Distribution Roundup: Founders Hits Alaska; Dogfish to Enter Oklahoma

Founders Brewing Taps Odom Corporation in Alaska

Forty-six states down, four to go. This week, Founders Brewing announced plans to expand distribution to Alaska, the eighth new state the Michigan-based craft brewery has entered in 2017.

The company has signed with Odom Corporation for statewide coverage. The brewery’s year-round, seasonal and specialty offerings will begin shipping in April and will be available for purchase at on- and off-premise retailers beginning May 8.

In March, Founders announced plans to enter Delaware in early May. That news followed previous expansions into Alabama, Idaho, Kansas, Oregon and Washington this year. The company also recently began distributing in Montana and Mississippi.

Dogfish Head to Enter Oklahoma

Dogfish Head will expand distribution to Oklahoma in mid-June, according to Tulsa World.

The Delaware-based craft brewery has inked a distribution agreement with Oklahoma Beer Imports, which also sells products from New Belgium, Stone, Abita, Boulevard, Lagunitas, Oskar Blues and Uinta Brewing, among others.

The brewery will reportedly ship flagship items such as 60 Minute and 90 Minute IPA, as well as a variety of seasonal and specialty offerings, to Oklahoma.

Earlier this month, Dogfish Head expanded into nearby Missouri. In March, the company said it would expand distribution to Minnesota and Alabama. Dogfish is also expected to add New Mexico and West Virginia, and perhaps other markets, to its footprint in 2017.

Left Hand Signs with Tanager Beverages in Wyoming

Colorado’s Left Hand Brewing will round out its Wyoming footprint, signing a distribution agreement with Tanager Beverages in Cody.

“They are a great company and have great beers,” Joe Kondelis, the president Tanager Beverages, said via a statement. “We have all been huge fans here at Tanager Beverages — to say we are excited is an understatement.”

Left Hand Brewing first entered Wyoming last July, signing with Cheyenne & Laramie Beverage for partial coverage in the state.

Heavy Seas Hits West Virginia

Baltimore’s Heavy Seas Beer has signed agreements with three distributors in West Virginia, according to a company statement.

Mountain State Beverage in Summersville, Northern Eagle in Romney and Mountain Eagle in Beckley have been tapped to sell the Heavy Seas products throughout the state.

Upland Brewing Expands Distribution of Sour Beers to Philadelphia

Indiana’s Upland Brewing today announced plans to expand distribution of its wood-aged sour ales to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, signing an agreement Penn Beer.

Launch events are planned for the week of April 24, the company said via a press release.

Upland’s Hopsynth, Iridescent, and limited quantities of Cursed Kettles, a collaboration with Prairie Artisan Ales, will be sold on draft at “craft-focused bars and in specialty bottle shops,” the company said via a press release.

“Philadelphia has an incredible beer culture and some of the most progressive beer bars in the country,” said Dusty Howe, Upland’s sour beer brand manager, in the release. “Sour beers are becoming more commonplace and drinkers are curious about this style. We’re excited for the chance to offer beer lovers in Philadelphia some of our latest, unique sours.”

NOLA Brewing to Hit Lone Star State

NOLA Brewing plans to expand distribution to Texas this year, according to a report from the craftbeeraustin.com blog.

The company will initially focus on sales in Houston and has signed an agreement with Flood Distribution, the website reported.

Additional market expansions are also in the works.

“Once we have that under our belt, we will expand to Austin & Dallas, then the rest of our distributor’s footprint,” Davis Cranford, vice president of sales told the website.

An official entry timeline is still pending.

Big Boss Brewing Signs with Mutual Distributing

Big Boss Brewing has inked an agreement with Mutual Distributing for coverage throughout Cabarrus, Mecklenburg and Union counties in North Carolina, according to a press release.

“Big Boss is a well-respected North Carolina Brewery with a loyal following, and we are very pleased to be partnering with them,” Michael Hayek, a division manager for Mutual Distributing, said via a release. “We look forward to working with them to expand their presence in the greater Charlotte market.”

Perrin Brewing Hits Dayton, Ohio

Michigan’s Perrin Brewing — now part of Oskar Blues Holding Company — has expanded distribution to the Dayton, Ohio area, according to Dayton Daily News.

The company has partnered with Bonbright Distributing, which will sell Perrin’s year-round brews — Black Ale, Gold Ale, and 98 Problems IPA — as well as its seasonal and specialty offerings throughout the area.