With way more than 5,500 breweries operating across the country, 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 wholesaler news. Enjoy!
Two Brothers Brewing expands distribution to Tennessee
Continuing its constant evolution and growth, Two Brothers Brewing Co. announced its distribution into Tennessee through BountyBev, beginning in October 2017.
“For the past 20 years, Two Brothers has had a passion for creating beers that push the boundaries of flavor and innovation,” Two Brothers Brewing Co-Founder Jason Ebel said. “That passion has helped us develop a loyal fan base here in Illinois and now we are excited to join a growing craft beer community in Tennessee.”
A pioneer in the Chicago craft beer scene, Two Brothers Artisan Brewing was founded by brothers Jim and Jason Ebel in 1996. Since then, Two Brothers has grown from a two-man operation into a lifestyle brand, featuring award-winning craft beer, five artisan restaurants, specialty-grade coffee, a distribution company and a new line of hand-crafted distilled spirits. The company employs over 400 people and produces over 45,000 barrels of beer each year, all while remaining 100 percent family owned.
Two Brothers beer will be distributed by BountyBev, the only 100 percent American craft beer distributor in the state. Founded by one guy and a truck in 2010, BountyBev fits as an ideal partner for Two Brothers with their mutual passion for expanding and improving the craft beer landscape with better beer.
“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,” said BountyBev President Kurt Strickmaker.” What I’ve learned throughout the years is these guys produce some of the most quality and consistent beer in the industry. 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.”
Initial distribution will begin in the greater Nashville area. This will include Two Brothers’ full-line of year-round products and seasonal releases throughout the year. These lineups are headlined by Two Brothers’ flagship beer, Domaine DuPage French Country Ale, a six-time Brewer’s Association award winner, and its fastest growing beer, Pinball Pale Ale. Seasonal beers include Atom Smasher Oktoberfest Style Lager, Cane and Ebel Red Rye Ale and Northwind Imperial Stout.
Tennessee joins Illinois, Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, New Jersey, Ohio, Maryland, Missouri, New York and Wisconsin as the 13th state to offer Two Brothers products.
Lord Hobo Brewing sends products to New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania
Massachusetts-based Lord Hobo Brewing Co. (LHBCo.) announced plans to expand into New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. The company has appointed Hunterdon Brewing Co. for statewide sales in New Jersey, and Gretz Beer and Penn Beer for distribution throughout Philadelphia and Allentown, Pa.
“Our ragging fans in PA and NJ have been rallying for our beers for quite some time and we’re amped to finally be there,” said Lord Hobo’s Founder and CEO, Daniel Lanigan. “We’re jamming out to Boys II Men and Bruce Springsteen here this week as we continue our penetration outside of our home market of New England and get down with the enthusiastic beer drinkers of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. We’ve found great, capable partners in Hunterdon, Gretz and Penn Beer, these markets are significant opportunities that support our growth plans.”
The addition of these territories takes LHBCo.’s distribution footprint to 14 states. To supply new and current markets with fresh product, LHBCo. continues to invest in added cellar capacity, by the completion of 2017, the brewery will have installed eight 160-barrel fermentation tanks, brite tanks and a rotary canning line.
Ska Brewing sets its sights on Iowa
Ska Brewing Co., maker of award-winning craft beer, is making its brews available in Iowa, distributed by family-owned Johnson Brothers of Iowa. In addition to the new BHC DIPA that just made its debut at the Great American Beer Festival, Ska’s flagship brews such as Modus Hoperandi, Modus Mandarina, True Blonde Ale and more will all be available in liquor stores across the state.
“We’ve had our eyes on Iowa ever since Johnson Brothers first shipped us a box of sweet corn five years ago” laughed Dave Thibodeau, CEO at Ska. “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.”
Iowa is now the 13th state Ska beer is available in across the country. Other regions include Colorado, Southern California, Arizona, Illinois, New Mexico, Texas, Utah and Minnesota.
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