E-Malt.com News article: USA, CA & AZ: Mike Hess Brewing expanding distribution of craft beers to Arizona

This March, San Diego’s Mike Hess Brewing (MHB) will be expanding its distribution of craft beers to Arizona. The brewery team officially crosses state lines during Arizona Beer Week, February 15–22, stocked with their five flagship beers to share with Arizona residents, Brewbound reported on February 12.

Mike Hess Brewing is excited to sign with World Class Beer, the craft division of market powerhouse Crescent Crown Distributing out of Mesa, AZ, who will bring MHB drafts and canned beers to fine bars, retailers and restaurants throughout the state.

MHB will enter the Phoenix market with five core brands, including Grazias, a 6.3% ABV Vienna Cream Ale that USA Today described as “innovative…an instant Beer Week hit.” In addition, the expanded distribution will include Jucundus, an Orange Honey Wheat, as well as Claritas, a Kölsch (blonde), and two mouth-watering West-coast style IPAs, Solis and Habitus.

“Our expansion to Arizona was not only strategic, because of the great craft market that Phoenix represents, but it’s also a sort of homecoming for us — many of our family members live in Phoenix, and it’s my wife’s hometown.” said founder Mike Hess. “San Diego is a second home to many Arizonans and they have been visiting our brewery in San Diego since we opened; we’re excited now to bring the beer to them.”

About Mike Hess Brewing

Mike Hess Brewing is one of the premier craft breweries in San Diego, a destination for local craft beer fans and tourists as well as aspiring small craft breweries. From humble beginnings, Mike Hess Brewing has grown to include two locations in San Diego; the original “nano” in the Miramar area of San Diego and their showcase production brewery in North Park.

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), in their new brewery and tasting room.


14 February, 2014