Creative Cocktail Garnishes to Spruce up Your Drink

Closeup of five cocktails with garnishes being held in celebratory toast

Transform your regular old cocktail into something worthy of a photo by simply adding a garnish. Not only does garnishing make the drink look pretty, though. They can also be functional and help enhance the cocktail’s flavor, texture, or aroma. Here, Columbia Distributing, one of the country’s largest distributors of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, walks you through some unique cocktail garnish ideas to try.

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Understanding IBU and What It Means for the Beer You’re Drinking

Low angle closeup of beer flight on table

The IBU scale makes categorizing the bitterness level in beer simpler. This system is extremely helpful when figuring out which type of beer is most appealing to a person’s palate. IBU stands for international bittering unit and is often found on craft beer labels and descriptions. Here, Columbia Distributing, a beverage distributor in Washington and Oregon, guides you through understanding the IBU of your beer.

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Beginners Guide to Different Types of Wine Glasses

Four different wine glasses with different types of wine

Style is not the only reason wine glasses come in unique shapes. While visual appeal is part of the design, it also serves a functional purpose. Here, Columbia Distributing, a beverage distributor in Washington and Oregon, outlines the different types of wine glasses and their related varietals.

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Employee Spotlight: Administrative Assistant Anna Galoosis on Finding Your Place

Anna Galoosis

The Columbia Distributing location in Spokane, Washington, is small compared to others throughout the Pacific Northwest and northern California. That may be why Anna Galoosis is the only administrative assistant in the office, or maybe it’s because this powerhouse of activity takes care of so many duties. Continue reading…


Fun Variations on the Classic Manhattan

One of the most enduring cocktails is the Manhattan. Although this fan-favorite alcoholic beverage originated sometime around the mid to late 1880s, consumers enjoy it just as much today as they did a hundred years ago. Like a lot of popular mixed drinks, the Manhattan has evolved. Here, Columbia Distributing details different Manhattan cocktail recipes for you to try.

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Philanthropy at Columbia Distributing: What’s Going on This July

Q2 Philanthropy - UC Irvine Wings for Life visit

Here at Columbia Distributing, we believe in the power of philanthropy. By partnering with charitable organizations, whether they’re international or located right here in our community, we know that we have the power to make a difference. “We’re always supporting different causes throughout the year, and we give well over half a million to charitable organizations throughout our service area of Oregon and Washington,” explains Lindsi Taylor, Director of Communications and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategy at Columbia Distributing. Continue reading…


Ice Cream Paired with Beer? How This Unlikely Combo Can Make for Tasty Floats

Two ice cream floats on table

When it comes to ice cream floats, most people use root beer for the liquid portion of this tasty treat. But, did you know there’s an alcoholic twist that can be just as good by dropping the scoops of ice cream into a glass of beer instead? From stouts to hefeweizens, there’s a wide variety of mouth-watering floats you can craft with different types of beer. With over 260 brands, Columbia Distributing is one of the largest beer distributors in the Pacific Northwest. Here, we serve up some recipes of tasty beer floats to try.

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Understanding Different Types of Hops and How They Impact the Taste of Your Beer

Pint of beer with hops on a wooden table

There’s nothing quite like a cold, refreshing pint from your favorite brand. But what gives it that flavor you love? The secret lies in the ingredients – namely the hops. There is a huge variety of beers on the market today that differ in flavor profile and aroma, and hops do more than contribute to the bitterness of the brew. Here, Columbia Distributing discusses the role hops play in the ingredient list and how they affect the taste of your beer. Continue reading…


Tips and Tricks for Aging Beer at Home

Woman opening bottle of beer

There’s nothing quite like a cold, refreshing brew. While many beers are meant to be enjoyed fresh from the store, some may taste better over time. But what’s the best way to age these alcoholic beverages? Here, Columbia Distributing discusses some of our best tips and insights into this process. Continue reading…


Is Hard Seltzer Healthier than Beer or Wine?

Two glasses of sparkling water with lemon slices

Sales of hard seltzer have skyrocketed in recent years as many consumers look for an alcoholic beverage that’s on the lighter side. With a wide variety of flavors to choose from, there’s a spiked seltzer option to suit almost any palate. But is hard seltzer healthier than beer, wine, or other options? Here, Columbia Distributing examines the benefits of hard seltzer. Continue reading…