Craft Brewing And Distilling News for August 22, 2012

•New Belgium Brewing Co. is set to enter Michigan on August 27 with the launch of several labels. Using a network of 22 Michigan distributors, the craft brewer initially will roll out 22-ounce bottles of Fat Tire, Ranger IPA, Trippel, Shift and Red Hoptober, as well as Lips of Faith offerings Biere de Mars and Super IPA, in the market. Draft versions of the brews will launch in October. With the addition of Michigan, New Belgium’s footprint will encompass 29 states and Washington, D.C. Earlier this month, New Belgium announced a partnership with Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Brewery Vivant. The duo are set to release a series of two limited edition beers, including Escoffier, which will launch in Michigan and Chicago later this month, and an untitled brew joining New Belgium’s Lips of Faith series in November.

•Miami-based Blue Nectar Spirits Co. has launched its small-batch Blue Nectar Tequila brand in the Texas market. Republic National Distributing Co.—which distributes Blue Nectar in Colorado—will handle the brand in Texas as well. The super-premium Tequila is also available in Michigan, through Great Lakes Wine and Spirits. Launched in October 2011, Blue Nectar is a 100%-agave Tequila range, featuring handcrafted Silver, Reposado and Special Reserve (Bourbon barrel-aged) expressions made in Jalisco, Mexico.

•Atlanta-based SweetWater Brewing Co. is set to expand distribution into the Tampa and Orlando markets this fall. SweetWater will begin appearing on tap in Tampa in late October and Orlando in late November. The company has yet to choose distribution partners in either market. They will start with the SweetWater 420 flagship ale, which will be available on draft at select bars, pubs and restaurants throughout the area, and then roll out more of their brews in six-packs. The brewery’s lineup of year-round beers also includes SweetWater Blue, IPA, Exodus Porter, LowRYEder IPA and Georgia Brown. SweetWater—currently available in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama—is finishing an expansion project that will increase its brewing capacity from about 100,000 barrels per year to nearly 500,000 barrels.

Tagged : craft beer, craft spirits, New Belgium Brewing

GET YOUR FIRST LOOK AT 2025 ESTIMATES AND 2030 PROJECTIONS FOR THE WINE AND SPIRITS INDUSTRIES. ORDER YOUR 2025 IMPACT DATABANK REPORTS. CLICK HERE.