3 Characteristics of a Well-Run Warehouse

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Beverage Warehouse – Columbia Distributing

When you’re searching for an alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage distributor, it’s important to understand the must-have qualities of a warehouse. That way, you can make the best decision when it comes to choosing a new distributor. And with customers to satisfy and a business to run, there’s just no time to deal with the consequences of making the wrong choice. Here are some warehouse fundamentals you should look for before committing to do business. Continue reading…

The Landscape of U.S. Distributorships

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Beverage Distribution – Columbia Distributors

Emerging retail trends are changing the customer experience, and the food and beverage landscape is no different. Today’s consumers are faced with an ever-growing amount of options when it comes to beverages, and as a result, they expect complex offerings and categories wherever they go. Continue on to learn more about the current U.S. distributorship environment in regard to the beverage industry. Continue reading…

The Importance of the Three-Tier System

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Beverage Warehouse – Columbia Distributing

 

How would you react if you walked into a liquor store and there were only a handful of different options to choose from, instead of hundreds? And what if you knew none of it was regulated? Would you still want to make a purchase? Maybe not.

Fortunately, that scenario is only hypothetical thanks to something called the three-tier system. The three-tier system governs the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages in a way that benefits customers, retailers and the local economy all at once. Continue reading…

10 Beers to Try this Summer

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Well, summer is officially here and that means it’s time to bust out the tank tops and enjoy an ice cold beer on the patio! It wasn’t easy but we combed through our portfolio of awesome pilsners, wheat beers, pale ales and more to give you our list of 10 refreshing beers you can enjoy on those hot summer days.

1. Fremont Summer Ale

Availability: April 1 – August 31

ABV: 5.2%

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This simple craft, summer ale tastes like endless summer days and tangerine flowers in a glass.

2. Deschutes Hop Slice Summer Ale

Availability: April 1 – August 31

ABV: 5%

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Floral and citrus hop notes meet smooth caramel maltiness in this refreshingly balanced golden ale. This year’s batch includes Lemondrop Hops!

3. Full Sail Blood Orange Wheat

Availability: Not listed

ABV: 5.2%

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The Blood Orange Wheat offers a medium malt body with a crisp wheat finish and subtle orange flavor.

4. HUB Ferocious Citrus IPA

Availability: Not listed

ABV: 6.2%

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Big citrus hop flavors meet up grapefruit juice for a complex and fun to drink citrus sipper.

5. Cascade Lakes Blonde Bombshell

Availability: Year Round

ABV: 4.3%

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Blonde Bombshell combines subtle malt and wheat flavors with a delicate Liberty hop aroma to create a sensational beer. Originally brewed as a seasonal, this beer was so popular, they pushed it into their regular line-up.

6. Backwoods Gifford Pinchot Pilsner

Availability: Year Round

ABV: 5.1%

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A Czech Pilsner brewed the exact way they do it in Prague. Made with a Czech Saaz hop, this beer has a spicy floral aroma with grassy notes and a clean crisp finish.

7. Dogfish Head Seaquench

Availability: April – December

ABV: 4.9%

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The release of SeaQuench Ale kicked off a new partnership between Dogfish Head and the National Aquarium that will focus on inspiring conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures. This session sour quencher is brewed with lime peel, black limes & sea salt.

8. Lagunitas Czech Pilsner

Availability: Year Round

ABV: 6%

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This Czech pilsner is brewed with loads of imported Saaz hops and a bottom-fermenting yeast strain that leaves it Light and Crisp, yet full of real flavor and all the things you yearn for.

9. Crux Gimme Mo IPA

Availability: Year Round

ABV: 6.2%

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Consider this the next generation IPA. It’s slightly sweet with lower ABV. It’s complex aromatic layers, suggest mango, melon, pine, and berries, are driven by whole-leaf Mosaic and Citra hops which are then balanced by an acidulated and pilsner malt bill. It’s silky smooth mouthfeel will leave you asking for “mo!”

10. Ballast Point Pineapple Sculpin

Availability: Year Round

ABV: 7%

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The Pineapple Sculpin IPA came from one of many small-batch cask experiments to enhance the flavor of Ballast Point’s signature IPA. The combination of fruity flavors and hop intensity definitely packs a punch.

