Any beer drinker has heard of hops, but you may not know exactly how they play a role in the brewing of your favorite beers. Hops are green cone-shaped flowers of the Humulus lupulus plant that are used in the brewing process to create bitterness, aroma, and flavor. Depending on when they’re harvested and used, different types of beer like fresh hop and dry hop can be created. Columbia Distributing is a beverage distributor serving Washington and Oregon with reliable services and more than 90 years of experience in the industry. Here, we share more information about fresh hop beer and how it differs from traditional beer.

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What are hops in beer? The flowers of the Humulus lupulus plant, hops are a staple in nearly every beer recipe known to humankind. The earliest brewers began using the ingredient to balance out the sweetness of barley, wheat, or oat-based beers. Today, hops are regarded as the basis of the modern craft beer movement, which began in the 1960s and 70s and exploded in the 2010s and 20s.

Hops are grown in regions with mild climates, nutrient-rich soil, regular precipitation, and lots of sunshine. They come from all over the world, so the flavor, aroma, and bitterness of each type can vary greatly. Here, Columbia Distributing, a trusted distributor of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages in Oregon and Washington, discusses the different types of beer hops and how they affect taste.

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As communities become more diverse across the United States, efforts to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces have been a major point of discussion in the business world. For Columbia Distributing, inclusivity isn’t just a sentiment but a core component of our vision and values, and team members at all locations and across all levels work toward it every day.

One team member with a passion for fostering a more inclusive culture at Columbia Distributing is the Vice President of Optimization, Douglas Bailey. Learn about what his role entails and his thoughts about the progress of the company with inclusivity, as well as what work still needs to be done.

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Consumers have several common questions when it comes to alcoholic beverages: What is IBU in beer, and what does ABV mean? International bitterness units (IBUs) and alcohol by volume (ABV) are two types of measurements commonly used to classify beers. IBUs and ABV are important to know, as they can help consumers determine what to expect from the beer’s flavor, mouthfeel, and potency.

Here, Columbia Distributing, which serves businesses in Oregon and Washington as a premier beverage distributor, explains the difference between IBU and ABV.

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You might be under the impression that because tequila and mezcal are both made from the agave plant, they must be the same. However, they are very different in their own respects. While the two spirits do share some similarities that lead people to think they’re interchangeable, key differences help consumers distinguish between them. Columbia Distributing is a premier non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverage distributor in Oregon and Washington that makes sure bars, restaurants, and other establishments have the spirits they need to meet customer demand. Here, we offer insight into how tequila and mezcal are similar and how they differ.

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Tonic water, seltzer, and club soda are three of the most popular mixers used in cocktails. While all three are carbonated, they each differ in their mineral content and taste. Because of this, there are specific mixed drinks each is well suited for. Columbia Distributing makes sure restaurants and other businesses in Oregon and Washington are stocked up with the alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages they need to successfully serve their customers. Here, we break down the differences between tonic water, seltzer, and club soda and look into their specific uses behind the bar.

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If you’re from the Pacific Northwest, you might be familiar with Craftwell Cocktails. Produced by the team at 2 Towns Ciderhouse in Corvallis, Oregon, this innovative line of wine-based cocktails pushes the boundaries of cocktails in a can. Columbia Distributing, the go-to distributor of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages in Oregon and Washington, is proud to carry the Craftwell Cocktails brand for bars, retail locations, and more. Here, we dig into the history and flavors of this popular brand and why you should keep it in stock at your establishment.

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When the weather heats up, nothing beats cracking open a can or bottle of crisp, refreshing sparkling water. With a host of flavors available, Sparkling Ice has become popular with consumers and comes in single bottles, variety packs, and even caffeinated options. Columbia Distributing, which serves as the go-to beverage distributor in Oregon and Washington, carries a variety of sparkling water options, including Sparkling Ice. Here, we go over why you should keep Sparkling Ice in stock at your establishment – especially during the summer months.

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Whether you’re the owner of a small convenience store or a bar that’s packed nightly, it pays to have something for everyone to enjoy. That’s why Columbia Distributing, serving Washington and Oregon as a premier non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverage distributor, offers products from Lone River Beverage Company. The popular brand has just released two new variety 12-packs, which are sure to make your customers excited for long weekends and lazy summer days. Here, we go over what new and exciting varieties Lone River Beverage Company has to offer.

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Once reserved only for martinis, gin has seen an uptick recently, becoming more and more popular amongst consumers. The market today reflects that, consisting of multiple varieties that offer a full spectrum of flavors. Of the various gin styles available, two seem to stand out: London dry gin and American gin. Columbia Distributing is a premier distributor of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages in Oregon and Washington. Here, we compare these two gin styles and offer insight into when to use them for different cocktails.

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