With exactly one zillion breweries operating across America, distribution news is always a steady constant in the CBB mailbox. Every week, we get virtual piles of announcements on new alliances, upcoming state expansions and even reductions from breweries growing and shrinking their distribution footprints. Here is some of that beer distribution news. Enjoy!
Cleveland’s Great Lakes Brewing moves into Florida
Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) announced its distribution entry into Florida with Cavalier Distributing. The brewery begins its market launch this week, in conjunction with the release of seasonal juggernaut Christmas Ale in cans and draft. The launch also includes the brewery’s Holiday Pack (pictured above), a variety 12-Pack with 6 Cans of Christmas Ale and 6 Cans of rotating Cookie Exchange Milk Stout: Berry Jam Thumbprint flavor. Additional brands may be announced in the coming months after a soft entry into the state.
The launch will primarily serve the regions of Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Naples, Orlando, Palm Beach, Sarasota, Tallahassee, and Tampa as the brewery explores opportunities in the market. Currently, North Carolina is the southernmost state within the brewery’s 17-state distribution footprint, but an active fanbase and buyer interest inspired the strategic entry.
“Consumers and retailers have been very vocal about wanting Great Lakes beers in the Sunshine State for decades,” said Chris Brown, GLBC Co-CEO. “We know there are many former Ohio residents in Florida, and dipping our toe in that market with one of our most beloved and nostalgic brands in Christmas Ale is a perfect opportunity to give the people what they want for the holidays.”
The brewery has partnered with Cavalier Distributing for the launch. “We have years of partnership and experience with Cavalier in the Indiana market,” said Brown. “With their Florida presence, it’s been a perfect fit to extend our footprint with a distributor who understands both the Great Lakes brand and the Florida market.”
Customers can expect to find Christmas Ale, the #1 selling holiday beer in the Great Lakes region, throughout Florida this holiday season, along with the Holiday Pack. Packages can be located using the brewery’s Beer Finder tool, which will populate in the coming weeks. The brewery encourages fans seeking Christmas Ale to contact their favorite retailer to request it.
Karl Strauss partners with Beer Girl Brewing for distribution
Karl Strauss Distribution (KSD), the distribution arm of San Diego’s original craft brewery, is proud to announce a new partnership with Orange County’s Beer Girl Brewing Co. Under the agreement, KSD will distribute Beer Girl’s packaged and draft beers throughout San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, and Riverside Counties.
Headquartered in Irvine, Beer Girl brings a fresh take to the craft scene with two standout beers: a Lighter Lager and an Amber Lager. Both clock in at a highly sessionable 3.5% ABV and are brewed with corn (not wheat), offering a naturally sugar-free and gluten-reduced option for modern drinkers. These beers deliver full flavor in a low-alcohol format, and they’re launching with a polished identity, boots-on-the-ground sales team, and bold branding ready to make waves.
“When I met the folks from Beer Girl a few months ago, I was immediately excited,” said Karl Strauss Chief Operating Officer Chad Heath. “It is rare to see a new brand come to the table with such polish, brewing knowledge, a complete marketing program, financial backing, and beers that are very interesting and uniquely positioned. We are thrilled to have them in our book and thank them for trusting us to sell their wares throughout Southern California.”
Since 2018, Karl Strauss Distribution has leveraged its deep industry roots and SoCal reach to support fellow brewers who value quality and independence. Alongside Karl Strauss beer, KSD distributes a curated roster of craft partners, including Black Plague Brewing, Booze Brothers Brewing Co., Brewery X, Laguna Beer Co., Fieldwork Brewing Co., Bay City Brewing Co., Hodad’s Brewing Co., Creature Comforts Brewing Co., Knotty Brewing, Owl Farm Unique Fermentations, Newtopia Cyder, and Bambucha Hard Kombucha.
“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Karl Strauss Distributing,” said Caroline Foulk, Co-Founder of Beer Girl. “To have a legendary brand like Karl Strauss give you that seal of approval is both incredible and humbling. At Beer Girl, we’re passionate about building a genuine brand and community – one grounded in quality across everything we do, from recipe and sales to customer service and marketing. That’s exactly what Karl Strauss has embodied for decades. From the moment we met its COO and team, we knew it was the perfect fit. We’re beyond excited for this next chapter of Beer Girl and to bring our beer to even more people across Southern California.”
Born out of a family-run taproom and rooted in founder Caroline Foulk’s personal experience, Beer Girl is built for drinkers who want something lighter without sacrificing flavor. After her own battle with Lyme disease and seeing how beer often left friends feeling heavy and bloated, Caroline set out to create beers that are bold in taste, light in impact, and designed to be enjoyed by everyone at the table.
To locate Beer Girl near you, check out its beer finder at https://drinkbeergirl.com/pages/where-to-find-us.
