New Belgium Brewing exports outside U.S. for first time (to Canada)

Canada makes a fine array of craft beer that we love to drink here in America. New Belgium Brewing figured it’s about time to return the favor.

Hey Canada, New Belgium Brewing Co. has chosen you as the first country outside the United States to receive its tasty Colorado-crafted beer. Probably known to you Canadians as the brewer of a wide variety of award-winning beers including Fat Tire Amber Ale, New Belgium will be available in British Columbia this September.

The brewery has signed an agreement with Beerthirst to serve as its agent and will officially kick off its entry into Canada at the Great Canadian Beer Fest on Sept. 6. New Belgium will begin selling beer at retail locations three days later. The brewery will initially roll out six-packs and drafts of Fat Tire, Ranger IPA and its current seasonal release. Ninety days later, New Belgium will begin to release limited selections from its Lips of Faith, Hop Kitchen and Trip series, as well as Rampant Imperial IPA.

“For our first adventure in exporting outside the U.S., British Columbia makes perfect sense,” said New Belgium Brewing Sales Co-Pilot Brian Krueger. “This has been a great period of learning and exploring new territories for us, and we’re excited to bring New Belgium’s portfolio to our good friends up north.”

New Belgium began distribution in Alaska and Louisiana earlier this year, enters Florida this month and will come to Delaware in August. For more information on the brewery, visit the New Belgium Brewing Co. website.