Surly Brewing adds new distribution partner, preps for production increase

Surly Brewing Co. announced Johnson Brothers as its newest Minnesota beer distributor. Surly Brewing has been distributing its own beer since its inception in January 2006. It now supplies beer to more than 500 bars, restaurants and liquor stores throughout the Twin Cities and at various locations across the state.

“We wanted to partner with someone who understood our company,” said Omar Ansari, founder and president of Surly Brewing. “Johnson Brothers was the ideal partner. We’re both growing, family-owned Minnesota companies, and it was clear that they understood the Surly way. Surly couldn’t take its next steps without a partnership like this.”

As consumer demand continues to grow, Surly will work with Johnson Brothers to expand its network of on- and off-premise accounts, enhance its brand reach and find a more efficient way to distribute its beer. Surly Brewing will maintain its relationships with beer distributors in the northwest Twin Cities suburbs, Duluth and Rochester.

By late 2014, Surly Brewing will be significantly increasing annual beer production when it moves into its new destination brewery. Once the brewery is fully operational, Johnson Brothers, through its Artisan Beer Co., will help Surly distribute significantly more beer to bars, restaurants,and liquor stores across Minnesota and eventually to customers in other states. Johnson Brothers has a presence in 16 states.

“We are extremely proud and excited to be partnering with Surly, one of this region’s truly great craft breweries,” said Todd Johnson, chief operating officer of Johnson Brothers. “We look forward to working closely with Surly and helping make these fantastic beers available to even more beer lovers throughout Minnesota. They can’t build that new brewery soon enough.”