Following LeBron James, SweetWater Taps Distribution in Ohio

SweetWater LogoLeBron James isn’t the only one taking his talents to Ohio.

On the same day that the star basketball player announced his return to the team that drafted him, Atlanta-based SweetWater Brewing Co. unveiled its plans to launch new distribution in Ohio later this summer.

Beginning in September, SweetWater’s beers will be available in Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Toledo, Youngstown, Canton, and, yes, Cleveland, home of the NBA’s Cavaliers, and Akron, hometown of King James himself.

“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 the brewery, in a news release.

The company is still in the process of selecting its wholesalers throughout the state.

A full release is below.

ATLANTA — SweetWater Brewing Company is movin’ and shakin’ with plans to launch brews in the Buckeye State, its northern-most distribution point to date, late this summer. Following the brewery’s recent $19 million expansion, SweetWater 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, the brewery 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 Company. “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. To learn more about SweetWater Brewing Company and its full lineup, visit www.sweetwaterbrew.com.

ABOUT SWEETWATER BREWING COMPANY

Living by the motto “Don’t float the mainstream,” SweetWater Brewery has been blazing its own path in craft beer throughout the Southeast since its inception in 1997. With a brewer calling the shots, quality of beer—and life—are always most important in crafting a lineup of lip-smackin’ brews. Widely known for its flagship 420 Extra Pale Ale and recent Great American Beer Fest gold medal winner LowRYEder IPA, SweetWater also serves up an ever-evolving Catch & Release seasonal lineup of brews and an off-beat, one-off Dank Tank series. SweetWater invites folks to join them for tours and tastings of their Atlanta brewery every Wednesday through Sunday. Visit www.sweetwaterbrew.com for more info about SweetWater, or hang out with your social thang out by following SweetWater on Twitter/Instagram @sweetwaterbrew, or on Facebook at facebook.com/sweetwaterbrew. And always remember; drink ‘em if you got ‘em!