E-Malt.com News article: USA, CA: Karl Strauss beers to be distributed in Northern California

Karl Strauss has inked a deal with DBI Beverages Inc. to distribute the company’s portfolio of award winning craft beers in 8 warehouses across 22 counties in Northern California, Craftbeer.com reported on July, 24.

With the launch of Northern California, Karl Strauss Brewing Company is distributing its beers outside of Southern California for the first time since opening in 1989.

Until now, the company has focused on self-distributing its beers throughout Southern California. Currently the 44th largest craft brewery in the entire US with distribution in only half of the state, Karl Strauss looks forward to sharing its beers with all of California.

“We’ve had fans asking for our beers up in Northern California for a long time,” says Paul Segura, Karl Strauss Brewmaster. “We wanted to wait until we had all of the pieces in place—the new bottling line, keg machine, and additional capacity—before we made the move into Northern California. Quality is paramount and we want to make sure we do this right.”

Despite pent up demand from beer fans in several states, the company is dedicated to controlled, quality growth in California before expanding elsewhere.

DBI Beverages took an initial opening order of 5,000 case-equivalents and will enter the market on and off-premise with award-winning Red Trolley Ale, Tower 10 IPA, Pintail Pale Ale, Windansea Wheat, and Wreck Alley Imperial Stout. Subsequent orders will also include the return of the company’s highly anticipated Coastal Reserve Series, featuring Big Barrel Double IPA, Blackball Belgian IPA, and Boardwalk Black Rye IPA.

In addition to partnering with DBI Beverages, the company is exploring relationships with several other distributors to fill out the footprint of the state. Karl Strauss also recruited beverage alcohol industry veteran, Kevin Riddiough, as the Northern California Sales Distribution Manager. Riddiough comes to Karl Strauss with 15 years of experience with “Pacific Wine & Spirits” and knowledge of the Northern California marketplace.

About Karl Strauss Brewing Company

Since 1989, Karl Strauss Brewing Company has pioneered the local beer scene in San Diego. 23 years later, the company continues to brew an innovative line-up of award-winning beers ranging from longtime favorites like Red Trolley Ale to new releases like Wreck Alley Imperial Stout. In 2011, the company brewed 40,000 barrels and ranked #44 on the list of the country’s top craft breweries. To keep up with double-digit sales growth, the company is adding capacity to its brewery, expanding distribution throughout California, opening a new brewery restaurant, and breaking ground on an extensive brewery renovation.


25 July, 2012