E-Malt.com News article: USA: G.K. Skaggs has signed agreement with Karlsberg Germany to import and market its premium beers

G.K. Skaggs Inc., an USA importer of premium beers from around the world, according to a release of November 10, signed recently a long-term agreement to import and distribute Karlsbrau, the international flagship brand of the Karlsberg Brewery in Homburg, Germany.

Owned jointly by Heineken and the Weber family, Karlsberg has been one of Europe's leading premium brewers for more than 125 years. Karlsberg operates two breweries in Germany and one in France.

Karlsbrau has the distinction of being brewed according to the strict standards of Reinheitsgebot, the German Purity Law of 1516 that mandates only hops, water and barley be used in the brewing process. Because of its strict standards of quality, Karlsbrau takes longer to brew than other beers and imparts a unique and highly satisfying aroma and taste. In addition, the Karlsberg

The brewery is known throughout Europe for the purity of the water coming from the well of the Karlsberg Castle in Homburg, which is a feature of every beer produced by the company.

"Karlsbrau is distinguished in the German beer market segment not only by its unparalleled quality and taste, but also by how it is brewed," noted Gregory Skaggs, president of G.K. Skaggs.

"Extra time is spent in the lagering and fermentation process to make this a truly unique, premium-quality import." G.K. Skaggs plans to launch Karlsbrau within its network of wholesale beer distributors throughout the U.S. beginning fourth quarter 2005. Packaging will include 12-oz. long-neck green bottles sold in six packs, and a unique 24-oz. long-neck green single-serve bottle. A five-liter mini-keg will be introduced in the third quarter of 2006, with cans to follow later in the year.

Since 1984, G.K. Skaggs Inc. has imported and distributed premium international beers, wines and adult beverages throughout the United States. Based in Irvine and licensed in 44 states, the company maintains a national network of more than 200 wholesale distributor partners and imports premium-quality beers from Europe, Latin America and the Pacific. G.K. Skaggs is a longstanding member of the National Beer Wholesalers Association and the International Beverage Network and Alliance.


11 November, 2005