E-Malt.com News article: USA, CO & MI: Oskar Blues purchases Michigan-based Perrin Brewing Co

Longmont-based Oskar Blues has continued its expansion in the craft brew world with its purchase of the Perrin Brewing Co. in Michigan, Times-Call Business reported on March 30.

The two breweries began their relationship in 2014 with a collaboration lager. That brew has developed into a partnership bringing together the experience and resources of Oskar Blues with the opportunities of Perrin's strong local brand to help both breweries strengthen their position in a time of increasing competition.

West Side Beer Distributing owner and Michigan native Keith Klopcic helped orchestrate the partnership and will now serve as president of Perrin Brewing.

Perrin Brewing is in Comstock, just east of Kalamazoo and south of Grand Rapids. In just two years, the brewery has made its way into more than 700 locations in the state, helping the company reach nearly 14,000 barrels in 2014.

"Challenging the craft collaboration concept and taking it to the next level with Keith and the Perrin crew is exciting," Oskar Blues founder Dale Katechis said. "Growing Oskar Blues and engaging new communities across the country has been a ton of fun and has given us the experience we can bring to a partner like Perrin to hit the next gear."

Oskar Blues Brewery brewed nearly 150,000 barrels in 2014 and is expanding to 42 states this spring.

"Perrin is an example of taking craft beer collaboration to the next level," said Chad Melis, marketing director for Oskar Blues. "... Perrin Brewing and the Grand Rapids area have a great craft beer culture along with a similar love of the outdoors that makes us feel at home and has fueled taking collaboration to the next level."

Melis says the buyout will help Perrin expand its presence in Michigan and into other states. The business collaboration could help Oskar Blues sell more of its own brands in Michigan as well.


01 April, 2015