Allagash Brewing is returning to Colorado for the first time in almost 20 years.
The Portland, Maine-headquartered, Belgian-inspired brewery will have statewide distribution through Elite Brands.
“Colorado is personally one of my favorite states to travel to and spend time in, and it’s home to some of the best breweries—and some of the most avid beer enthusiasts—in the country,” Allagash founder Rob Tod said in a press release. “While serving on the board of the Brewers Association, I was lucky enough to spend quite a bit of time there.
“We can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on: from our awarded flagship beer Allagash White, to the rest of our core portfolio, to new offerings that we’re really excited about,” he continued.
When it launches in Colorado, Allagash’s available portfolio will include 12 oz. can 6-packs and kegs of flagship Allagash White, 12 oz. bottle 6-packs of Tripel, 12 oz. bottle 4-packs of Curieux, and 12 oz. 6-pack cans of the brand’s seasonal family (Surf House, Haunted House and Ski House).
“Allagash has been a leader in the craft beer industry for nearly three decades, and we’re thrilled to bring their award-winning beers to beer lovers across Colorado,” Elite Brands owner Terry Cekola said in the release. “Their passion for brewing and commitment to sustainability align perfectly with our company values and those of Colorado consumers. We look forward to a long and successful partnership.”
The expansion to Colorado comes on the heels of the brand’s launch in Minnesota, which was announced last month. Allagash will now be sold in 21 states and Washington, D.C., giving the brand its largest distribution footprint in nearly two decades.
Allagash has famously kept a tight distribution footprint after retrenching in the mid-2000s, which Tod detailed during a keynote address at the New England Brew Summit in February 2020. In 2005, Allagash sold 5,000 barrels while distributing to 26 states on both coasts and Washington, D.C.
Allagash was sold in Colorado for a “short period” nearly 20 years ago, but exited the market due to “capacity constraints,” a spokesperson for the brewery told Brewbound.
By 2019, Allagash pared its footprint back to the East Coast from Maine to Georgia, plus Chicago and California, and sold 104,103 barrels, according to Brewers Association (BA) data.
Since then, Allagash has expanded its distribution in small steps. It added Wisconsin in 2020 and Florida in 2021. That year, the brewery also deepened its statewide presence in Illinois, after years of shipping only to Chicago.
“As we approach our 30th anniversary, we want to complement our Northeast focus with thoughtful and steady expansion across the U.S.,” sales director Josh Fruchtman said in the release. “We’re returning to Colorado because we see a great deal of potential for Allagash to be well received here.
“We’re fortunate to find a partner in Elite Brands, who are passionate about craft beer and about what Allagash is trying to deliver to consumers,” he continued. “Together we’re ready to hit the ground running.”
Earlier this week, Allagash was named to Fast Company’s Brands That Matter list for 2024, which honors brands that “cut through the din to deliver their message while establishing broader cultural relevance,” according to the magazine.
Allagash was one of 10 brands included in Fast Company’s Enduring Impact category, which honored brands that have succeeded in their mission-driven work for 15 years or more.
Fast Company named Allagash’s recycling program, sustainability efforts and eco-conscious advertising work as reasons for inclusion.
“We’re equally proud of our beer and our work with communities in Maine and beyond,” Tod said in a press release. “This year’s recognition feels especially significant as we approach our 30th anniversary in 2025. It speaks to our brewery’s continued relevance and impact. It’s another sign that giving back, standing by our core values, and taking a thoughtful approach to growth have been the right moves for us as a brewery.”