With exactly one zillion breweries operating across America, distribution news is always a steady constant in the CBB mailbox. Every week, we get virtual piles of announcements on new alliances, upcoming state expansions and even reductions from breweries growing and shrinking their distribution footprints. Here is some of that beer distribution news. Enjoy!

Starbase Brewing expands to Florida’s Space Coast and launches in Publix

Starbase Brewing, a craft brewery founded by engineers who love space exploration and one day hope to have a brewery on Mars, recently announced its first expansion outside of Texas to Florida’s iconic Space Coast. That’s a clever distribution move. Starting in May, Starbase’s cosmic-inspired beers are available on shelves in Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, and Titusville, including select Publix stores across Brevard County. Draft beers are also pouring at local hotspots like Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill and Rising Tide Tap & Table, with more venues to follow.

This expansion is powered by a partnership with Carroll Distributing, Brevard County’s premier beer distributor, known for its deep roots and commitment to quality in the region. Together, Starbase and Carroll are bringing a taste of the cosmos to Florida’s space-loving communities, perfectly aligning with the brewery’s mission to innovate and inspire through craft beer.

“We’re so excited to bring Starbase Brewing to Florida’s Space Coast, a region that shares our passion for exploration and pushing boundaries,” said Nate Argroves, Founder of Starbase Brewing.

Starbase’s lineup, featuring fan-favorites like Occupy Marz, Lucky Launch Day Lager, and Starhopped are now available in cans at select Publix locations and local retailers. This marks a significant milestone for the brewery, which launched with a vision to craft beers that fuel curiosity and celebrate humanity’s journey to the cosmos. Looking ahead, Starbase Brewing is already planning further expansions across Florida and nationwide, with more announcements expected soon. As the brewery continues to grow, its commitment to quality, innovation, and its Martian ambitions remains at the core of every pint.

Boston Beer and AEG announce strategic live music partnership distro deal

The Boston Beer Co. has joined forces with AEG Presents, a global leader in live entertainment, to bring its portfolio of brands — headlined by Sun Cruiser Iced Tea & Vodka and also including Truly Hard Seltzer, Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea, and Angry Orchard Hard Cider — to the heart of the live music experience.

The multiyear partnership, brokered by AEG Presents Global Partnerships, will see The Boston Beer Company activate its flagship brands across nearly 30 AEG Presents music venues nationwide, including Brooklyn Steel (NY), Resorts World Theatre (Las Vegas), and Roadrunner (Boston) as well as multiple festivals from coast to coast, including Electric Forest in Rothbury, Michigan, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (New Orleans).

As the first major music partnership for Sun Cruiser, coming just one year after its debut, this partnership will help the fast-growing spirits-based iced tea establish itself as a go-to choice for music lovers. The brand and its lineup of flavors — Classic Iced Tea, Lemonade + Iced Tea, Raspberry, and Peach — will be prominently featured across AEG Presents’ iconic venues and festivals. Fans of legal drinking age can elevate their concert-going experience through on-site activities such as product sampling, exclusive giveaways, limited-edition merchandise, and more.

“Sun Cruiser is all about bringing drinkers that nostalgic, summertime feeling all year long, and there’s no better place to let the good times cruise than live music events,” said Erica Taylor, senior brand director for Sun Cruiser. “We want to be where our drinkers are, and we know they love live music, so this is our way of helping them savor every moment of their experience at AEG Presents’ concerts and festivals.”

Made with real iced tea, real vodka and natural flavors, Sun Cruiser delivers a smooth sip with no bubbles, 4.5% ABV, 100 calories and just 1 gram of sugar per 12-oz. serving, making it an easy sipping experience, perfect for a festival weekend or concert night.

“Boston Beer’s products represent the perfect blend of quality and innovation that we seek in our strategic partnerships,” said Bret Heiman, SVP, Global Partnerships at AEG Presents. “Their fresh approach and standout offerings will enhance the fan experience across our extensive network of venues and festivals, creating memorable moments that extend far beyond the stage.”

