E-Malt.com News article: USA, OR & WI: Deschutes beers to hit Wisconsin shelves on July 1

Move over Wisconsin-made brews, Deschutes Brewery, which is based in Oregon, will bring its beer to Wisconsin store shelves on July 1 through a deal with beer distributor Wirtz Beverage Wisconsin, Milwaukee Business Journal reported on May 19.

Deschutes makes a number of beers including Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Chainbreaker White IPA, and Twilight Summer Ale.

“Wirtz Beverage has been a great partner for us in other markets and we’re looking forward to complementing their beer portfolio in Wisconsin with our handcrafted beers," said Stacy Denbow, expansion manager for the brewery.

Deschutes Brewery will also have launch events the week of July 14, 2014.

“Wisconsin is home to beer lovers and there’s no doubt Deschutes’ entry into the market with some of their most well-loved brands causes great excitement,” said Nate Phippen, vice president of sales for Wirtz Beverage Wisconsin. “We’re extremely proud to play a role in bringing their beers here and confident Wisconsin will be a huge opportunity for them.”

Wirtz Beverage, a division of Chicago's Wirtz Corp., is also supporting the company by having a statewide craft beer team, which includes beverage industry experts and beer aficionados who will focus on brand education and sales. The team consists of Paul Nowak, craft beer sales manager, Brooke Roehl, craft beer brand manager, and Phil Kuhl, craft beer specialist.

Over the past few years, the brewery has increased capacity at the main brewing facility to 450,000 barrels. In 2014, Deschutes also launched in Ohio, Kentucky, central and western Pennsylvania, and Michigan.


21 May, 2014