Raising Funds and Finding Homes for Furry Friends

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a leader is the opportunity to give back to the communities that support our business. Jeff Lyons, Regional General Manager at Columbia Distributing, serving Oregon and Washington, knows this well. Lyons has been with Columbia Distributing for 39 years and currently oversees operations at the Springfield and Medford branches. Here, Lyons discusses our recent partnership with Pabst Brewing to serve universally beloved members of the community – our pets.

Columbia Distributing employees pose with giant check representing donation to help animals

Bringing Smiles and Wagging Tails Throughout Springfield

Columbia Distributing proudly serves beverage retailers, restaurants, bars, and other venues where alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic products are sold. Out of the Springfield and Medford branches alone, Columbia Distributing serves 1,800 customers and about 850 customers, respectively. To say Columbia Distributing can have an impact on these communities is an understatement.

Recently, Columbia Distributing partnered with Pabst Brewing to hold a fundraiser for two local humane societies – Wiggly Tails Dog Rescue and SafeHaven.

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Fireball Whisky: Light Up Your Cocktails

Fireball Whisky needs no introduction. The brand describes its fierce taste as standing face-to-face with a fire-breathing dragon who just ate a whisky barrel full of spicy cinnamon. Fireball products from Sazerac are made with real, natural cinnamon, making them the perfect option for any occasion.

fireball whiskey in woman's front pocket

Two Fireballs, One Great Taste

There are two different Fireballs: Fireball Whisky (ABV: 33%) and Fireball Cinnamon (ABV: 16.5%). The difference between the two is Fireball Whisky is a spirit-based 66-proof product, whereas Fireball Cinnamon is a malt-based 33-proof product.

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This “Dead Guy” Should Be On Your Halloween List

With the spooky season already upon us, Rogue Ales & Spirits’ Dead Guy Ales are a great addition for any Halloween – or fall – celebration. Discover more about the Dead Guy Ales from the Beer Team at Columbia Distributing, a premier beverage distributor in Oregon and Washington.

Selection of Rogue Ales & Spirits’ “Dead Guy” beers lined up on bar

Dead Guy Ales

Rogue, a pilar in Oregon’s beer industry started brewing Dead Guy Ale for nearly 35 years..

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Are You Ready for Cider Month?

This annual celebration is the perfect opportunity to highlight the craftsmanship of innovative cideries and hard cider brands. Learn about various hard cider options carried in Oregon and Washington by Columbia Distributing.

crate of apples

2 Towns Ciderhouse (Oregon)

Founded in 2010, 2 Towns Ciderhouse is well-known for producing high-quality products made from 100% fresh-pressed Northwest apples, sourced exclusively from local Oregon and Washington farms. The independently owned and operated hard cider beverage manufacturer continues to develop and evolve its operation in innovative ways to produce premium products, such as:

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Four Whiskeys to Sample This Fall

Fall is the perfect time of the year to sample whiskeys as the days get cooler. Columbia Distributing’s Wine & Spirits Team shares their recommendations for whiskeys to sample this upcoming autumn season.

blue run kentucky straight bourbon whiskey

2BAR

More than a century ago the Kaiser family settled in South Texas and established the 2BAR Ranch. Since then, five generations of Kaisers have ranched the land under the 2BAR brand. In 2012, Nathan Kaiser opened 2BAR Spirits in Seattle. And it’s one of two distilleries that’s entirely grain-to-glass, meaning everything from milling the grain through bottling is done on-site.

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BuzzBallz: Bundles of Boozy Fun

BuzzBallz is reinventing happy hour with fun, innovative cocktails for folks to enjoy. With a unique look and great taste, BuzzBallz products make it easy to host – toss them in an ice-filled container or in the fridge – at parties, tailgating, and any other gathering, large or small. Guests can easily grab their favorite, give it a shake, and enjoy (glassware optional).

chili mango buzzball on ice

Need a little more convincing? BuzzBallz is the #1 selling single-serving, ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail brand (187mL-200mL) *  – and continues to gain popularity.

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Employee Spotlight: Delivery Driver Darrell McCoy

Columbia Distributing is proud to be recognized as a premier beverage distributor, supplying top brands to retailers throughout Oregon and Washington. We’ve earned our outstanding reputation through the hard work and dedication of our employees, like delivery driver Darrell McCoy. This role is vital to the success of Columbia Distributing and its partners. Here, McCoy details what makes working here special.

Columbia Distributing delivery driver Darrell McCoy, with his wife

The Role of a Delivery Driver at Columbia Distributing

Columbia Distributing leans on the roles of several individuals, who all play a part in providing the premium quality service we’re known for. Among the most pivotal roles at the company is that of delivery driver. Our business partners rely on our drivers so they can continue operating efficiently and meet their goals.

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Twisted Tea: Twist and Shout!

Twisted Tea is known for brewing refreshing iced tea with a twist. After experimenting to find the perfect combination of natural flavors, select teas, and fun, Twisted Tea boasts an expansive lineup of alcoholic teas satisfying tastebuds and are a great addition to any occasion.

Twisted Tea in a cooler

Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea

Twisted Tea is a malt-based, non-carbonated beverage made with real brewed tea and natural flavors. It has some caffeine (30mg) due to the type of tea leaves used, but much less than the average  cup of coffee (100mg).

