In the latest Distribution Roundup, Rhinegeist enters Nashville; Sweetwater goes statewide in Massachusetts; Castle Island makes its first move outside of Massachusetts; Founders adds its 48th state; and more expansion moves.

Total U.S. beer dollar sales grew to more than $35 billion in 2018, according to retail data provider IRI. The Chicago-based market research firm, which tracks category-wide sales at major off-premise retailers, reported a 1.8 percent increase in beer dollar sales, despite a 0.3 percent decline in volume sales at multi-outlet and convenience (MULC) stores (grocery, drug, club, dollar, mass-merchandiser and military) through December 30.

Dagger announced today that it has been named social content agency for SweetWater Brewing Company.

SweetWater Brewing Co.’s latest release, Twisted Fish Crystal Pilsner, was brewed with and for Building Conservation Trust, the Coastal Conservation Association’s National Habitat Program. As one of the five beneficiaries of the brewery’s annual Save Our Water campaign, BCT competed against the other non-profits in a social media campaign, winning the opportunity to create a beneficial brew.

SweetWater Brewing Co.’s brand new summer seasonal for 2018, “Tropical Lover” Berliner Weisse, has approachably tart characteristics and tropical fruit flavors with the crushable, effervescent qualities of a sessionable ale.

Braxton Brewing and SweetWater Brewing have collaborated to create “Moving to the Country,” a Peach Pale Ale to be released on draft and in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans throughout Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Dayton, Lexington, Louisville and Nashville.

In this edition of People Moves, Modern Times’ head brewer departs for Hong Kong, Fifty West hires the owner of Blank Slate and more.

In this week’s Last Call: Utah considers revising 3.2 laws; Golden Road rethinks its proposed Oakland beer garden; ex-New Belgium brewmaster’s Purpose Brewing & Cellars sets grand opening; and more.

Starting Friday, Georgia breweries will officially be allowed to sell beer directly to consumers, ending a contentious, decade-plus-long dispute between the state’s beer manufacturers and wholesalers.

SweetWater Brewing Company announces distribution to Indiana with Monarch Beverage.

SweetWater Brewing Co. collaborated with bands The Hip Abduction and Slightly Stoopid to create two limited release brews, both pouring at this year’s 420 Fest (April 21 – 23 in Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park).

SweetWater Brewing Company announces distribution to Delaware with N.K.S. Distributors, Inc. Starting early April, Delawareans will be able to find SweetWater’s signature 420 Extra Pale Ale, award winning IPA, Hash Session, Goin’ Coastal IPA with pineapple, plus seasonals and limited release styles like Dank Tanks, Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout and Pit & Pendulum. SweetWater will be available in package stores, and on draft at bars and restaurants.

In this week’s distribution roundup: Founders lands in Oregon and Idaho, Sweetwater taps the Arkansas Craft Alliance and Daytona Beach Brewing Company hits Central Florida.

SweetWater Brewing Co. announces four new brews to be released in February, 2017: Grass Monkey hoppy pale wheat with lemongrass as a new spring seasonal, Old Man Johnson’s Farm imperial stout with raspberries from the Dank Tank, 20th Anniversary Ale, and the first release from the new Hatchery Series.