CLEVELAND — Cleveland based brewing outfit, Platform Beer Co., is prepared to expand distribution outside of the State Ohio. Plans are in place to begin distribution of Platform’s variety of canned and kegged offerings in the New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut Markets beginning in December. Platform has tapped Sarene Craft to manage distribution efforts in all three markets.
“New York City presents a great opportunity and challenge for Platform to engage with a new customer base outside of our existing Ohio Distribution. Like Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati, New York City has a rich, diverse beer culture that we are excited to be part of moving forward” states Justin Carson, Co-Owner of Platform. Initial Portfolio of distributed beers will include Amarillo Fog Hazy IPA, Disco Godfather Gose, City Boy Berliner Weisse, Cocoa Suave Mexican Hot Chocolate Stout, Esther Belgian Christmas Ale and Project Series – Loral plus additional one-off kegs for specially scheduled tappings.
Over the past two years, Platform has been busy renovating one of the original Leisy Brewing Company buildings in Cleveland’s Near Westside, transforming the space into the breweries production facility. Co-Owner Paul Benner explains, “With production upgrades such as a 60 bbl brewhouse, larger fermentation tanks, new canning line and a full scale lab, we have finally seen efficiencies that allow us entertain additional distribution opportunities.” Along with an increase in production capacity and distribution reach, Platform is investing in a dedicated souring house to open in 2018.
The Brewery has purchased an old factory building near its Production Facility that will house their “Phunkenship” Program. The facility will include a large Coolship, dedicated souring Foeders and barrels for aging of sour and wild yeast beers. “This is something we have been working on for over a year and we are very excited to have a dedicated space to produce high quality, high character beers aged in barrels”, remarks Benner. “This is a natural next step in the evolution of Platform as a brand that is committed to high quality, diverse product offerings. The space will be setup to allow for customers to have an opportunity to interact with the souring process” adds Carson.
Platform has grown rapidly from a locally distributed brand in 2016, brewing 7,000 bbls. Platform is on pace to brew approximately 20,000 bbls in 2017 and has expanded sales efforts to include most markets within Ohio and began distribution in Philadelphia earlier this year.
About Platform Beer Co.
Platform Beer Co. is an independently owned craft brewery based in Cleveland with a hometown Tasting Room and Production Facility. In addition to Platform’s local presence, locations in Ohio include Tasting Rooms in Columbus and Cincinnati (2018). Founded in 2014, Platform crafts an ever-changing variety of styles that blur the edges of beer styles. Offerings include Speed Merchant White IPA, New Cleveland Pale Ale/Pilsner Hybrid, Hyper Retro Lemon Ginger Saison, High Brow Barista Coffee Rye Pale Ale, Yammy Yammy Sweet Potato Ale, Esther Belgian Style Christmas Ale, a variety of fruited Gose and Berliner Weisse Styles, a Small Batch IPA Series featuring New England Style IPAs and a series of exclusive taproom-only barrel aged clean and sours beers. Platform Beer Co. has grown from 97 bbls of beer produced in 2014 to approximately 20,000 bbls produced in 2017.