New Belgium to open West Virginia distribution in early 2016 (its 41st state)

West Virginia, here are the fine folks from New Belgium making your delicious craft beer.

While the number 42 has a long and rich history (42 being the answer to the great question of life, the universe and everything), 41 has a checkered past. For instance, George H. W. Bush was the 41st President of the United States, and there’s that band, those posers in Sum 41. They suck. Luckily, New Belgium Brewing Co. is helping make 41 cool again.

New Belgium Brewing recently announced it will roll into West Virginia, Feb 15, 2016, and West Virginia will be the brewery’s 41st state of distribution and will come online right as New Belgium activates added capacity with the opening of its new Asheville brewery. New Belgium is partnering with the following distributors:

Capital Beverage Co. (MC)
Northern Eagle (ABI)
Wine and Beverage Merchants of West Virginia (Coors)
Eagle Distributing Co. (ABI)
The American Beer Co. (ABI)
Jefferson Distributing Co. (ABI)

Initial offerings include: Fat Tire, Ranger IPA, Slow Ride Session IPA, a new year-round offering, and Spring Seasonal. Draft, bottles and cans will all be available immediately. West Virginia’s craft beer scene has been growing steadily over the last few years.

“We’ve spent a lot of time in West Virginia this past year and there is definitely a strong, emerging craft scene there,” said New Belgium Divisional Sales Director Rich Rush. “We’re excited to get to work and to begin a great and long-lasting relationship with the beer drinkers, retailers, and our distributor partners in West Virginia.”