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Lone River Delivers a Crisp Ranch Water Hard Seltzer

Is your cooler ready for refresh as we transition into fall? Check out Lone River Beverage Company’s Ranch Water and Ranch Rita products. They recently updated its Ranch Water variety pack flavors, which now includes Blackberry (replacing Grapefruit).

Before we dive in: did you know Lone River Ranch Water was picked by NYT Wirecutter as the Best Hard Seltzer in 2024 based on a taste-test using their Original, Spicy, and Prickly Pear flavors.

Ranch Water: A Timeless Texan Cocktail

Ranch Water, a cocktail originally from Texas, is a simple cocktail that ranchers and cowboys alike enjoyed, made with tequila, lime juice, and sparkling water. Lone River captured it like lightening in a can and delivers a crisp, refreshing hard seltzer.

Lone River Ranch Water’s Variety 12-pack comes with four flavors:

  • Original: Organic agave nectar and the taste of lime, it’s the perfect choice for those who appreciate classic refreshment. Also available in a single flavor 6- and 12-pack.
  • Blackberry: Organic agave nectar, a delicious mix juicy blackberry, and a tart key lime finish. 
  • Prickly Pear: Organic agave nectar, a taste of lime and the subtle sweetness of prickly pear juice from the cactus fruit.
  • Spicy: Crafted with organic agave nectar, lime, and the subtle heat of muddled jalapeño; offering a tantalizing taste of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Also available in a single flavor 6-pack.

The details: Lone River Ranch Water contains 80 calories, 0g of sugar, and 4% ABV per 12oz can serving.

The Ranch Rita Variety Pack: Touch of Sweet with a Pinch of Salt

As the name suggests, the Ranch Rita Variety Pack puts a delicious twist on original ranch water. Flavors in this variety pack include:

  • Classic: tangy lime juice with hints of tequila spice and a lightly salty finish. Also available in a single flavor 6-pack.
  • Spicy: zesty lime mixed with muddled jalapeño and a salty finish.
  • Mango: juicy mango, tart lime, and a hint of tequila spice.
  • Blood Orange: subtly sweet blood orange, bright lime, and balanced tequila spice.

The details: Lone River Ranch Rita contains 140 calories, 4g of sugar, and 5.8% ABV per 12oz can serving.

Learn More About Lone River Beverage Company Products

Lone River offers your customers a refreshing break from beers and RTD cocktails with a fresh, natural tasting hard seltzer option to enjoy while kicking back on crisp, fall days. For more information about Lone River Beverage Company’s product, contact us today.

 


Celebrate the Fall with Trinchero Family Estates

Each February and September, Trinchero Family Estates hosts its Heritage Month to highlight its family of brands. This month we’re excited to feature the following seven wines – and a spirit.

Avissi Prosecco
The name “Avissi” comes from the delightful fizzy sound the bubbles make as they happily rise in the glass, which releases a gorgeous bouquet of delicate floral notes and fruity aromas. Inviting fresh fruit flavors lead to a clean crispness on the palate and refined finish, making it the perfect match for a wide variety of cuisines and occasions.

Ceretto Arneis Blange

Crisp and bright, vibrant acidity and enticing aromas of green apple, Bartlett pear, and orange blossom intertwined with subtle hints of almond, this wine will pair well with a wide variety of food and is lovely on its own, by-the-glass on any occasion.

Echo Bay Sauvignon Blanc

With bright, pure flavors and a fun-loving personality, Echo Bay contains the spectacular natural beauty of New Zealand’s South Island. Zesty citrus aromas lead to layers of passionfruit, grapefruit and gooseberry flavors, followed by a clean, refreshing finish. It’s exquisite on its own or paired with lighter fare.

Neyers Carneros District Chardonnay

The aromas are immediately attractive with a lemon/lime zest quality and the flavors beckon you in with their softness and intrigue. It’s medium-to full-bodied with bright acidity, spiced apple flavors, and a subtle toasty component.

San Polo Rubio

Rubio has a brilliant ruby red color with purple hues. Intensely fruity aromas, with notes of cherry, violet, and black currant, followed by spicy notes. The sensations of berries and cherries, typical of the variety, give it great drinkability, in addition to considerable intensity and elegance. It is perfect by the glass, thanks to its versatility, and ideal for outdoor barbecues.

Vitiano Blanco

Produced in Umbria, Italy, Falesco’s Vitiano Bianco beautifully merges freshness and structure. Floral aromas meld with green apple and citrus notes, delivering a wine that is both crisp and harmonious. It epitomizes Central Italy’s prowess in crafting expressive white wines.

Vitiano Rosso

The wine has an intense red color with violet reflections. The aroma has fruity notes in great balance with the sweetness of the wood. The taste is strong, round, pleasant with a rich and harmonic finish.

Tres Agaves Blanco Tequila

Ideal for sipping or mixing, with a pleasant taste and silky texture that combines vibrant and sweet agave aromas with supporting notes of citrus, wild mint, and pear, typical of the Tequila Valley terroir.

Learn More About Trinchero Family Estates

If you wish to learn more about the varieties of wines and spirits offered by Trinchero Family Estates, please contact us today. We’re very excited to share this family of incredible wines with you and your team.

If you’re an individual looking for a great wine to bring to an friend’s gathering, follow us on your favorite social media platform for ideas and insights: YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, or our Oregon feed or Washington feed on Instagram.