With exactly one zillion breweries operating across America, distribution news is always a steady constant in the CBB mailbox. Every week, we get virtual piles of announcements on new alliances, upcoming state expansions and even reductions from breweries growing and shrinking their distribution footprints. Here is some of that wholesaler news. Enjoy! If you have distribution news, send it to [email protected].
Dyckman Beer is now available at Yankee Stadium
Dyckman Beer Co., a craft beer company inspired by the flavors, the people and the culture of Uptown NYC, has announced it is joining the expanding beer selection at Yankee Stadium and available for purchase at multiple bars throughout the venue starting this summer 2022.
The classic Dyckman Brew Pilsner 19-oz cans (5 percent ABV) can be found at sections 236 and 227 concession stands at the stadium. With a deep golden color and thin white head, Dyckman Brew’s slightly sweet aroma is characterized by an undertone of pale malts and citrus notes. This premium lager is cool fermented and aged for six weeks to create an exceedingly balanced malty-sweet flavor with a spicy finish. It boasts a smooth, rich, and refreshing feel.
“Baseball and beer are one of life’s most classic combinations. We’re excited to share our inspired flavors with sports and beer enthusiasts in our own backyard,” says Dyckman Beer Co. Founder Juan J. Camilo. “To be able to have a Latino owned brand, with their roots in Uptown and the Bronx, shining bright next to the big domestic beer brands at Yankee Stadium is an incredible step forward for Dyckman Beer.”
Anderson Valley Brewing announces Louisiana distributor partnership with Pelican Craft Brands
Anderson Valley Brewing Co. (AVBC) recently announced its Louisiana distribution partnership with Pelican Craft Brands. This strategic partnership with Louisiana’s first and only craft beer distributor aims to bring a strong AVBC presence to the Louisiana market.
“Pelican has an impressive track record having built Louisiana’s craft beer market into what it is today,” said President and CEO Kevin McGee. “When looking to expand into the state, we knew Pelican was our ideal partner. Their team of brand builders and seasoned sales reps know beer better inside and out. We’re confident they’ll be very impactful in making Anderson Valley Brewing available in Louisiana.”
Pelican will represent AVBC’s entire portfolio of brands, including its iconic Boont Amber Ale, Barrel Series beers, Poleeko Pale Ale and Goses, making AVBC’s beers readily accessible in top on-premise and off-premise accounts.
“Pelican Craft Brands, Louisiana’s first and only craft beer distributor, is very excited to be working with Anderson Valley Brewing Co.,” said Chris Peneguy, president of Pelican Craft Brands. “Anderson Valley has a long, storied history, excellent reputation and many here in our market have long awaited their entry. Having first been exposed to their brand in the Florida markets, I personally have a connection with their beer. Anderson’s commitment to their partners, combined with their recent promises to not increase prices during our current economic struggles will resonate with our customers and solidify their brand in Louisiana.”
Foolproof Brewing is now distributed by Mission Beverage
As of June 2022, Foolproof Brewing Co. is now being distributed in Rhode Island by new distributors in the business, Mission Beverage. Mission beverage was started by Kyle Michaud and Nate Costa. After meeting during a fire department fundraising event, Kyle and Nate bonded over their passion for craft beer and began brainstorming ways to collaborate together in the beer industry. Thus began their mission toward starting a distribution company. Mission Beverage officially moved its first case of beer in February 2022.
Mission looks to bring the same tenacity to the brands it wishes to distribute as it did when starting its business. “We take pride in our partnerships to help grow the brands to get from one level to the next level up,” says Nate Costa.
Foolproof Brewing signed with Mission Beverage as its new distributors in Rhode Island in June 2022. Along with this agreement, Mission will also be distributing Foolproof’s sister brands under the Brewery Collective. This includes Shebeen Brewing Co., originally started in Connecticut and moved production to Rhode Island in February. Soon to follow will be the Brewery Collective’s newest Connecticut brand, Velvet Libations, which just opened on St. Patrick’s Day of this year.
“We’re focused on distributing in Rhode Island right now and bringing in brands that aren’t in Rhode Island yet,” says Michaud, and Velvet Libations will be no exception.
River Barrel Distributing adds Ancestry Brewing and Half Lion to Portfolio
With a list of more than 10 craft beverage makers, River Barrel Distributing has been quickly growing since its launch in 2020. The company’s most recent additions include two more Pacific Northwest breweries — one from Oregon and one from Washington.
Ancestry Brewing was founded in Tualatin, Ore., by the Turner Family who have a history of service in the U.S. Navy. Ancestry’s first location in 2016 in Tualatin, Ore. The company quickly gained popularity and expanded to the Portland area in 2017. Since then, Ancestry has won several awards for its Irish Red Ale, Belgian Dark Strong Ale, and Kolsch. With a focus on detail and quality, the company continues to brew favorites like the Best Coast IPA, Porter, Piney IPA, and its small-batch series.
“We are excited to have a way to get our beer to customers in the Greater Seattle area who have been wanting Ancestry. Shout out to River Barrel Distributing for making it possible,” says Jerry Turner, cofounder of Ancestry Brewing.
River Barrel Distributing’s list also includes a second Washington-based brewery Half Lion Brewing Co. The company began as a home brewing project and was jokingly referred to as Half Lion Beer, a name sparked by a conversation about large dogs bred to hunt lions; the mistakenly heard term “half dog, half lion” eventually became the name for Half Lion Brewing. The brewery opened its first location in Sumner in 2016 and since then has created its own line of hard seltzers in addition to classic beer styles like blondes, ambers, and IPAs.
“Partnering with a local distributor versus a national or even larger regional distributor gives us both a chance to show the small customers what great customer service is,” says Eric Haines, vice president of Half Lion Brewing.
River Barrel Distributing has been growing its Washington-based team and is excited to continue partnering with local breweries, cideries, meaderies, and other craft beverage makers to bring quality beverages to the area.
“We’ve had big plans for RBD, and it is exciting to see it all coming together,” says Joe Cohen, sales manager for RBD. “We’re thrilled to be working with a brand based right in our backyard of Kent/Sumner. There’s a lot of local excitement around Half Lion’s beers, and we can’t wait to get them out to more customers.”
Cohen made his way from New England to Washington in 2008 and since then, has enjoyed working in the beer industry and creating his own home fermentation projects. He’s joined by another new member of the RBD team, Rick Jameson, a beer-fan-turned-Instagrammer with experience in the beverage sales industry from “nearly every angle.”
“Being on a mission to meet the beverage needs of my community with a whole portfolio of great options isn’t just an exciting career opportunity, it’s more like allowing me to walk in my passion,” says Jameson. “I am grateful to River Barrel for the privilege to do it.”
River Barrel Distributing is a Western Washington area distribution company distributing craft beer, spirits, and cider. Serving the Washington counties of King, Pierce, Thurston, Lewis, Snohomish, Kitsap, and Grays Harbor.
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