While many tend to imagine plain ginger ale like Canada Dry, or typical mixed drinks with ginger beer when they think of ginger drinks, there are plenty of recipes that can bring out the nuances of this familiar spice.
Here are some unique alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages that can help expand your palate and give you some ideas about how to use ginger when you’re in the mood to throw it into the mix. Continue reading…
Iced teas are, perhaps surprisingly, a relatively new thing in the American consciousness. It’s only been a bit over a hundred years, after all, since the World’s Fair in St. Louis when Englishman Richard Blechynden served it up cold to the public. Today, the overwhelming majority of tea consumed by Americans is served iced. Here is a selection of some of the better options for iced tea on the market.
You might have heard about this by now – especially if you frequent the gym or watch fitness programs. Kombucha is a type of tea-inspired beverage that has quite a few superstar qualities. Composed of probiotics, fungi, fermented tea and natural sugars, it is advertised as being able to stave off certain cancers, supply your body with loads of natural energy without the impending crash, weight loss, and immune system fortification. It’s a non-alcoholic beverage for the most part, although the fermentation process can give it a slight alcoholic kick.
A true success story, Snapple was once a much smaller brand that found tremendous favor with the public; it is one of the most well-received cold ice teas on the market – ever. After just nine years of being out in the open, they were bought out and now form an essential part of the Dr. Pepper soft drink empire. A cool, refreshing sweet tea that comes in many delicious flavors such as Mango tea, Diet Peach, Snapple Apple, Green Tea and Orange Carrot.
Another brand that started small and flourished explosively in the past decade, Numi Organic Tea comes from all the regions of the world. The herbs that comprise this delectable beverage are grown in India, Africa, China, South America and other places. The brother and sister team are also very artistic, and design the packaging on the brand. You can find green teas, bottled teas, herbal teas, chocolate teas, turmeric teas and more – all carried by Columbia Distributing. An ice tea made of orange spice or white rose makes for an amazing summer day.
Although marketed as sparkling water, Yerbae is enhanced with white tea extract; you can just catch the fleeting scent of the water that’s also mixed with guarana seed and a bit of natural caffeine from the tea. It is a calorie-less drink that has all the qualities of spring water. Try the Lemon, Pomegranate Berry and Strawberry Kiwi flavors to avoid missing out. For best results, make sure they’re chilled.
For more than eight decades, the people at Columbia Distributing have believed that when it comes to beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic represent the best of both worlds. Our humble roots in the Pacific Northwest stretch back to the mid 1930s, which proves our long-time commitment to providing our cherished customers throughout Northern California, Oregon and Washington with their choice of successful brands of ice tea and other drinks.
The summer months these past few years have seemingly been hotter than usual, and the current one is shaping up to be the same. As connoisseurs of iced tea and cold draft beer, the people at Columbia Distributing know a thing or two about hydration in summer. With that said, we’ve compiled a list that should help you stay cool as the mercury rises.
The Pink Boots Society was created to assist, inspire and encourage women in the beer industry. Columbia’s own, Libby Rankin and Analise Lucchese recently attended the very first Pink Boots Conference in San Diego, CA. Here is a glimpse of their experience:
A couple of weeks ago I had an amazing opportunity to travel to and experience the Pink Boots Society’s first major conference. It was inspiring to see so many professional women amassed together in one room in the name of a shared passion for beer!
This is a unique business to be in. It’s one of the oldest trades in the world. As a distributor, the beer industry is a way of life. I educate myself daily on the industry – new product launches, market trends, and consumer purchasing data. What I have not been able to do, previous to the Pink Boots Society meeting, is share my experience as a women in this generally male dominated industry with other women. Though here in Portland we have a strong presence of women within the distributor and supplier networks, we still make up a disproportionately small contingent of the workforce. This is why the Pink Boots event was such an extraordinary experience.
After nearly ten years of distributor events and conventions, this is the first event I have attended that was geared specifically to beer and the women who, like me, dedicate their professional lives to the industry. For the first time, I had a chance to expand my knowledge in the trade surrounded by a group of my female peers. It was incredible!! We made new friends, we laughed, and we traded industry stories. Ultimately we bonded over our passion for beer and had a wonderful time doing so.
