Half Moon Bay Brewing, Mavericks Brewing announce distribution partnership

The Half Moon Bay Brewing Co., announced an exclusive partnership with Mavericks Brewing to distribute its award-winning brews across the United States. Led by Chief Executive Officer Steve Morgan and launching originally in Northern California, Mavericks Brewing is an independent craft brewery devoted to creating innovative premium American craft beer in cans and is now the official licensee of the Mavericks beer brand originated by the Half Moon Bay Brewing Co.

After product development and testing throughout 2013 with assistance from Pete Slosberg of Pete’s Wicked Ale fame, Mavericks Brewing solidified its market position and focused its attention on creating exceptional canned craft beer. The Mavericks Brewing initial line of three full flavored/low alcohol craft beers will debut this month with distribution by Southern Wine & Spirits, the largest distributor in the United States.

“Southern Wine & Spirits has been expanding our representation of craft beers and is looking forward to an active partnership with Mavericks Brewing,” said Gary Wood, beer director for California. “We believe the time is right for high flavor, low alcohol craft beer, and I have been very impressed with the quality of the beers. The added value of being available in cans makes Mavericks an ideal beer choice for active outdoor lifestyles.”

The initial three beers in the Mavericks product lineup are all designed to provide the fullest of beer drinking experiences, but with a low alcohol level of just 3.75 percent. The Belgian Style Wit is an easy drinking and refreshing white beer in the classic Belgian style; the Rye Pale Ale is made with 20 percent rye malt in addition to traditional barley malts, which imparts an angular mouthfeel and spicy, sour, and pronounced hoppy notes; and the Chocolate Porter is a rich and creamy dark beer that is brewed with a special blend of barley malts and roasted cocoa nibs.

Mavericks Brewing takes its name from the legendary big wave surf spot and invitational surfing contest, Mavericks, which is located directly offshore from the Half Moon Bay Brewing Co. and widely considered to be the most exclusive and daring in the world.

Head Brewer Shane Aldrich leads the Mavericks Brewing team, with assistance from James Costa, Brewmaster at Half Moon Bay Brewing Co. With a combined total of more than 30 years of hands-on brewing experience at such legendary companies as Bear Republic, Moylan’s and Lagunitas Brewing Co., this brewing duo brings their incredible knowledge, history of creating award-winning beers, and deep passion for innovation to Mavericks Brewing.

Mavericks Brewing’s Morgan, who has a J.D. from the University of Tennessee and an M.B.A. from UCLA, has held leadership positions at Napa Smith, Beringer and Gallo of Sonoma. Morgan’s decades of experience with distributors from all 50 states and close relationships with craft beer industry leaders makes him ideally poised to lead and grow the Mavericks Brewing line of beers into a widely distributed brand.