E-Malt.com News article: USA, CO & AL: Oskar Blues to distribute its beers in Alabama

Dale Katechis and his brother Chris, founders of Oskar Blues Grill & Brew return home in Alabama as they launch the distribution Oskar Blues brews with Birmingham Beverage Co. and AlaBev, Craftbeer.com reported on June, 27.

Oskar Blues, Birmingham Beverage Co., and AlaBev have created a distribution plan.

In just five years, Oskar Blues grew from 13,000 barrels (2007) to 59,000 (2011), while canned craft beer has come of age. Oscar Blues, America's first brewery to brew and can their craft beer, is looking to reach 95,000 barrels in 2012.

Continued growth, increased infrastructure, and the addition of a North Carolina brewing location in 2012 has allowed capacity to make Alabama the first official new market for Oskar Blues in the past few years.

"Alabama's craft beer industry is one of the most robust in the nation," says Harry Kampakis, owner and president of Birmingham Beverage Co. and AlaBev. "Oskar Blues rightly takes its place in the exclusive pantheon of most sought after brewers. As the distributor that played an important part in expanding the presence of beer and breweries in Alabama, we are excited to introduce the unique collection of Oskar Blues brews to Alabama. We are especially honored to be chosen by Dale and the Katechis family to represent Oskar Blues. With a work ethic second to none, a track record of important innovation, and the highest quality to match, Oskar Blues Brewery, Birmingham Beverage Co. and AlaBev are a natural fit."

Birmingham Beverage Co. and AlaBev will be the first distributor in Alabama to carry Oskar Blues. They will distribute to the northern two-thirds of the states, including the cities of Anniston, Auburn, Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery and Tuscaloosa. Founded in 1907, Birmingham Beverage Co. and its craft beer division, AlaBev, specialize in domestic and imported craft beer. Local in focus, with a portfolio global in reach, they are Alabama's premier beer distributor and importer, always "Expanding the Limits of Great Taste."


29 June, 2012