E-Malt.com News article: USA, CA: Mike Hess Brewing partners with Crest Beverage Company

Mike Hess Brewing (MHB) announced on April 7 that they are partnering with Crest Beverage Co. owned by the Reyes Holdings for distribution, sales and logistics.

The four-year old San Diego, CA-based brewery opened its 30-barrel production facility just 9 months ago, but Crest expects “phenomenal growth” for the company said Steve Sourapas, the president of Crest.

Mike Hess, Sourapas said, has a “great family behind the brewery, excellent beer and they’re in San Diego; it’s a triple threat.”

Installing the new 30-barrel brewhouse increased Hess Brewing’s annual production capacity to nearly 15,000 barrels and subsequently made the company a viable long-term option for a wholesaler that has traditionally been selective in filling out its own portfolio.

“We’ve been very selective with the brands we bring on, in the five years we’ve been apart of Reyes Beverage Group we’ve brought on 3-4 new suppliers,” Sourapas added. “We think we can considerably grow the brand.”

Added Dean McMillian, Crest Beverage general manager, ”We’ve admired the brewery, the brewer and the beer for years.”

Mike Hess, the founder of the company that bears his name, said he was thrilled to continue serving the area and believes there is room for more growth.

Crest will distribute Hess’ full line of beers, including draft releases and its flagship line of canned offerings, which became available throughout San Diego County in March and in Phoenix, Arizona during the first week of April.

About Mike Hess Brewing

Mike Hess Brewing is one of the premier craft breweries in San Diego. Mike Hess Brewing has grown to include two locations; the original “nano” and their showcase production brewery. 2013 saw massive growth for Mike Hess Brewing, moving from the County’s first legitimate nano-operation to a full micro, with the installation of an automated 30-barrel brewhouse from Canadian manufacturer Newlands Systems. Fermentation space increased by nearly 5,200% (from 440 gallons to 750 barrels).


09 April, 2014