Ballast Point moves into Wisconsin via Wirtz Beverage

Ballast Point and Wirtz Beverage announced plans to expand their partnership into Wisconsin. The companies have distribution agreements in Minnesota, Nevada and Illinois. Wirtz Beverage will distribute the Ballast Point portfolio of craft spirits and beer beginning January 1.

“We’ve had great interest in our brands throughout the Midwest and people have been asking for years when we’d come to Wisconsin,” said Jack White, CEO and founder at Ballast Point. “It’s really fantastic to have that kind of appeal and support, and it’s even better to be doing it with an experienced partner we know and trust. Wisconsin is an incredible craft state and we look forward to growing here.”

Established in 1996, Ballast Point is known for constantly exploring new flavors and techniques in its beers and spirits. As a result, the San Diego-based company has earned industry acclaim with gold medal awards at the World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Festival and most recently being named “California Distillery of the Year” for the second year in a row. The Ballast Point portfolio includes more than 50 styles of beer including IPAs, pale ales, amber ales, porters and wheat beers, as well as a family of craft spirits that includes gin, rum, vodka and whiskey.

“We like to align ourselves with great craft producers that we see as long-term partners,” said Nate Phippen, VP of sales and marketing at Wirtz Beverage Wisconsin. “We’ve helped develop the Ballast Point portfolio in other markets, and today they’re some of the best-selling. We’re excited to hit the ground running in Wisconsin, a growing craft market and make a real impact with Ballast Point.”

Ballast Point’s widely popular Sculpin IPA, along with a handful of other top beer brands and a core selection of the company’s spirits will be available at restaurants, bars and retail accounts when it launches into the state. Product offerings will expand through the year.

“We’re extremely proud of our roots, but it’s exciting to get into new markets and see what’s happening there. From the marketplace to our beer, our philosophy is all about exploring,” White said.