Craft beer industry news.
Columbia Distributing, one of the nation’s finest beer, cider and non-alcoholic beverage distributors, today announced the appointment of Mike Shea as director of on-premise sales for Portland. Mike and his team will focus on driving sales and awareness of Columbia Distributing’s brands in one of the most complex and competitive markets in the U.S. beer business.
C2 Imports, with headquarters in Denver, CO, announces its new U.S.A. distribution agreement with Carlsberg Vietnam Breweries Limited, a World Beer Championship medalist whose award-winning Huda Beer is brewed in Hue, Vietnam. The brewery is 100 percent owned by multi-national Carlsberg Group, with roots dating to 1847 in Denmark.
Charlie Papazian, the president of the Brewers Association and founder of the Great American Beer Festival, will step back from day-to-day responsibilities this month after 37 years. Papazian, who “discovered craft homebrewing 45 years ago,” will remain an integral part of the Brewers Association, according to a statement published on the organization’s website. His title will shift to “founder, past president” and current CEO Bob Pease will add president to his title, the BA said.
After three years of selling 805 Blonde Ale in California only, Firestone Walker will begin shipping the beer to Arizona, Nevada and Texas for the first time this month. A low-alcohol session offering that Firestone originally brewed as a reaction to increasing local competition, 805 emerged as one of the best-selling national craft brands in 2015. According to market research firm IRI Worldwide, sales of 805, the 24th largest craft brand in supermarkets, were up more than 166 percent through Nov. 29, 2015.
This new collaboration, called the Splinter Cellar, will create a dynamic area that adds needed fermentation space for wood-aged specialty beers and serves as the new entrance for our behind-the scenes guided tours. The room will feature glass exterior walls on the northeast side of the brewery, and three wooden fermenters (called foeders) that stand more than 23 feet tall.
Oskar Blues Brewery is closing in on its U.S. footprint with the launch of distribution in Utah, which makes 46 total states (as well as Washington D.C.) in which its craft canned brews are available. The move represents one of the final steps in becoming a leading nationally distributed craft beer brand.
Upland Brewing Co. announced today that Side Trail Series #1, Carpet Burn Oyster Stout, will be released on draught in January of 2016 at all Upland Brewing Co. tap rooms and select craft beer bars in their distribution area.
Fort Collins Brewery (FCB) will be launching an extensive rebrand that will include changes to its current brand, updated beer recipes, and the inclusion of a new signature series. While FCB has been in operation since 2003 with a robust lineup of 50 ales and lagers, the need for a revamp is rooted in Co-Owner and General Manager Tina Peters’ belief that change and innovation is an absolute necessity in the ever-evolving world of craft beer. The brand update will feature new artwork and designs from local artists Kelsey Knobel and Aubrey Inzer.
Castle Island Brewing Company is excited to announce the initial release of its flagship beer, Candlepin Hoppy Session Ale, to the greater Boston market. Beginning this week, beer drinkers in the Boston-area will be able purchase Candlepin in cans and on draft at retail locations throughout Boston and the surrounding suburbs.
A new year brings a new year-round release, from New Belgium Brewing. Citradelic Tangerine IPA offers a mystical marriage of Citra hops and tangerine, with every sip elevating you onto a new plane of pure tropical, fruity pleasure. Tangerine-touched Mandarina Bavaria, tropical Azacca, and fruity Galaxy hops complement Citra, balanced with a touch of malty sweetness.
Ska Brewing, the Durango, CO brewery best known for their popular Modus Hoperandi IPA is announcing their decision to withdraw from the North Carolina Market after 12 years. “This is one of the longest relationships we’ve ever been in,” said Ska co-founder and president, Dave Thibodeau, adding, “they were our second market outside of Colorado—we will always care deeply about North Carolina.”
SLO Brew Rock will have over 14,500 total square feet of indoor and outdoor floor space, including a 10,000 square foot, 30-barrel capacity brewhouse. In a nod to its storied past, the brewery will transfer an original 1988 copper brewing kettle directly from the beloved SLO Brew pub in Downtown San Luis Obispo. SLO Brew Rock is aiming to produce at least 2,500 barrels by the end of 2016 and 5,000 barrels the year after in addition to increasing the distribution of some of its most popular brews.
Ordnance Brewing has begun expansion of its brewery located just off I-84 in Boardman Oregon. The expansion moves them from a 7 barrel system to a 4 vessel 50 barrel system raising annual production potential to more than 50,000 barrels annually. The increase in production sets the platform for expanding distribution and support of four core beers in six packs as well as a rotating set of limited edition brews in bottles by Spring of 2016.
Breakthru Beverage Group, which was formed after two prominent multi-state wholesalers — Wirtz Beverage Group and Charmer Sunbelt Group — merged in October, has officially launched in 19 markets across the U.S. and Canada. The combined companies will represent a portfolio of wine, beer and spirits brands totaling more than $6 billion in annual sales, according to a statement from the group.