 

Don’t see your favorite summer beer on the list? Let us know at Social@coldist.com.

 

 

 

Craft Beers for Celebrating Valentine’s Day

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Exploring the many craft beers available through a beverage distributor will help ensure a memorable Valentine’s Day celebration. Craft beers can make for a delicious pairing with a special dinner and sweet desserts. Here are some top craft breweries with romantic brews worth trying.

Product photo of Rogue's chocolate stout in a bar setting

Rogue

Rogue’s Chocolate Stout exudes a rich, earthy flavor with prominent notes of oats and hops. The dark ebony color of the Chocolate Stout makes this beer an ideal dessert beverage. Rogue is famous for brewing its beers without any chemicals, preservatives, or additives, and these beverages are part of a hand-made revolution. With just 11 ingredients including chocolate, this American stout beer promises to be part of a memorable evening.

New Holland Brewing Company

New Holland’s barrel-aged stout, Dragon’s Milk Reserve, offers several different varieties to suit virtually every taste. Try the Dragon’s Milk Reserve with oak, raspberry, and lemon or a variety with coconut rum, which is sure to be a big hit. Additionally, an oak option with coffee and chocolate is a creamy mixture of vanilla and roast coffee. Or, ask the local beverage distributor about the Dragon’s Milk Reserve with vanilla and chai spices, as a perfect nightcap paired with a decadent dessert.

Samuel Adams

Samuel Adams offers a distinct Chocolate Bock with an easy-to-drink malty flavor, and, as expected, a strong chocolate flavor paired with hints of caramel and roasted marshmallow. These flavors make it the perfect pairing with a nostalgic s’mores treat by the fire.

Dogfish Head

Romantic Chemistry, brewed by Dogfish Head, is an India Pale Ale with the essence of ginger, mango, and apricots. The ale includes three kinds of hops, which combine delightfully with the tropical fruits. With a fruity and hop-forward aroma, pair this medium-to-light ale with cheese, Mexican entrées, seafood, and more. Try Dogfish Head’s Flesh and Blood IPA for an India Pale Ale with a citrusy aroma and flavor. Deep orange in color, this medium-bodied ale is ideal with both entrées and desserts.

With a wide array of craft beers available through a beverage distributor, you can create an unforgettable Valentine’s Day with distinctive food, drink, and company.

Six Drinks to Ring in the New Year

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Photo Of New Year's Eve Drinks - Columbia DistributingA glass of champagne is tradition, but everyone needs something to sip on leading up to that special moment. Get the party started with these drinks from a local beverage distributor that are sure to be the next party favorite when the ball drops.

2 Towns Cider Ginja Ninja

This is a great option for starting off the night with a crisp, easy-to-drink cider. The strong ginger flavor compliments the apple undertones and leaves the palate feeling refreshed. Plus, 2 Towns sources all of their apples from the Northwest for a truly local flavor.

Fremont Brewing Barrel Aged Abominable Winter Ale

This barrel-aged winter ale is nice for those scotch drinkers who want a beer to sip on. The spicy aroma is undercut by a roasted chocolate flavor along with notes of vanilla and caramel. This is a good drink to savor, although the high alcohol content will still produce a buzz.

Pike Brewing Company Octopus Ink Black IPA

A celebration of citrus and pine hops with a dark roasted malt character, this brew packs a complex flavor combination. A little bit sweet, a little bit bitter, it’s the perfect beer to sit back and reflect on the year before the ball drops and confetti flies.

Unibroue La Fin de Monde

No better way to ring in the new year than with a beer that translates to “the end of the world” in French. On a less dark note, this beer will pair perfectly with that post-midnight snack later in the night. It’s a medium body beer with a refreshing hint of orange. This beer keeps a cult following, so order it early from the local beverage distributor before the year ends.

Backwoods Brewing Company Pecan Pie Porter

Finish the night off with a sweet treat from this festive porter. Notes of caramel and chocolate are balanced with a light roasted pecan finish. A truly seasonal brew that’s perfect for a toast to “Auld Lang Syne.”

Be sure to load up on a wide variety of beverages before the holidays, as these are sure to go fast. If hosting a party, be sure to reach out to a local beverage distributor to get the order in!