Distribution Roundup: Lord Hobo Expands in the Northeast; Two Brothers Hits Tennessee

Lord Hobo Adds New Jersey, Pennsylvania

Lord Hobo Brewing today announced plans to expand into New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania, inking distribution agreements with a trio of wholesalers across the two markets.

In New Jersey, the fast-growing Massachusetts-based craft brewery has partnered with Sheehan Family Companies-owned Hunterdon Brewing Co. for statewide coverage. In Eastern Pennsylvania, meanwhile, Lord Hobo has appointed Gretz Beer and Penn Beer for sales throughout Philadelphia and Allentown.

“Our raging fans in Pennsylvania and New Jersey have been rallying for our beers for quite some time and we’re amped to finally be there,” brewery founder Daniel Lanigan said via a press release. “We’ve found great, capable partners in Hunterdon, Gretz and Penn Beer, these markets are significant opportunities that support our growth plans.”

Lord Hobo, which sold a minority stake to Valterra Partners in September and recently launched in Ohio and Indiana, now distributes its hop-focused beer lineup to 14 states. The company expects to double production in 2017, to 30,000 barrels.

Two Brothers Heads to Tennessee

Beginning this month, Chicago-area craft brewery Two Brothers will begin distributing its beer in Tennessee via BountyBev, which calls itself the only craft beer distributor in the state that focuses exclusively on American-owned craft brands.

“As a better beer lover, I’ve been drinking Two Brothers beer for over a decade and began forming a friendship with the brewery immediately,” BountyBev president Kurt Strickmaker said via a press release. “Bringing the reward of Two Brothers to Nashville is a capstone since Bounty’s inception and we are excited to share their story and stellar beer with our community.”

BountyBev will initially deliver Two Brothers’ year-round and seasonal offerings to the greater Nashville area, it said.

In addition to Tennessee, Two Brothers’ products are now sold in 13 states, including Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, New Jersey, Ohio, Maryland, Missouri, New York and Wisconsin.

Ska Brewing Hits Iowa

Colorado’s Ska Brewing yesterday announced plans to expand into Iowa, signing a distribution agreement with Johnson Brothers of Iowa.

“We’ve had our eyes on Iowa ever since Johnson Brothers first shipped us a box of sweet corn five years ago,” Ska Brewing CEO Dave Thibodeau said via a press release. “They have an amazing craft beer culture we’ve been dying to be a part of, we just haven’t had the capacity until now.”

A variety of launch events are scheduled for this week as the company rolls out its core offerings — Modus Hoperandi, Modus Mandarina and True Blonde Ale, among others — to a 13th state.

Ska products are also sold in Colorado, Southern California, Arizona, Illinois, New Mexico, Texas, Utah and Minnesota, according to the release.

Surly Lands in Colorado

Minnesota’s Surly Brewing has signed with Elite Brands for coverage throughout Colorado, the company announced last week.

“We’re thrilled to be coming here,” brewery owner Omar Ansari said via a statement. “Colorado sets a high standard for craft beer. We welcome the challenge.”

The company shipped a limited quantity of specialty beers to the market in time for last week’s Great American Beer Festival. At the end of the month, more permanent sales of its flagship beers — Furious, Hell, and Xtra-Citra – will begin at on- and off-premise retail accounts.

Moody Tongue Enters Wisconsin

In partnership with Breakthru Beverage, beers from Chicago’s culinary-minded craft brewery, Moody Tongue, are now available statewide throughout Wisconsin.

Moody Tongue’s four core beers — Smoked Applewood Gold, Sliced Nectarine IPA, Steeped Emperor’s Lemon Saison, and Caramelized Chocolate Churro Baltic Porter – were shipped to the new market in late September, a press release noted.

Moody Tongue products are currently sold in major U.S. and international cities, including Chicago, Las Vegas, San Francisco, New York City, Louisville, Houston, Birmingham, Shanghai and Beijing.

Alesmith Enters Georgia

San Diego’s Alesmith Brewing entered Georgia in late September, signing an agreement with United Distributors for statewide coverage. The company’s products are now available in 26 states.