We had the opportunity to hear a number of fruitful discussions ranging from Distribution, Sensory Recognition, to Hops as a raw material in the supply chain. The panels and lectures were enlightening and impressive.
The Distribution panel was an especially valuable and enlightening learning experience for me. My understanding and compassion for the multiple perspectives on distribution that, previous to this discussion I did not have. I now have a stronger understanding of and increased empathy for the difficulties brewers have when deciding how and through whom to distribute their beer. It was eye opening, to say the least!
The Sensory Lecture, by Gwen Conley, was amazing. Sensory recognition is the science of understanding what you are feeling, tasting and the perception you have. Simply put, she absolutely killed her presentation. She was engaging and funny and had her speech prepared, ready to go. She made me feel as if I were the only one in the room (though it was packed!). She gave exact definitions and examples of everything that Sensory Recognition has to offer.
The most notable presentation of the event was the keynote speaker, Megan Parisi, of Samuel Adams Brewery. She spoke eloquently about her career path, starting out as a professional musician and defying convention in pursuit of her dream to be in this industry. Her inspirational tale of persistence in the face of adversity was refreshing not only as a fellow woman and manager in the industry but as a beer enthusiast. As a manager of a team, I found value specifically in her commentary covering what she deems her greatest accomplishment, watching the people she trained become exceptional brewers and move on to newer endeavors within the brewing craft. Her emotion and absolute passion for encouraging personal and professional growth within her team was palpable as she neared the end of her speech fighting back tears. This segment helped reinforce my belief that being a manager of people requires you to engage and build a relationship with them. Life is not just about numbers and making sure that you hit them. It is about the impact that you have on them as a professional. You could see the zeal that she teaches with and how she talks about her students. It was very moving to be in a room with a women with that much devotion. As leaders, we often don’t take the time to think about what kind of an impact we have on the people we manage or the impact they have on us as leaders. I hope that as my career progresses here at Columbia I can stand up and speak with as much passion as she has. And know that the passion was perceived on the other side.
This was a great weekend for me. I was not sure what it was going to be like and or what to expect. To be honest I had no idea it was the first ever! The ladies of the Pink Boots Society did a fantastic job. I can’t wait for the next. The women I met and made friends with will be friends for a lifetime. I can not wait for our next adventure.
– Libby Rankin
Thank you Libby, for sharing your experience with us! We look forward to hearing more about your involvement with Pink Boots.
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.
Availability: April 1 – August 31
ABV: 5.2%
This simple craft, summer ale tastes like endless summer days and tangerine flowers in a glass.
Availability: April 1 – August 31
ABV: 5%
Floral and citrus hop notes meet smooth caramel maltiness in this refreshingly balanced golden ale. This year’s batch includes Lemondrop Hops!
Availability: Not listed
ABV: 5.2%
The Blood Orange Wheat offers a medium malt body with a crisp wheat finish and subtle orange flavor.
Availability: Not listed
ABV: 6.2%
Big citrus hop flavors meet up grapefruit juice for a complex and fun to drink citrus sipper.
Availability: Year Round
ABV: 4.3%
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.
Availability: Year Round
ABV: 5.1%
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.
Availability: April – December
ABV: 4.9%
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.
Availability: Year Round
ABV: 6%
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.
Availability: Year Round
ABV: 6.2%
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!”
Availability: Year Round
ABV: 7%
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.
2. Agreement to Rules: By participating, the Contestant (“You”) agree to be fully unconditionally bound by these Rules, and you represent and warrant that You meet the eligibility requirements.
3. Campaign Period: Entries will be accepted online starting on6/27/17 and end Thursday, 6/29/17 at 5:00PM Pacific Time. Depending on winner’s location, the prize can be picked up at 3601 NW Yeon ave. Portland, OR on Friday 6/30 or Columbia representative can FedEx, once the winner is announced and address is received.
