand's official Amstel Light Burger Bash chef. Classically trained at The French Culinary Institute, Pelaccio is the founder of the critically-acclaimed restaurants Fatty 'Cue and Fatty Crab in New York City. Known for his fun and funky interpretations of classic Southeast Asian style cuisine, Pelaccio is sure to provide Amstel Light Burger Bash attendees with a twist on the classic burger, making the Amstel Light station a key stop for festival-goers.

"As a long-standing partner and supporter of the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival, we are delighted to once again be the official sponsor of the Sixth-Annual Amstel Light Burger Bash," said Amanda Hawk, Amstel Light Brand Director. "Amstel Light is thrilled to partner with Chef Pelaccio and look forward to him representing the brand throughout the festival. We look forward to the exciting new flavors he will create to pair with Amstel Light's rich, full flavor in South Beach this year."

"To be selected as the official Amstel Light Burger Bash Chef is such a wonderful compliment, and I look forward to representing the brand down in South Beach with a little Fatty flare," said Zakary Pelaccio, founder of Fatty 'Cue and Fatty Crab, and Amstel Light's official Burger Bash Chef. "The burger that we've cooked up is a perfect representation of the Fatty flavors I love and Amstel Light's committment to great taste. I'm excited to share what we've created for all of the guests to enjoy, and to make this year's Amstel Light Burger Bash another memorable event."

Adult guests over the age of 21 at the 2012 Amstel Light Burger Bash, presented by Allen Brothers Steaks and Diet Pepsi, will also have the unique opportunity to sample, Amstel Wheat™, a traditional European Hefeweizen that was recently released in select U.S. markets last year. Touted as "the Bier Drinker's Wheat," Amstel Wheat is the latest addition to the Amstel portfolio.

For more details about Amstel Light, visit www.amstellight.com and www.facebook.com/amstellight or follow us on Twitter @AmstelLight. For updates from Zakary Pelaccio during Amstel Light Burger Bash, follow him on Twitter @ZakaryPelaccio.

About Amstel
Amstel, the premium Dutch beer brand was founded in 1870 in Amsterdam, Holland by two businessmen, DePester and J.H. van Marwijk Kooy.  In 1872 the first barrels of Amstel beer were delivered in Amsterdam and due to its characterful taste it became an overnight success. By 1886, Amstel had become Amsterdam's largest brewer of lager beer and in 1968, Amstel joined forces with Heineken International. In 1982, Amstel Light was born as an import to the U.S. and is currently a leading imported light beer. Today, Amstel is one of the world's top five international beer brands thanks to its unique portfolio, character, flavor and more than 140 years of brewing heritage.  Heineken USA currently distributes Amstel Light, and is introducing Amstel Wheat in select U.S. markets in 2011.  For more information, please visit www.amstellight.com.

About Heineken USA
Heineken USA Inc., the nation's premier bier importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, which is the world's most international brewer. European brands imported into the U.S. include Heineken Lager, the world's most international bier brand; Heineken Light; Amstel Light, a leading imported light bier brand; Newcastle Brown Ale, the leading imported ale in the United States; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. Heineken USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate, Tecate Light, Dos Equis, Sol, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from Mexico. For a safe ride home, download the Heineken USA-sponsored Taxi Magic™ application from your smartphone at taximagic.heineken.com. Please visit www.EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com.

Contact: Arielle Himy
MSL Group
646-500-7761
[email protected]

SOURCE Amstel Light