With exactly one zillion breweries operating across America, distribution news is always a steady constant in the CBB mailbox. Every week, we get 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].
Bell’s Brewery announces distribution to Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington
Bell’s Brewery, Michigan’s largest craft brewery, recently announced expansion into five new states, including Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. This brings Bell’s total distribution to 49 states, leaving Hawaii as the only state outside of Bell’s distribution portfolio.
“Expanding our footprint to become a national brand is a top priority this year, and we can’t wait to share Bell’s beer with more fans across the country,” said Bell’s Executive Vice President Carrie Yunker. “We’re particularly excited about entering the Pacific Northwest market, a notably strong craft beer market already, where folks have been asking for Bell’s for decades. We’re grateful for the incredibly warm welcome we’ve already received from fans.”
Bell’s most popular beers are leading the expansion to these new states. Two Hearted IPA, Bell’s iconic American IPA brewed with 100% Centennial hops, will be available year-round on draft and in six-and- twelve pack cans and bottles, as well as 19.2-oz cans in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. From March to September, Bell’s beloved seasonal wheat ale, Oberon Ale, will be available in all new states on draft and in six-pack cans Additionally, Bell’s rotating variety pack, currently Bell’s Hearted Variety Pack, will be available in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
This expansion also brings Bell’s Inspired Giving philanthropy program to new parts of the country. For every barrel of beer brewed, Bell’s donates $1 to organizations and non-profits solving the most pressing social and environmental challenges. Bell’s donated $480,000 in 2022 to organizations around the nation, including its first ever grassroots grant cycle focused on water stewardship.
“Expanding our distribution footprint means more organizations can participate in our Inspired Giving philanthropic giving program,” said Yunker. “Our model ensures our annual giving grows as our business grows, tackling the problems that matter most to our fans and brewery. We’re looking forward to supporting organizations doing incredibly important work across the country.
For more information on Bell’s Brewery, visit bellsbeer.com. To find Bell’s beer near you, visit bellsbeer.com/beer-finder.
Wolf’s Ridge Brewing announces distribution partnership with House of LaRose for northeast Ohio
Wolf’s Ridge Brewing Co., a Columbus-based brewery, recently announced its expansion in northeast Ohio with distribution partner House of LaRose Inc. Wolf’s Ridge Brewing has a strong presence in the region. Still, with this partnership, its beers will be more broadly available to consumers. House of LaRose Inc., a family-owned and operated business, has served the Northeast Ohio beer market since 1939 with over 5,000 retail customers in nine counties.
“After a few successful years introducing our beers into the Northeast Ohio market, we are extremely excited to be partnering with the House of LaRose to continue building on our early success,” said Bob Szuter, co-owner of Wolf’s Ridge Brewing. “We’ve seen a lot of interest and excitement around our products in this market and can’t wait to continue to share our passion with all of the amazing customers in the area. House of LaRose is a fantastic distributor, and we believe they will be a tremendous partner with us going forward.”
Wolf’s Ridge Brewing is in more than 150 grocery, bar, and restaurant locations in Northeast Ohio. The company has seen an eight percent annual growth since entering the market in 2021. It hopes to continue its success, expanding in Cuyahoga, Medina, Lake, Geauga, Summit, Stark, Portage, Ashtabula, and Wayne counties.
“We are thrilled to add Wolf’s Ridge to our craft beer portfolio. Wolf’s Ridge has developed a strong and loyal following in their home market in Columbus and through limited distribution in Northeast Ohio,” said Jim LaRose, president and COO. “Our team is excited to partner with and fully develop Wolf’s Ridge throughout our market and allow all of Cleveland, Akron, Canton, and our surrounding communities to taste why Wolf’s Ridge is gaining so much popularity in Columbus.”
Established in 2013 by Alan and Bob Szuter, Wolf’s Ridge Brewing is a brewery and destination eatery in Columbus, Ohio. The restaurant and brewery have grown into one of Columbus’ premier dining and drinking destinations while extending its distribution statewide, winning numerous local and national awards for its beer, food, and drink programs.
Harpoon launches first THC-based beverage (Rec. Weed) in Maine via Novel Beverage Company
Harpoon Brewery — the maker of New England’s first IPA — just announced that it will be expanding the distribution of their first THC-based beverage — Rec. Weed — to the Maine market. Made in partnership with Massachusetts’ Novel Beverage Co., the new Maine distribution will feature 10 milligrams of THC per bottle with the same delicious taste profile including passionfruit puree, green tea and hops. Each bottle has just 25 calories and includes 3 grams of sugar providing a clean, crisp finish to help consumers relax and unwind.
“The reaction to the Massachusetts launch of Rec. Weed was overwhelmingly positive and we’re looking forward to bringing this unique beverage to the great state of Maine,” said Dan Kenary, CEO and cofounder of Harpoon. “Novel Beverage Co. has been an incredible partner for us with their deep knowledge of the THC space and has allowed us to combine our expertise to create a one of a kind offering with Rec. Weed.”
Rec. Weed is brewed similarly to a session ale but without fermentation, meaning it has no alcohol content. The process starts with a base of green tea and a bit of added sugar, followed by the cold steeping of Citra and other West Coast hop oils and passionfruit puree. After the steeping process, THC is added to the liquid base, and the beverage is carbonated like a traditional beer. This process imparts minimal THC flavor or aroma. And because the THC is absorbed into the liquid, people feel its effects quicker than with more common edibles.
