ST. LOUIS, MO - Anheuser-Busch announced yesterday the launch of Michelob ULTRA Light Cider, a gluten-free, naturally sweetened cider that began hitting store shelves earlier this week.

Featuring 120 calories ?" one-third less than traditional ciders ?" Michelob ULTRA Light Cider is a four-season cider that offers consumers a light, refreshing alternative to white wine, champagne or traditional (heavy) ciders.

"As more people continue to discover cider, we've found that many view traditional ciders as either too heavy, too sweet or both," said Ryan Moore, vice president of premium lights, Anheuser-Busch. "This perception has oftentimes limited ciders to a seasonal beverage during fall and winter, but we saw an untapped potential to expand the category as a year-round option for adult drinkers. Michelob ULTRA Light Cider fills this void with a lower-calorie cider with a milder, but distinct, sweetness that can be enjoyed straight or over ice."

The cider is available nationwide, excluding Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Oklahoma, and is available in six-packs of 12-ounce bottles. It is Anheuser-Busch??s first cider produced and distributed in the United States.