Revolver Signs with Andrews Distributing
One month after it announced a sale to MillerCoors, Texas’ Revolver Brewing has made its first official distribution transition to Dallas-based MillerCoors wholesaler, Andrews Distributing.
The move comes just two weeks after Revolver and two other in-state breweries — Peticolas Brewing and Live Oak Brewing — won a lawsuit against the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission (TABC) for the ability to sell their self-distribution rights to beer wholesalers in exchange for fair market value — something that was previously restricted under state law.
Terms of Revolver’s distribution deal with Andrews, which follows the completion of its sale to MillerCoors on Sept. 9, were not disclosed.
In a press statement, Andrews Distributing president Mike McGuire said he was excited to help “build their brands” throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area for “years to come.”
Andrews officially began distributing the Revolver brand on Monday, September 12, in a market that Revolver had groomed to around 20,000 barrels via self-distribution in 2015.
In an interview with D Magazine, Barry Andrews, the wholesaler’s CEO, said he though Andrews could help Revolver double in size over the next nine months.
Deschutes Expands in Virginia
Oregon’s Deschutes Brewery last week announced it would begin distributing in Richmond, Virginia, and the surrounding areas, in early November. The company has signed with Loveland Distributing for coverage throughout the market.
“After extensive research in Central Virginia, it became apparent that we wanted to partner with Loveland Distributing,” Stacy Denbow, Deschutes’ eastern regional sales director said via a press release. “The Stepanian family, which owns Loveland Distributing, is in their third generation of running this organization and we share a lot of the same core values.”
The brewery’s Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Fresh Squeezed IPA, Pinedrops IPA, Jubelale and variety packs will be available in the market this fall, according to a press statement.
Deschutes also plans to fill out the remaining parts of the state by early 2017, it said. In May, the company inked an agreement with Blue Ridge Beverage in Southwest and Central Virginia.
Recall that earlier this year, Deschutes promised to begin building a secondary brewing facility in Roanoke, Virginia in 2019.
Wicked Weed Expands into Northern Virginia
North Carolina’s Wicked Weed Brewing last week announced its foray into Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia, signing with Reyes Beverage Group’s Premium Distributors of Virginia and Washington D.C. for coverage throughout both regions.
“We felt an instant connection to Premium Distributors upon meeting their craft division and ownership team,” Ryan Guthy, owner and head of sales for Wicked Weed Brewing said via a press release. “The Reyes Beverage Group is heavily invested in craft beer and they share our passion in quality. Wicked Weed is looking forward to sending both our sour and hoppy portfolio to such a strong market.”
The company’s full portfolios of beers – including its coveted sour offerings – are now being distributed in the new markets, the company said.
“When analyzing markets across the country, the DC and greater DC area were an instant attraction to Wicked Weed,” Guthy added. “We realized the strength of the craft market there and wanted to be a part of it.”
Heavy Seas Re-Enters Michigan
Maryland’s Heavy Seas this month announced it would return to Michigan, reintroducing the brand via Imperial Beverage and Blue Note Beverage.
The re-launch will kick off on September 26, the company said.
“We are happy to be returning to Michigan – which is a truly great beer state,” Heavy Seas founder Hugh Sisson said via the release. “Now that we have a partnership with Blue Note Beverage to help represent the brand, I am excited to add our products to the great beer line up available to Michigan consumers. I’m also looking forward to working with Imperial Beverage. They’ve got a great line up of beers, and we are fortunate to be in their house.”