4. How to Enter: Simply like the post from your personal social account and tag or comment the name of a friend. Entries that are incomplete or do not adhere to the rules or specifications may be disqualified at the sole discretion of Columbia Distributing. You may enter only once. If you use fraudulent methods, multiple identities or attempt to circumvent the rules, your submission may be removed from eligibility at the sole discretion of Columbia Distributing.
5. Prizes: The Winner(s) will receive 2 tickets to the Blues Fest on Monday, July 3rd, which takes place on the Tom McCall Waterfront in Portland, Oregon, branded ice bucket, golf towel and branded hat, valued at over $200. Actual/appraised value may differ at time of prize award. Prize may not be sold for cash or returned for cash value. The prize is nontransferable. Any and all prize related expenses, including without limitation any and all federal, state, and/or local taxes, shall be the sole responsibility of Winner. No substitution of the prize or transfer/assignment of prize to others or request for the cash equivalent by Winner is permitted. Acceptance of prize constitutes permission for Columbia Distributing to use Winner’s name, likeness, and entry for purposes of advertising and trade without further compensation unless prohibited by law.
6. Odds: The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.
7. Winner Selection and Notification: Winner will be selected by a random drawing once end time occurs. The winner will be notified by Instagram or Facebook Messenger. The winner will also be announced in a separate post on the Columbia Distributing pages. Columbia Distributing shall have no liability for Winner’s failure to receive notices due to blocked messages or privacy settings. If Winner cannot be contacted, is ineligible, fails to claim the prize within 3 days from the time award notification was sent, the winner can pick up the other prizes but the tickets will be no longer valid.
The Fourth of July marks the highlight of summer for America and beer consumers. With the holiday quickly approaching, Columbia Distributing employees are delivering more than 300 brands to stores, bars and restaurants to provide a wide selection of beer for your holiday cookouts and parties!
If you aren’t sure what to bring to this year’s BBQ, here is a recipe that is sure to impress all your friends and family…
Chocolate Beer Cupcakes With Whisky Filling and Stout Frosting
Recipe by Allison Wendt
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
According to the Brewers Association, domestic breweries produced over 139 million barrels of beer in 2016 alone – completely dominating the U.S. beer marketplace. As craft beer sales continue to grow, it’s common to find Americans underestimating the value, taste and importance of domestic brews. Here’s our list of seven totally underrated domestic beers you need to try this season.
Often referred to as the “champagne of beers,” Miller High Life offers a crisp, smooth taste at an affordable value. As an American adjunct lager, this light golden brew complements roast chicken, grilled salmon burgers and other richly flavored main courses.
Another underrated American adjunct lager, Coors Banquet is a traditional, straw-colored beer that has been brewed in Golden, Colorado since 1873. Uniquely crisp and refreshing, Coors Banquet pairs well with virtually any meal, making it a staple at summer barbecues and picnics.
A refreshing beer, Old Milwaukee Light delivers a creamy feel, slight malt flavor and a clean finish with fewer calories than that of the classic Old Milwaukee Lager. Food pairings are virtually endless with this light lager.
As America’s first domestic ice beer, Icehouse is brewed traditionally and fermented before its temperature gets lowered to below freezing. Bold, yet smooth, this American adjunct lager boasts an enjoyable malt character that complements various dishes, from barbecue to Indian to Thai.
Available year-round, George Killian’s Irish Red features a toasted/roasted caramel malt aroma and taste. This well-balanced American amber/red lager contains a subtle sweetness that pairs well with beef and poultry.
Brewed with 100% Cascade hops, Henry Weinhard’s Private Reserve is an American Pale Lager with a crisp, clean flavor. For food pairings, this lager goes well with grilled chicken, seafood, steak and everything in between.
Smooth, yet rich, Olde English 800 offers a slightly fruity aroma indicative of its malt liquor style. As one of the leading malt liquor brands, Olde English 800, otherwise referred to as OE800, complements Indian, Latin American, Pan Asian and other cuisines.
At Columbia Distributing, we distribute a wide range of domestics as well as import and craft beers. Get in touch with a member of our team to learn more about the brands we supply.
