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].
Colorado’s Ska Brewing returns to Utah
Ska Brewing has returned to distribution in The Beehive State through a partnership with M&M Distribution, making Utah the 11th state where Ska beers are available. Utahns and visitors can now find Ska beers on draft and in 12-oz six-packs in Tooele, Salt Lake, Wasatch, Utah, Davis, and Summit counties.
In 2022 in a long overdue move, Ska entered into Wyoming for distribution to share its liquid with like-minded, outdoor-centric neighbors. In that same spirit, Ska now returns to Utah.
Some of Ska’s best-selling beers, such as the 5% ABV Raspberry Blonde, were previously unavailable in Utah due to laws limiting the ABV in grocery stores, restaurants, and bars. Ska has continued to innovate and push the boundaries of craft beer at home, and in recent years Utah’s laws have changed — all allowing the brewery to bring much more of its portfolio over the state line.
“We’ve heard from a lot of folks that they’re no strangers to making the pilgrimage across the border to procure our beers to take back to Utah,” said Ska Brewing Cofounder and CEO Dave Thibodeau. “We couldn’t be more thrilled about these legislative changes and cannot wait to once again share our flagships along with some of the new beers we’ve created just across the border.”
Dark Sky Brewing expands distro across Arizona via Quail Distributing
Since joining the Quail Distributing portfolio in March, Dark Sky Brewing Co. continues to expand its experimental craft beer footprint in northern Arizona, across the Phoenix Valley, and Tucson metropolitan area. Most recently, the company’s seven canned SKUs have become available at Arizona Total Wine locations.
This partnership is the product of several years of friendship between Dark Sky and Quail, as well as an expansion of the Dark Sky Production brewery. More production space allowed the Dark Sky team to package and distribute their seasonal mainstay SKUs — Vortices Hazy Double IPA, Pit Stop Lager, Best Friend Munich Helles, After Thoughts American Pale Ale, Westie West Coast IPA, Sacred Datura Triple IPA, and Rainy Daze Hazy IPA. Now the company has extend its reach to even more shelves with the addition of select Total Wine stores to its expanding vendor/partner list.
“Northern Arizona has a buzzing craft beer scene with Dark Sky leading the way through their innovative and highly rated beers,” said Shawn Hillman with Quail Distributing.
“Expanding our seasonal mainstay SKUs down to the valley and Tucson has been a dream of ours for the past few years; customer demand fueled the brewery expansion and we were able to make it happen this year. We hope having our beers down in the valley and Tucson will spark a need for patrons to travel to our destination Flagstaff taproom for taproom-only fun,” added Ryan and Larami Sandlin from Dark Sky Brewing.
Use the beer finder on Dark Sky Brewing’s website homepage to locate its canned SKUs across Arizona. Dark Sky lovers can visit the tasting room to purchase these cans and taste many rotating draft-only beers too.
Established in 2014 by Larami and Ryan Sandlin, Dark Sky Brewing has become a downtown Flagstaff institution that builds community through craft beer, food, and philanthropy. Named in honor of its home, in the world’s first International Dark Sky Place, Dark Sky Brewing is crafting a beer selection that is as unique and beautiful as every star, meteor, and comet they can see from their backyard. Committed to making that home a better place by giving back, the Dark Sky Community nonprofit organization was founded out of the brewery to serve as a launching base for other nonprofits to raise more funds and awareness. Learn more about the beers, food, and philanthropy at darkskybrewing.com.
Chicago’s Maplewood Brewery & Distillery now distributes in Ohio via Premium Beverage Supply
Maplewood Brewery & Distillery, based in Chicago’s Logan Square, is now distributing in Ohio via Premium Beverage Supply. Ohio marks the fifth state, following Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Kansas, where Maplewood’s beers can be found outside of Illinois.
“We’re really excited to enter the Ohio market and partner with Premium Beverage Supply. Expanding distribution successfully requires careful consideration, and we loved Premium’s approach to building brand awareness and their dedication to supporting suppliers and customers,” said Maplewood’s Founding Brewer and CEO Adam Cieslak. “Ohio is such a great craft beer state, and we’re pumped to bring our beer to a new audience.”