Rhinestone enters retail with Sprouts Farmers Market rollout in Arizona
Rhinestone, the new Arizona-born line of alcohol-free brews built for both drinkers and non-drinkers, today announced its retail partnership with Sprouts Farmers Market, rolling out its Mexican Lime six-pack across 47 Arizona stores starting January 2, 2026. The placement marks Rhinestone’s first major entrance into off-premise retail and a milestone for the fast-growing NA beer brand.
As Dry January continues to surge, with nearly 1 in 3 U.S. adults participating last year and non-alcohol beer leading category growth, Rhinestone will leverage its Sprouts partnership to deliver one of the lightest and most approachable options in the non-alcoholic category, making it uniquely approachable for the “sober-curious” consumer. Cold-crafted in Arizona, Rhinestone leans into Western grit, nightlife culture, and the social side of drinking with brews that are 0.0% ABV, 5 calories, zero carbs, gluten-free, and a flavor profile engineered for crushability.
“Dry January gets bigger every year, but more importantly, drinking culture is evolving year-round,” said Dustin Johnson, founder of Rhinestone. “Sprouts shares our Arizona roots and our mission to deliver a better-for-you alternative. From the sober-curious to longtime beer lovers, Rhinestone delivers the flavor, energy and swagger of a beer, without the alcohol, so it fits into any modern lifestyle.”
Throughout January, Rhinestone will activate an on-the-ground Arizona presence, including in-store sampling, surprise giveaways, and its signature Rhinestone Rambler RV rolling up to select Sprouts stores statewide.
Rhinestone Mexican Lime six-packs will be available in the Beer & Wine section at participating Arizona Sprouts locations January 2 through the month, with opportunity for expansion based on performance.
Rhinestone is a bold new line of alcohol-free brews built to stand out as an alternative to traditional NA beers. Founded in Arizona in 2025, Rhinestone brings Western grit to a modern lifestyle with cold-crafted brews that allow you to ‘drink all night and ride at dawn.’ Crafted for people who like to drink, but want the freedom to pace themselves and still feel good the next day, Rhinestone delivers the flavor, energy and swagger of a beer – without the alcohol. Rhinestone is currently available in four styles – Original, Mexican Lime, Blood Orange, and Desert Grapefruit. The company, founded by entrepreneur and Arizona native Dustin Johnson, is expanding distribution locally and regionally, and building toward national growth. For more information, visit drinkrhinestone.com.
Three Floyds Brewing partners with Tryon Distributing in North Carolina
Tryon Distributing recently announced a new partnership with Three Floyds Brewing Co., one of the most influential and sought-after craft breweries in the United States. This strategic collaboration will bring Three Floyds’ iconic lineup of beers to retailers, bars, and restaurants across North Carolina, further strengthening Tryon’s commitment to delivering world-class craft beverages to the state.
Through this partnership, Tryon will introduce North Carolina consumers to Three Floyds’ celebrated portfolio, including Zombie Dust, Gumballhead, and a variety of acclaimed seasonal and specialty releases. Known for its bold flavors, distinct artistry, and cult-like following, Three Floyds represents an exciting addition to Tryon’s curated selection of innovative and independent brands.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Three Floyds Brewing and help them bring their award-winning beers to North Carolina,” said Ed Johnston, president of Tryon Distributing. “Their reputation for bold, uncompromising beer aligns perfectly with our commitment to bringing exceptional craft beverages to the state. This partnership reflects our shared dedication to quality, innovation, and independent craft culture.”
Over its 40 years in business, Tryon has played a pivotal role in shaping North Carolina’s craft beer landscape. The company was an integral force behind Pop-the-Cap, the grassroots movement that successfully raised the state’s allowable ABV and opened the door for craft breweries to thrive. Tryon has also been named Wholesaler of the Year by the National Beer Wholesalers Association and recognized by the Belgian Brewers Association for its leadership in bringing Belgian beer and its culture to the Eastern Seaboard.
Three Floyds beers will begin rolling out statewide starting mid-December, with thoughtfully planned pulse drops continuing throughout 2026.
Outlaw Light Beer distributed across ohio
Outlaw Light Beer, the #1 fastest-growing light domestic beer in the U.S., continues its exponential growth, announcing new distribution partnerships covering the Buckeye State. Outlaw Light is expanding its footprint and is now available via Superior Beverage, NWO, Stangaro and Bonbright, spanning the entirety of Ohio. Ohioans, from the vibrant streets of Cleveland and Columbus to the riverbanks of Cincinnati, can now enjoy this smooth, easy-drinking light beer.
Brewed in the heart of Colorado by Tivoli Brewing Co., Outlaw Light Beer embodies the game-day energy, pride, Midwest charm and community spirit that make Ohio unique. With its crisp, refreshing taste, just 105 calories per serving and a smooth 4.2% ABV, this light beer is crafted to deliver exceptional flavor with unbeatable quality and affordability. A can of Outlaw is the perfect companion for those who live life their own authentic way — whether that’s cheering under the Friday night lights, catching a country show in Columbus or lake days on Erie.