Do you consider yourself a soda aficionado? Are you feeling adventurous? Outside the parameters of your local grocery store or corner gas station, there’s a world brimming with unusual soft drinks just waiting to be explored. From international favorites to fizzy drinks that taste just like your favorite meal, here are the 10 craziest soda flavors from around the globe.
As bacon mania continues to sweep the United States and Canada, it’s no wonder bacon-flavored soda has made its way onto store shelves. Perfect for lovers of this crispy comfort food, bacon soft drinks are unsurprisingly available from several different brands.
Have you always wondered how to bottle the spirit of Halloween? Just one sip of this limited-edition candy corn soda will have you reminiscing about ghastly ghouls, spooky skeletons and plenty of tricks and treats.
Another crazy soda invented as a limited-edition holiday flavor, the turkey and gravy soft drink tastes just like Thanksgiving dinner.
Spicy, sweet and certainly unique, curry soda is a bold, fizzy beverage made in Japan that offers an authentic curry flavor.
Cool and refreshing, cucumber-flavored soda combines the taste of crisp cucumber with invigorating sparkling water, making it great for a summer spritzer.
Hailing from Switzerland, this distinctive soft drink contains a slight hint of black garlic – a type of garlic that tastes sweet and syrupy.
Manufactured in South Korea, onion soda tastes just like its name implies. However, this unique beverage is said to offer various health benefits, which makes up for the tear-provoking flavor.
Soapy and bright green in color, grass-flavored soft drinks are definitely not for the faint of heart – or for those with weak stomachs.
Only for the adventurous, white fungus soda hails from Vietnam. Presenting a chunky texture, this soft drink is made from white fungus and the nests of cave-dwelling birds.
If you just can’t get enough of these leafy greens, then Brussels sprout soda may be the right soft drink flavor for you.
Whether you’re looking for a well-known soda brand or a soft drink that’s truly one of a kind, Columbia Distributing supplies a variety of non-alcoholic beverages to suit every palette. Contact us to learn more about the premium soda brands we distribute.
Columbia Distributing is proud to provide Townshend’s Brew Dr. Kombucha. Earthy and tart with a slightly sour aroma, kombucha, or mushroom tea, is a health beverage that packs a serious punch. Made with black or green tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast, this fermented beverage brews over the course of approximately 7 to 14 days and contains nourishing probiotics. Whether you have extra kombucha on hand that you need to use up or you’ve let a batch ferment for too long, you’ll be able to put the surplus tea to good use with these four creative elixirs.
With a sour tang that closely resembles the taste of apple cider vinegar – especially if it’s brewed for an extended period of time – kombucha makes a great replacement for vinegar in salad dressings, condiments and marinades. Swap out the white vinegar in an Italian dressing recipe or in condiments, such as ketchup or barbecue sauce. Due to its acidity, you can also use kombucha to create marinades for seafood, poultry and other types of meat.
From granitas to popsicles to smoothies, give your kombucha a second life with delicious and nutritious frozen treats. Simply blend kombucha with fresh fruits or juices and then freeze the mixture in molds or ice cube trays to produce refreshing popsicles. Alternatively, you can toss a teaspoon of kombucha into your favorite smoothie recipe for a simple immunity booster.
Is it time for spring cleaning? Step your routine up a notch with a simple do-it-yourself household cleaner made with kombucha. Take one part water, one part kombucha and a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender, lemon or tea tree, and shake all the ingredients together in a spray bottle. And voilà – now you have an all-natural cleaner that can be used around the house.
Did you know kombucha can be used in both cocktails and mocktails? Exchange sweet and sour mix or club soda with kombucha in virtually any cocktail recipe for a healthy twist on your favorite mixed drinks. You can even ferment the kombucha for a second time with juice for a sweeter, more carbonated concoction.
From Townshend’s Brew Dr. Kombucha to soda to beer and more, Columbia Distributing supplies a diverse range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to suit your personal taste. Contact us today to learn more about the brands we distribute.