The brand-new partnership underscores The Boston Beer Co.’s commitment to the live music space and sets the foundation for future growth as well as expanded activations across the AEG Presents portfolio.

Live Oak Brewing ends 28 years of self-distribution with new expansion across Texas

In a transformative move for Texas craft beer, Live Oak Brewing Co., the iconic Austin-based brewery known for its traditional European-style lagers and ales, is officially ending its decades-long run of self-distribution. With the strategic guidance of Lone Star Beverage Brands (LSBB), Live Oak has partnered with two of the most respected beer distributors in the state: Capital Reyes Distributing (Austin) and Silver Eagle Beverages (San Antonio).

The shift marks a new chapter for one of Texas’ most celebrated independent breweries, unlocking wider access to Live Oak’s renowned beers — including its flagship HefeWeizen and Pilz — through enhanced market infrastructure and distribution scale.

“For 28 years, we’ve brewed our beer and delivered it ourselves — every keg, every case,” said Chip McElroy, President and Founder of Live Oak Brewing Co. “But now, we’re stepping forward with trusted partners who share our values and help us reach more Texans than ever — without compromising what’s made Live Oak special.”

“The entire Capital Reyes Distributing team is very excited to partner with Live Oak Brewing,” said Patrick Collins, Reyes Market President. “Chip, Lara and the team have built an incredible business. We’re proud they’ve entrusted Capital Reyes to help take it to the next level.”

“We’re honored to join forces with Live Oak Brewing, a brewery whose commitment to quality and tradition aligns perfectly with our own,” said Greg Mitchell, President of Silver Eagle Beverages. “Their exceptional beers have long had a loyal following, and we’re proud to help expand that reach across the San Antonio market and beyond.”

With Capital Reyes now covering Austin and Silver Eagle overseeing San Antonio and surrounding markets, Live Oak’s distribution presence strengthens considerably—while freeing the brewery to focus solely on production, innovation, and quality.

The move was orchestrated in close partnership with Lone Star Beverage Brands, whose leadership proved critical to the transition’s success.

“This wasn’t just a contract negotiation. LSBB brought clarity, confidence, and credibility to the process,” said McElroy. “They helped us understand the full potential of our partnerships, shaped our strategy, and made us better, more valuable partners to the distributors. They’re the real deal.”

“Live Oak’s move represents exactly what we’re here to do — help legacy breweries scale without losing their soul,” said Brad Foster, Founder & CEO of Lone Star Beverage Brands. “This is a brand that’s defined Texas beer for decades. It deserves thoughtful, strategic growth, and we’re honored to play a part in that.”

In addition to Austin and San Antonio, Live Oak continues its successful partnerships in the Houston region with Faust Distributing Co. and Houston Distributing Co. and, in the Temple/Bryan area with Jack Hilliard Distributing Co. — ensuring that fans across the Lone Star State can enjoy fresh, locally brewed beer. Live Oak Brewing Co. remains independently owned and proudly brews all its beers onsite at their award-winning brewery near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Outlaw Light Beer expands distro to Nevada, continues to rapidly grow

Outlaw Light Beer, one of the fastest-growing light domestic beers in America, continues its exponential growth, announcing a new distribution partnership covering the Silver State. Outlaw Light is now available via Nevada Beverage, expanding its footprint and ensuring statewide access. Nevadans from the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas to the high desert of Reno can now enjoy this smooth, easy-drinking light beer.

Brewed in the heart of Colorado by Tivoli Brewing Co., Outlaw Light Beer embodies the untamed energy and independent spirit that defines Nevada. With its crisp, refreshing taste, just 105 calories per serving and a smooth 4.2% ABV — this light beer is crafted to deliver exceptional flavor with unbeatable quality and affordability. A can of Outlaw is the perfect companion for those who live life their own authentic way — whether that’s at a rodeo, a tailgate or a night on the Strip.