“Ohio is a perfect fit for Outlaw Light,” said Ari Opsahl, CEO of Tivoli Brewing Co. “This launch marks an exciting step forward for us, the Buckeye State’s pride, charm and community spirit reflect exactly what our brand stands for. With our distributor partners, we’re thrilled to bring the fresh, satisfying taste of Outlaw to even more people across Ohio. This is more than a launch, it’s a celebration of tradition, resilience and the spirit that makes Ohio truly special.”
That spirit is echoed by some of country music’s biggest names. Chart-topping artists Koe Wetzel and HARDY aren’t just fans of Outlaw Light; they’re investors, bringing their passion and influence to help fuel the brand’s momentum.
“Outlaw Light represents everything we believe a good partner should embody, great liquid, authentic brand story and a connection with today’s beer drinker,” said Jared A. Fiehrer, vice president of sales and marketing at Bonbright. “We feel that Outlaw Light has the potential to become a standout brand in the light beer category, and we are excited to partner with them.”
Beer lovers can stock up on Outlaw Light at their favorite retailers, bars and restaurants across the state. Stay tuned for more updates and keep an eye out for special Outlaw Light events, activations and exclusive collaborations tied to Koe Wetzel and HARDY.
American Rebel Light expands with Ace Distributing in Pennsylvania
American Rebel Holdings, producer of American Rebel Light Beer, announced a strategic partnership with Ace Distributing of Wrightsville, PA. This partnership strengthens American Rebel’s presence in a key market, marking the brand’s fifth distributor in Pennsylvania.
Ace will distribute American Rebel Light Beer across 11 counties, leveraging its extensive network to increase product availability. This collaboration is part of American Rebel’s ongoing “distribution-first” strategy, which has recently added four other Pennsylvania distributors, furthering the brand’s rapid growth.
Andy Ross, CEO of American Rebel Holdings, Inc., expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “Welcoming Ace Distributing into our network is a significant milestone. Their 75-year legacy and strong market presence make them an invaluable partner in transforming Pennsylvania into a stronghold for American Rebel Light Beer.”
Key Highlights of the Partnership:
- Extensive Coverage: Ace serves a broad area, reaching over 1,400 on- and off-premise retailers, significantly enhancing American Rebel’s market penetration.
- Legacy and Excellence: With a history of over 75 years, Ace is recognized for quality and excellence, having received multiple industry awards.
- Values Alignment: Ace’s innovative marketing and community engagement align with American Rebel’s patriotic values, making them a perfect fit to promote “America’s Patriotic Beer” in Pennsylvania.
Todd Porter, President of American Rebel Beverage, stated, “Ace Distributing is the top-tier partner we aimed for in Pennsylvania. Their scale and reputation are crucial to accelerating our distribution efforts.”
American Rebel Light Beer is a premium light lager, crafted with just four ingredients, offering a healthier profile compared to many other light beers. The brand emphasizes patriotic values and has rapidly expanded its distribution footprint since its launch in 2024.
2 Towns Ciderhouse Announces New Distribution Partnership with Heimark Distributing
2 Towns Ciderhouse recently announced a new partnership with Heimark Distributing, which will assume distribution of both the 2 Towns Ciderhouse and Craftwell Cocktails portfolios across a portion of Southern California’s Inland Empire including the Coachella Valley region.
This distributor transition reflects 2 Towns’ ongoing commitment to strengthening market execution, enhancing retailer support, and ensuring consumers have consistent access to its real-fruit, award-winning craft ciders and ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails from the Pacific Northwest.
“We’re excited to welcome Heimark Distributing as our new partner, taking over for Sunset Distributing in this region,” said Nels Jewell-Larsen, co-owner and vice president of 2 Towns Ciderhouse. “Their strong retailer relationships and enduring commitment to representing high-quality craft brands make them an excellent fit for 2 Towns and Craftwell. We’re confident this collaboration will strengthen our presence and unlock new opportunities.”
Heimark Distributing shared enthusiasm for the partnership and the opportunity to represent the brands’ diverse and award-winning products.
“Our family has been distributing beverages in California since 1938, and the partners we choose matter. 2 Towns Ciderhouse and Craftwell Cocktails share the same commitment to craftsmanship, integrity, and innovation that has guided Heimark for three generations,” said Peter Heimark, President of Heimark Distributing. “These brands bring exceptional quality and creativity to the category, and we look forward to building momentum together in the counties we serve.”
Heimark Distributing will represent the full 2 Towns and Craftwell portfolios, including flagship offerings, seasonal releases, and variety formats across both brands.
