Employee Profile: Salesforce Developer Brandon Radford

Brandon Radford in a cave

Columbia Distributing, a premier alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage distributor in Kent, Washington, and Wilsonville, Oregon, recently launched a new IT department. One of the roles in the department is Salesforce developer. Brandon Radford, a relative newcomer to the team and our first internal Salesforce developer, shares the duties of this new role and what it has been like working at Columbia Distributing.

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Employee Profile: Business Development Director Brian Kampmann

Brian Kampmann drinking a beer

Columbia Distributing, a premier alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage distributor with hubs in Kent, Washington, and Wilsonville, Oregon, is known for supplying retailers with a variety of name brands. Our success is attributed to our dedicated and hard-working employees who have a passion for what they do.

One of those employees is business development director Brian Kampmann. With over 28 years of experience working in the industry, Kampmann shares his knowledge and provides insight into what it’s like working for Columbia Distributing.

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Columbia Distributing Hosts Oregon Governor Candidates

Oregon governor candidate debate at Southern Oregon University. Pictured left to right: Tina Kotek (D), Christine Drazan (R), and Betsy Johnson (I)

Wilsonville, Oregon-based Columbia Distributing recently hosted three Oregon Beverage Alliance meet and greets for the state’s Governor Candidates, Tina Kotek (D), Christine Drazan (R), and Betsy Johnson (I). The events were followed by a debate among all three candidates down in Ashland, Oregon at Southern Oregon University.

The meet and greets were a great opportunity for Columbia’s teammates, suppliers, and others to personally engage with the candidates, while introducing them to the business and industry. During the discussions, all three candidates commented that they do not support raising alcohol taxes.

Columbia thanks its partners at the Oregon Beer & Wine Distributors Association (OBWDA) for sponsoring the debate. A special thank you also goes out to Columbia’s Director of Sales Lee Walton, District Manager Jeremy Merritt, and VP of Government Affairs Steve Gibbs.

Pictured left to right: Columbia Distributing employees Steve Gibbs, Jeremy Merritt and Lee Walton

Employee Profile: A Day in the Life of Columbia Distributing Driver James Nelson

James Nelson

James Nelson is a truck driver for Columbia Distributing, working out of the company branch in Pendleton, Oregon. Columbia Distributing provides alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to retailers, restaurants, and other establishments in the Pacific Northwest. The company prides itself on not only its top-tier beverage selection but also its commitment as an engaged community partner.

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More than Pint Glasses and Mugs: A Beer Glassware Guide

Beer assortment in variety of beer glasses

As you’re drinking a delicious glass of your favorite beer, you may notice that while still refreshing, it tastes a little different from time to time. This may be directly correlated to the type of glass it is being served in.

Not all beer glasses are created the same. Some are designed specifically for certain varieties of beer, enhancing their flavors and creating a more enjoyable experience for the consumer. Here, Columbia Distributing outlines the different types of beer glasses and their appropriate uses.

American Pint Glass

Commonly referred to as a traditional pint glass, this type of glassware is a staple at restaurants and bars because of its incredible versatility. The pint glass is acceptable to use with most types of beers, ranging from ales and stouts to IPAs and lagers. The glass itself holds 16 oz., providing plenty of room for a standard can of beer. It features a tapered design with straight edges and a wide mouth, making it easy to clean and store after each use. Consider the American pint glass as an all-purpose glassware option due to its basic design. It neither enhances nor diminishes the taste of any beer you choose to enjoy with it.

Pilsner Glass

Primarily intended to be paired with pilsner beers, these glasses can also be enjoyed with light beers such as blonde ales and lagers. The tall, slim, and slightly wider-at-the-mouth design makes pilsner glasses and the beer in them beautiful to look at. A few variations of the pilsner glass exist with some featuring a completely straight design and others including curves.

What makes this type of beer glass unique is its ability to showcase the beer’s clarity, golden hue, and carbonation. Much like a champagne glass, the narrow base encourages bubbles to rise to the top, while the wide mouth creates a desired foamy head. This process helps enhance the beer’s natural flavors and aroma.