“From the start, we set out to grow fast, and Nevada has always been a perfect fit for Outlaw Light,” said Ari Opsahl, CEO of Tivoli Brewing Co. “This launch is a big milestone for us — Nevada’s spirit of freedom, adventure and good times aligns with exactly what our brand stands for. Thanks to our partnership with Nevada Beverage, more Nevadans can enjoy the fresh, satisfying taste of Outlaw. But this is more than just a beer — it’s a tribute to tradition, resilience and the values that define Nevada.”

That spirit is echoed by some of country music’s biggest names. Chart-topping artists Koe Wetzel and HARDY aren’t just fans of Outlaw Light; they’re investors, bringing their passion and influence to help fuel the brand’s momentum.

“Outlaw Light Beer stands out as a refreshing addition to Nevada Beverage’s diverse portfolio — perfectly complementing our range of independent and domestic brew offerings,” said Adam Gunty from Nevada Beverage. “Outlaw’s light, crisp flavor profile and product pricing appeal to those seeking quality without breaking their budget, showcasing our commitment to providing exceptional beverages for every taste.”

Beer lovers can stock up on Outlaw Light at their favorite retailers, bars and restaurants across the state. Stay tuned for more updates and keep an eye out for special Outlaw Light events, activations and exclusive collaborations tied to Koe Wetzel’s and HARDY’s upcoming tours.

Vet owned Freedom Brew now distributes in Delaware and Maryland

Freedom Brew, a veteran owned, veteran operated, beer brand which partners with and donates to charities supporting military and veterans in need, recently announced that it has entered into an agreement with major distributors to make Freedom Brew available to all restaurants, bars, and retail stores throughout Delaware and Maryland.

Founded in 2022 by a US Army veteran, Freedom Brew embarked on a mission to build a beer business that is so much more than just beer. It’s Beer For Good as Freedom Brew builds partnerships and donates 10% of gross profits to charities supporting military and veterans in need. When you drink a Freedom Brew beer or buy Freedom Brew merchandise, you enjoy a delicious beer or a high quality merchandise and know that you are helping support veteran and military focused charities.

Wynk’s THC seltzer enters Wisconsin, Kentucky, Alabama, and Arkansas

Wynk, an award-winning driving force in the world of low-dose, hemp-derived cannabis beverages, recently announced its continued U.S. expansion with the launch of its THC-infused seltzers in Wisconsin, Kentucky, Alabama, and Arkansas. Following its successful launches in Georgia, Texas, Illinois, New Jersey, Florida, and Connecticut, Wynk’s national footprint is further broadening its reach.

“The cannabis beverage market is on the rise, and we’re excited to keep meeting the growing demand for our easy-to-enjoy, low-dose THC seltzers,” said Phil McFarland, General Manager of Wynk.

Consumer demand for hemp-derived THC beverages keeps growing, and Wynk is responding by adding distribution of its hemp-derived THC seltzers in Kentucky, Arkansas, Alabama, and Wisconsin. This expansion marks a significant growth milestone for the brand as it introduces its popular balanced and social seltzers to a national, fast growing fan base.

Wynk has partnered with several leading regional distributors to make this expansion possible, including Sarene in Kentucky, C&M Sales in Arkansas, United — Johnson Brothers of Alabama, and Beechwood Sales & Service Sales in Wisconsin.

“We’re pumped to introduce Wynk to these new markets, each with a unique and growing demand for alternative adult beverages,” McFarland added. “Our expansion into Kentucky, Arkansas, Wisconsin and Alabama is a testament to the increasing interest in cannabis-infused beverages, and we’re excited to be able to offer our balanced, social experience to consumers in these states.”

Amid the brand’s upcoming entry into Wisconsin, Wynk is eager to be the first THC beverage in Sheehan Family of Brands sales’ portfolio. In Kentucky, Wynk is available at major retailers including Total Wine and Liquor Barn, as well as other independent stores. Arkansas consumers can find Wynk at select locations, in cities like Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Harrison, and more. Meanwhile, Wynk’s presence in Alabama is expanding, with availability in Piggly Wiggly and other local retailers. For a full list of retail locations, consumers can visit Wynk’s store finder at https://drinkwynk.com/find-in-stores.