SweetWater Brewing ships into Ohio

The Ohio-based CBB crew commends SweetWater Brewing Co., which has plans to launch brews in the Buckeye State, its northern-most distribution point to date, later this summer. Following the brewery’s recent $19 million expansion, SweetWater (ranked as one of the nation’s top 20 craft breweries by sales volume according to the Brewer’s Association) plans to bring its lip-smackin’ lineup to Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, Akron, Youngstown and Canton starting this September.

SweetWater expanded brewing, packaging and shipping operations in 2012, quadrupling its overall capacity. In early 2013, SweetWater announced plans to flow into three new states for the first time since 2008, including Kentucky, Louisiana and Virginia. SweetWater currently distributes its notoriously hoppy and aggressive ales throughout a total of nine U.S. states across the Southeast. The distribution extension into Ohio, along with movement into Mississippi and Texas also this year, will bring SweetWater’s availability to 12 total states by the end of 2014.

Although decisions on distribution partners for the markets are still being confirmed, Ohio locals can look forward to spotting the brewery’s iconic rainbow trout tap handles and packaging throughout the area in upcoming months, along with local launch events and brand details to come.

“While on a recent tour through Ohio, I could feel the energy and excitement throughout the state surrounding craft beer,” said Jeff Chassner, director of new market business development at SweetWater Brewing. “We feel now is the perfect time for us to tell our story and bring our award-winning brands to the Buckeye State to further complement their already established craft lineup.

To keep up-to-speed on SweetWater’s launch into the Ohio area, follow SweetWater’s Ohio Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SWHeadyPeddlersOH or on Twitter at @SweetWaterOH.