Beer Mug

Compatible with a wide range of beer types, a beer mug is an excellent glassware option for those who wish to keep their beer chilled. The mug features a strong and sturdy design with thick glass, providing it with excellent insulation. A round handle helps keep your hand away from the glass, preventing your body temperature from transferring to your beer, which will help it to remain cold. And thanks to its design, beer enthusiasts can place a beer mug in the freezer, enabling the beer to taste extra crisp without fear of breaking the glass.

Tulip Glass

Also referred to as a Belgian glass, this glassware option is ideal for stronger beers that possess ample amounts of hops, much like double stouts, Belgian beers, and other ales. It is easy to recognize this glass type with its rounded body placed on top of a small stern. With a rim that curves outward and a bowl that tapers at the top, this glass provides a foamy head that captures the brew’s aroma and enhances the consumer experience.

Weizen Glass

With a name that means “wheat” in German, it is not difficult to understand why this type of beer glass is generally used for serving wheat beers. Similar in design, Weizen glasses are often mistaken for pilsner glasses, with the difference being that Weizen glasses are slightly taller and hold more liquid. The curved profile helps trap sediment and yeast at the bottom of the glass, helping create that foamy head beer connoisseurs desire.

IPA Glass

An IPA glass is a newer type of glassware that offers consumers a unique experience while they enjoy a hoppy beer. Equipped with a series of ridges toward the bottom of the glass, IPA glasses have a truly unmistakable design. While these ridges give the glass a distinctive appearance, they also serve an important purpose. They are meant to aerate your beer with each sip, helping to release harsher aromatics in the process. Some variations of this glass also feature etching on the bottom, designed to release carbonation and promote a steady stream of bubbles.

Pair Our Selection with Different Types of Beer Glasses

As one of the country’s largest malt beverage distributors specializing in delivering beer and other beverages to stores, restaurants, and event centers across the Pacific Northwest, Columbia Distributing strives to improve the experience for our clients and their consumers. For more information about us and the services we offer, contact us today.


Drinks to Serve at a Winter Gathering

Apple Cider Moscow Mule

Winter is a time for gathering with loved ones and celebrating all of the joys life has to offer. One of the best ways to accentuate your wintertime dinner is with delicious alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Learn how to craft the perfect cold-weather cocktail or mocktail with this list of recipes that are sure to be crowd-pleasers.

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Beyond Beer: Lesser-Known Pumpkin Mixers

Pumpkins, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves

Is there anything that evokes the feeling of autumn more than the pumpkin? Whether it’s flavoring your coffee, serving as an ingredient for pie, or decorating your front porch, a big, orange gourd is the classic way to celebrate the season. While pumpkin beers are everywhere to be found, there are lots of lesser-known options available to help you create the perfect pumpkin cocktail as well. Here, Northwest beverage distributor Columbia Distributing recommends some pumpkin mixers to try when you’re not in the mood to crack open a brew.

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Most Popular Juice Fruits (And Their Benefits)

Woman Drinking Orange Juice

There’s nothing better than refreshing yourself with a cold glass of fruit juice. Depending on the type of fruit that was used to make the juice, you could be benefiting in several other ways besides the delicious taste. Continue reading…


New and Rising Wine Trends You Should Know About

Friends Toasting With Wine

The great generational shift has shaken up several industries, and the wine industry is no stranger to this concept. As baby boomers retire and the next wave of consumers develops a passion for wine, quite a few new and exciting wine trends have emerged. Continue reading…


A Novice Wine Lover’s Starter Kit

Rack Of WineMany people enjoy wine and want to learn more about it, but feel that this knowledge is reserved for the elite or those who are already experts. It turns out that nothing could be further from the truth. You can start collecting and tasting wine with just a few essential accessories. If you’re looking to dive deeper into the hobby and find out what you will need to start your journey, the Columbia Distributing blog has you covered with this wine lover guide for novices. Continue reading…