Maplewood is offering its year-round and current seasonal releases, such as: Charlatan American Pale Ale (2016 and 2018 GABF Bronze), Son of Juice IPA, Fat Pug Oatmeal Milk Stout (2017 GABF Bronze and 2022 GABF Gold), Pulaski Pils (Craft Beer & Brewing Exceptionally Distinguished) and Sidewalk Surfer Double IPA (Craft Beer and Brewing Exceptionally Distinguished). Bavarian Dream Hefeweizen is the first of Maplewood’s seasonal beers heading to Ohio.
“We are honored and excited to partner with Maplewood Brewery. Their reputation had preceded them with all of the awards they have won and the high regards all over the internet, but once we sampled the beer we knew they would be a great addition. Their passion, professionalism and overall personality felt like a great fit from the start. It’s great to know that no matter which style of beer you are going after, with Maplewood, that beer is going to be of the highest quality. We are excited to share their great beer with consumers all over the state of Ohio,” said Charlie Steffy, director of sales at Premium Beverage Supply.
Maplewood Brewery & Distillery touts itself as Illinois’ first combination craft brewery and distillery located under a single roof, producing handmade beer and spirits in Chicago’s Logan Square Neighborhood. Maplewood began commercial distribution in the fall of 2014 with Louis Glunz Beer Inc.
California’s Anderson Valley Brewing partners with Louisiana’s International Wine & Spirits
Anderson Valley Brewing Company (AVBC) just announced its new distribution partnership with International Wine & Spirits, Inc., Louisiana (IWSLA). As one of the state’s largest, fastest-growing beer, wine, food, and liquor distributors, AVBC’s new representation through IWSLA will focus on expanding the brewery’s presence throughout Louisiana.
“IWSLA’s experience representing craft beverages along with their strong industry relationships are what we need to grow our business in the state of Louisiana,” said Anderson Valley Brewing Co. President and CEO Kevin McGee. “As a fellow family-owned company, we have a similar vision when it comes to building a successful business. We trust IWSLA is the ideal partner to take AVBC to the next level.”
IWSLA will represent AVBC’s entire portfolio of brands, including its iconic Boont Amber Ale, its Bourbon Barrel Series beers, its fruited Gose series, The Pilsner, and the brand new Coastal Ale making AVBC’s beers readily accessible in top on-premise and off-premise accounts.
Founded in 1987, Anderson Valley Brewing brews hand-crafted, authentic beers with balance, complexity and a commitment to sustainably producing world-class beer. As the world’s first solar powered brewery, AVBC leads the craft beer industry as pioneers in responsible brewing and innovators in environmental sustainability practices. Anderson Valley Brewing beer is available in 40 states and at its taproom in Boonville, California. Learn more at AVBC.com.
Rupee Beer brings Indian-inspired beer to Philadelphia
Rupee Beer just announced its entry into the Philadelphia market as market as expansion plans to bring Indian craft beer to America. Rupee Beer is specially brewed to pair with Indian, spicy and world cuisine, created by a world renowned master beer brewer and Indian chef. It is the first Indian-inspired beer to bridge the gap between world cuisine and craft brewing, with placement at select Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Costco & Total Wine locations.
Rupee is growing the presence of its multi award winning lager at 4.75% ABV fast, with availability across 12+ states. Brothers Van and Sumit Sharma, sons of Indian restaurateurs in the business internationally for over half a century, found themselves continually frustrated they could not find any Indian beer in Maine.
They decided to not only create their own beer but set out to game change the food and beverage industry in a bold and diverse way. The Sharma brothers strategically partnered with global craft brewing legend Alan Pugsley, 40+ year master beer brewer, lover of Indian food as a British expat, and creator of over 80+ global beer brands, to create Rupee Beer and re-write everything society understands about craft lager as it relates to spicy world cuisine.
“Philadelphia is a great market for beer and we are excited to now be available across the city at Indian and international restaurants, as well as local bottle shops and grocery stores.”
Brewed with pristine quality in mind and premium rice, maize, malt, and three types of hops, Rupee Beer dismantles the traditional lager experience by lowering levels of carbonation to allow for a more comfortable and enjoyable dining experience.
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