Distribution Roundup: Lagunitas Enters Louisiana, Starpoint Expands in North Carolina

Lagunitas Sneaks into Louisiana

After initially announcing it would begin distributing to the market in October, Lagunitas Brewing covertly waltzed into Louisiana earlier this week.

According to Eater NOLA, the Avenue Pub sent out an email to its mailing list on Sunday afternoon that read, “Lagunitas will be here Monday. We were asked to keep it quiet.”

The bar subsequently tapped the Petaluma, Calif.-based brewery’s flagship IPA and a Little Sumpin’ Extra on Monday afternoon, though more offerings are scheduled to arrive within the next 30 days. Bottles are still “a month or two away,” however, according to the article.

The company has partnered with Crescent Crown for coverage in the Bayou State.

Griffin Claw Expands, Glows in the Dark

Michigan’s Griffin Claw Brewing has packaged its Screamin’ Pumpkin Ale in 4-packs of 16 oz. glow in the dark cans, a year after introducing the beer as a draft only offering.

With the new packaging also comes wider availability for the beer, as the Birmingham-based brewery has partnered with Powers Distributing Co. for coverage throughout Michigan’s Oakland and Macomb counties while the beer is in season.

According to Crains Detroit, Powers has 2,500 cases “in stock and ready to ship,” and an additional 7,000 cases are expected to be available throughout the fall season, however loosely defined that time of year has become.

Starpoint Taps Mims

Starpoint Brewing has broadened its reach at home, tapping Mims Distributing Co. for coverage throughout the nine-county area in and around North Carolina’s Research Triangle.

Having filled its first orders just over two years ago, the Carrboro, N.C.-based brewery now plans to expand over the next few years to meet demand in its home market.

“We know Mims is a reputable and accomplished distributor, and we are ready to grow our local business,” said Starpoint founder Tim Harper in a press statement.