Brewing for Good: How Human Power Drives New Belgium Brewing

Man skateboarding with New Belgium Fat Tire Ale

Many customers are looking to shop from companies with a wider mission. They want to connect with businesses in ways that make a difference for the Earth. One brewery that does this effectively is New Belgium Brewing, a sustainable and revolutionary business in the craft beer industry. This April, we highlight their mission to celebrate Earth Month.

They have been experimenting and finding more sustainable brewing practices for years. Now, they have the first certified carbon-neutral beer in the United States. Here, Columbia Distributing, a supplier of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, talks about the history of New Belgium Brewing, their commitment to sustainability, and their signature brews: Fat Tire Ale and Voodoo Ranger.

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Traveller Whiskey

Released in January 2024, Traveller Whiskey is a collaboration between Buffalo Trace’s Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley and Grammy-winning country singer Chris Stapleton.

After trying over 50 blends, they settled on #40, hence “Blend No. 40” on the bottle’s label. As for its taste: “Complex aromas of vanilla, aged fruit and buttery shortbread rounded off by caramel and a touch of oak. The palate has just a touch of sweetness, followed by spice, toasted nut and oak flavors, with a robust finish.”

Hailing from Lexington, KY, nearby the Buffalo Trace Distillery, and later moving to Nashville, Stapleton recorded his first studio album, Traveller. During that session he was introduced to E.H. Taylor, one of the Distillery’s other whiskeys, and a relationship was formed between Stapleton and Buffalo Trace. Over years, the distillery has collaborated with the Stapleton’s charitable fund, Outlaw State of Kind, for various fundraising initiatives with many based throughout Kentucky and Tennessee.

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In The Cooler: Modelo’s 5 Beers

Introducing our new article series: In The Cooler, where we share insights about our hottest brands.

Modelo Especial was first brewed by Grupo Modelo in 1925 in Tacuba, a northwest neighborhood in Mexico City. Within a few years, it was mainly introduced to the US during Prohibition, when people would cross the border to drink alcohol.

Fast forward a 100 years later: Modelo is still brewed in Mexico and imported into the United States by Constellation Brands – which includes Corona and Pacifico.

While extremely popular in Mexico, Modelo Especial didn’t enter the US market until 1990. Since 2018, it has been a top imported beer in the US and a top-five beer brand, showing consistent year-over-year growth. In June 2023, it became the best-selling beer in the US.

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From Infamous to Legendary: How Every 19 Crimes Bottle Tells A Story

19 Crimes, released in 2012 and housed by Melbourne-based Treasury Wine Estates, refers to the number of crimes used to exile convicts from Britain to Australia between 1787 and 1868. The convicts that survived the journey, were often ordered to forge a life in Australia as pioneers and others escaped to America.

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Employee Spotlight: Dayne Richardson

Columbia Distributing is a company with low turnover, where employees thrive and advance in their careers. Dayne Richardson can attest to that after working here for 17 years. Now carrying a high level of responsibility, Richardson serves as District Manager.

Dayne Richardson, district manager at Columbia Distributing

Columbia Distributing serves customers throughout Washington and Oregon, delivering an extensive selection of alcohol and non-alcoholic beverage brands. Here, we share Dayne Richardson’s career story.

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Truly Hard Seltzer: Flavors for Any Taste

Hard seltzers have become a popular beverage in the last decade, and they will only continue to gain popularity as big-name companies continue making new products. Truly is one company at the top of this innovation, offering a variety of flavors and types of hard seltzer. The creation of Truly in 2016 catapulted them into the hard seltzer market, earning them a spot as a top contender among their competitors.

Columbia Distributing is a distributor of alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic drinks serving customers in Oregon and Washington. Here, we talk about Boston Beer Company and the different Truly hard seltzer products we sell.

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Employee Spotlight: Nate Thomason, Everett Sales Chain District Manager

Columbia Distributing has made a name for itself as a premier beverage distributor in Oregon and Washington. Our company is committed to providing beverage retailers with alcoholic and non-alcoholic products from the most popular brands. This mission requires dedicated individuals working together.

One of those individuals is Everett Sales Chain District Manager Nate Thomason, who has been with the company for 11 years. Starting his career in merchandising, Thomason has worked his way to his current title thanks to the career advancement opportunities provided by Columbia Distributing. Here, Thomason explains how the supportive culture has helped shape his career and the other advantages that help our company stand out.

Everett Sales Chain District Manager Nate Thomason, with his family

Career Advancement at Columbia Distributing

At Columbia Distributing, we invest in our employees and take great pride in seeing them succeed at work and in their personal lives. We make it a point to provide our employees with resources and opportunities to help them forge their own career paths.

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Employee Spotlight – Rachelle Wood, Dayshift Warehouse Associate – DCI

Columbia Distributing is pleased to recognize Rachelle Wood for her continuous hard work and willingness to go above and beyond. Wood currently is the dayshift warehouse associate – DCI and Culture Committee Chair. Wood’s duties play a significant role in ensuring retailers and establishments receive alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic products to serve their customers. Here, Wood offers a firsthand account of what it’s like working for Columbia Distributing and what stands out.

Rachelle Wood Family Picture

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Employee Spotlight: Jamisen Johnson

Jamisen Johnson, Small-Format District Manager at Columbia Distributing,

Columbia Distributing celebrates Jamisen Johnson and all he has accomplished with our company over the last 11 years. As our small-format district manager, Johnson plays an important role in our organization. He ensures reps from brands are satisfied and organizes non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverage distribution across all locations we serve in Oregon and Washington.

Here, we talk about a day in the life of small-format district manager Jamisen Johnson, and the benefits of working with us.

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Employee Spotlight – Sara Hutchinson, Combo Sales Representative

Columbia Distributing is proud to highlight Sara Hutchinson for her daily contributions and hard work. Having been with Columbia Distributing for six years, Hutchinson began her tenure as a merchandiser before stepping into her current role as a combo sales representative. Responsible for writing orders, rotating, and getting alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic products to the shelves, Hutchinson plays a vital role in the success of Columbia Distributing throughout Oregon and Washington. Here, we detail Hutchinson’s perspective on working at Columbia Distributing and what makes working here stand out from other employers.

Sara Hutchison headshot

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