Oregon brewery announces changes to distribution model for Washington
Earlier this month, Oakshire Brewing announced that it is now self-distributing beer to the Seattle metropolitan area, with plans to expand self-distribution across the state in the coming months. The company began distributing in Washington state in 2011 through its distribution partners but now handles distribution on its own.
Oakshire Brewing says that the decision was “driven by changes in the craft beer market,” adding that its “increased focus on smaller batches of specialty beers in draft and 16oz cans was also an important factor.”
According to Oakshire’s Co-Founder and CEO, Jeff Althouse, “Oakshire and Columbia, Oakshire’s primary Washington Distributor since 2017, have reached an agreement, on confidential terms, to enable Oakshire to self-distribute its products in the Territory, with Columbia reserving certain rights to again act as Oakshire’s distributor at such time (if any) in the future should Oakshire desire to resume three-tier distribution by a third-party wholesaler in the Territory.”
Oakshire Co-Founder and Operations Director, Chris “Alty” Althouse, will spearhead Oakshire’s Self-Distribution Operations. “Washington State is full of passionate craft beer fans and amazing establishments carrying an array of high-quality craft beverage options,” he said in a press release. “We are thrilled to continue to be part of this awesome scene and we look forward to getting more variety of Oakshire’s delicious beers flowing up North.”
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Beers from Oakshire’s three brewing programs – Core, Pilot, and Vintage – will be available via a once-per-month delivery route to specialty craft beer retailers, taprooms, and craft beer bars. Oakshire will distribute beers from its core lineup; however, the company is most excited to offer Washington beer fans the small batch Pilot and Vintage beers, previously only available in Oakshire’s taprooms and in limited amounts in their home markets in Oregon.
On top of that, Oakshire Brewing will distribute experimental beers to the Seattle area, like experimental hazy IPAs, confection-inspired imperial stouts, and the Hellshire series of spirits barrel-aged stouts. Smoothie sour fans can look forward to experiencing Oakshire’s Theme From The Bottom Series, available both in cans and on draft for the first time to Washington retailers.
Oakshire Brewing says it will expand to a second monthly route in 2023 to serve retailers throughout Western Washington. Routes to Central and Eastern Washington will be added to meet demand.
Craft beer retailers located in Washington interested in adding Oakshire beers to their lineup should contact Oakshire at http://oakbrew.com/wa-self-d-account-request/ or email distro@oakbrew.com.
Oakshire Brewing was founded in Eugene, Oregon in 2006 and still brews its beer there today. Along with the taproom in Eugene, the company operates a beer hall in Portland.