“After seeing the excitement on the Massachusetts launch of Rec. Weed, we were eager to get the beverage in our dispensaries across Maine,” said Joel Pepin, cofounder of JAR Cannabis. “The new beverage from Harpoon Brewery and Novel Beverage Co. is an exciting and unique product that offers our customers another way to enjoy THC.”
Rec. Weed will be available in 12-oz bottles with a suggested retail price of $7.00 in Maine. It will be available year-round at recreational dispensaries throughout the state. The beverage will also continue to be available at recreational dispensaries in Massachusetts in 12-oz slim cans with a suggested retail price of $6.99. Must be 21+ to purchase. Visit www.drinkrecweed.com for more information and to find a local dispensary.
The Harpoon Brewery was founded in 1986 by beer lovers who wanted more and better beer options. When the Brewery was founded, Harpoon was issued Brewing Permit #001 by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, since it was the first to brew commercially in Boston after a dormant period of about 25 years. Since then, it has expanded to a second brewery in Windsor, Vermont. Harpoon’s line of craft beer features its award-winning IPA and seasonal beers, along with special limited releases. In 2014, Harpoon became an employee-owned company.
Protagonist Beer announces distribution to South Carolina
Protagonist Beer recently announced that it will be expanding its fast-growing beer distribution to South Carolina this month. The brewery will be partnering with Comer Distributing to bring its beers into the Palmetto State for the first time starting mid-April 2023. Beers will be available first in the Fort Mill, Tega Cay, Rock Hill and Clover markets with plans for more markets in the future.
“We’re extremely excited to partner with Comer and their incredible team to finally bring our beers into the Palmetto state,” said CEO and Cofounder Mike Salzarulo. “Because of the demand and proximity to our friends in South Carolina, it’s the natural next step for our retail beer expansion.”
“Our entire crew here at Comer Distributing are very excited to bring such great local brands to our customers and consumers. Protagonist Beer is first class, and all their staff have been absolutely wonderful to help map out their vision and expansion plans into South Carolina. Thank you, Mike and Lindsay, for choosing us as your partner,” said Chip Comer of Comer Distributing. “We would encourage anyone to please visit their facility in the Lower South End and enjoy great food and brews and an awesome atmosphere! Coming to local stores, bars, and restaurants near you in Rock Hill and surrounding areas very soon, Protagonist Beer.”
Protagonist Beer was founded in the NoDa neighborhood of Charlotte in May of 2019 by three childhood friends. Quickly outgrowing its original space, Protagonist opened a production facility and pizzeria in the LoSo neighborhood in Charlotte in November 2020. In its short time as a brewery, Protagonist Beer has won four Great American Beer Festival Medals, along with a North Carolina Brewers Cup Gold Medal.
Protagonist Beer will launch in South Carolina with five year-round offerings: Queen Charlotte, a German-style Pilsner; Dolly, a Honey Blonde Ale; Gwen, a Honey Hazy Pale Ale; Mercury, a Hazy IPA; and Hank, an American Light Lager. The brewery’s recent collaboration with Fort Mill-based Replay Brewing named Tony Bock, a 7.3 percent Strong Lager, will be the first seasonal offering available in select markets.
North Carolina’s Incendiary Brewing partners with Bevana
Incendiary Brewing Co., one of the most highly rated breweries in North Carolina, has joined beverage platform Bevana. The latest in a growing list of highly regarded companies partnering with the platform, Incendiary will see a dramatically increased reach for its beers through an online store capable of shipping to 42 states, including North Carolina. Now able to reach craft beer enthusiasts across the country, many for the first time, it represents a step forward in not only increasing awareness of, but access to, its award-winning beers.
The top-rated brewery in North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad region, Incendiary has built its reputation on a range of offerings including its popular SHIfT series of Hazy IPAs, bold imperial stouts and twists on classic lager styles. Founded in 2018 by locals Brandon Branscome and John Bacon, the brewery quickly became a local favorite, as well as attracting the notice of critics and beer drinkers from across the region. With demand continuing to grow, the pair has since opened a second location in nearby Lewisville, allowing them to serve more customers and continue to deliver the high-quality experience that they have become so well-known for.
“We are so excited to work with Bevana and get our beers to fans in other markets, particularly here in North Carolina,” explained Brandon Branscome, cofounder of Incendiary. “It’s a request we get all of the time, and we couldn’t be happier to finally make it happen.”
Through its partnership with Bevana, Incendiary’s new releases will be available online for delivery directly to customers’ homes or businesses. This joins a selection of top beers and other beverages from across the world, making the platform the ultimate one-stop shop for drinkers everywhere.
“Working with the top breweries and beverage producers in the world is one of the parts of our job that we take the most pride in at Bevana,” said Aaron MJ Gore, Bevana’s senior director of business development. “Brandon, John and its entire team at Incendiary have been creating world-class beers since day one, and we’re excited to be able to bring those directly to craft beer fans like ourselves who otherwise wouldn’t have access to them.”
Craft beer enthusiasts can find Incendiary’s beers online through the Bevana storefront, or at either of its two taprooms in central North Carolina — in Winston-Salem and Lewisville.
Bevana is a platform that connects artisan beverage makers with eager customers that they would otherwise be unable to reach. The company’s partner with the best independent beverage makers across the globe to keep the craft in craft beverage and to provide enthusiasts with the world’s best drinks, no matter where they are. Customers in 42 states can order all of their favorite Bevana beverages online at Shop.Bevana.com for delivery directly to their door.
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