Anderson Valley Brewing Company Turns to Sunshine State Distributing in Florida

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Anderson Valley Brewing Company (Boonville, California) has officially announced that it has partnered with Sunshine State Distributing to handle all its distribution in the state of Florida.

A move that is meant to further improve and maximize the brewery’s exposure to Florida’s craft beer lovers, Anderson Valley is turning to Sunshine State Distributing to “represent AVBC’s entire portfolio of brands, including its iconic Boont Amber Ale, Barrel Series beers, Poleeko Pale Ale and Goses, making AVBC’s beers readily accessible in top on-premise and off-premise accounts.”

“Sunshine’s impressive reputation as the leading craft beer distributor in Florida made them our ideal partner as we aim to further AVBC’s long standing presence in the state,” said President and CEO Kevin McGee. “Sunshine’s commitment to long term success and brand education will have a big impact on our ability to service accounts and drive consumer awareness throughout Florida.”

“We are excited to work with Anderson Valley Brewing Company,” said President of Sunshine Distributing Chris Larue. “Their top notch quality and vast portfolio ensures they have a fit for every palate.  Florida residents can look for AVBC very soon at their favorite on and off-premise establishments.”

You can expect to find Anderson Valley Brewing Company offerings at craft beer-friendly establishments located throughout Florida in the coming weeks. Prost!

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Proof Brewing Co. Expands Distribution to Orlando & Central Florida

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Proof Brewing Co. (Tallahassee, Florida) has officially announced that it has partnered with Sunshine State Distribution to begin distribution in the Orlando area and eight Central Florida counties.

After years of requests, Proof Brewing Co. is hooking up Central Floridians by making their delicious lineup of brews available at restaurants, craft beer bars, and retail accounts located within eight Central Florida counties: Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Lake, Brevard, Volusia, and Flagler.

“We’re excited for our new partnership with Sunshine State Distribution and the ability to get our beer to fans in Central Florida,” said Owner Byron Burroughs. “From our core lineup to seasonal innovation, including our fruited sour beers, we’re ready to spread our love for craft beer.”

Proof Brewing Co. will enter this new distribution territory with “some of the brewery’s most popular offerings, including Eightfive-0 American Pale Ale, La La Land IPA, Mango Wit Wheat Ale, Lager, and Evil Kiss Berliner sour series.” Offerings from Proof Brewing Co. are hitting the Orlando/Central Florida area now. Prost!

Tasting Notes – CBD Beverage Edition: VYBES | Blueberry Mint

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VYBESPourFor this special edition of Tasting Notes, we round the edges off a rough week by winding down with a CBD beverage from VYBES (Los Angeles, California).

Newly available in the Central Florida area thanks to Sunshine State Distributing, VYBES is an organic beverage made with CBD sourced from the hemp plant.  Since hemp-based CBD does not contain THC (the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana), VYBES products are completely legal in Florida.

VYBES beverages come in five flavors: Honey Crisp Apple Basil, Burning Mandarin, Strawberry Lavender, Peach Ginger and Blueberry Mint.  Each VYBES offering contains 25mg of organic Hemp CBD and “touts the ability to help consumers’ bodies naturally achieve homeostasis by regulating anxiety, stress and sleep.”

VYBES beverages started rolling out in Central Florida – Orange, Osceola, Polk, Brevard, Lake, Seminole, Volusia and Flagler counties – in late July.  You can expect to find these CBD beverages available in 14 oz. bottles at high-end retail stores and restaurants located in Central Florida, California and throughout the rest of VYBES’ distribution footprint.

Alright . . . now that we are all a little more familiar with VYBES and CBD, let’s go ahead and crack open a bottle of Blueberry Mint and get into these Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Blueberry Mint from VYBES

Appearance: Blueberry Mint VYBES pours a red tinged, pale purple in color.  When held to direct light, the majority of the liquid softens to a peach-colored tone that surrounds a pale purple core.  It does have a bit of cloudiness to it, but it remains clear enough for you to take notice of what appears to be floaties/slight separation provided by the fresh fruit (this is an organic beverage after all).  Since this is a still beverage, the only bubbles to report are the ones that appear after the initial shake of the bottle.

Aroma:  The aromatics kick off with an earthy/herbal quality that is reminiscent of honey-laced green tea.  This is quickly overtaken by fruity notes of fresh blueberries, lemon and lime.  The profile closes with a soft breeze of sweet, cool mint.

Taste: Delicately tart blueberry notes greet the taste buds and are accompanied by a touch of grape and sweet citrus. These fruity tones are balanced perfectly by an earthy note of slightly sweet iced green tea. The mint presence is complementary, and is able to gently settle into the experience without overpowering any of the flavors that precede it.

Mouthfeel: Medium in body and still, this super easy drinking beverage has a weight that is lighter than a juice but slightly heavier than an iced tea.  Thanks to a wonderful mix of sweet, tart and earthy/herbal notes, it has a nice overall balance and finishes incredibly clean. The aftertaste is all blueberry.

Final Thoughts: I actually had my bottle of Blueberry Mint VYBES after a hellacious week and a pretty rigorous workout. Not only did I find this beverage to be incredibly tasty and refreshing, but I also finally found myself experiencing a bit of solace and peace shortly after finishing the bottle.  I was able to untie the knotted thoughts that had been lingering in my mind all day, and my joints actually felt better than they had after a workout in a long time. These effects were casual and not at all overwhelming. I just felt calm, relaxed and good, and that seems to fall in line with how many folks describe their experiences with CBD.

Beyond the pleasant effects of the CBD, the drink is just delicious.  Thanks to its beautiful mix of sweet, tart and herbal flavors and aromas, it is wonderfully balanced and easy drinking.  There are no aggressive or medicinal notes at all. It simply comes across as a fruited tea that you could easily enjoy at breakfast, lunch, dinner or anytime you find yourself in need of a refreshing beverage. So, if you have been thinking about introducing CBD into your daily routine, you seriously might want to consider VYBES as a delightfully easy option to do so.  Prost!

 

Sunshine State Distributing Brings VYBES CBD Beverages to Central Florida

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Burning Mandarin VYBESVYBES (Los Angeles, California) has officially announced that it has partnered with Sunshine State Distributing to launch its line of CBD-based beverages in Central Florida.

Entering the market “just days after Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation to legalize hemp farming and sales from licensed individuals in Florida”, VYBES is an organic beverage made with CBD sourced from the hemp plant.  Since hemp-based CBD does not contain THC (the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana), VYBES products are completely legal in Florida.

VYBES beverages come in five flavors: Honey Crisp Apple Basil, Burning Mandarin, Strawberry Lavender, Peach Ginger and Blueberry Mint.  Each VYBES offering contains 25mg of organic Hemp CBD and “touts the ability to help consumers’ bodies naturally achieve homeostasis by regulating anxiety, stress and sleep.”

“The legalization of hemp products in Florida allows us to give consumers what they’ve been asking for—a beverage made with CBD,” said Chris Larue, president and founder of Sunshine State Distributing. “We are excited to introduce VYBES in Central Florida. If you’re unsure of beverages made with CBD, this product will change your mind.”

With the help of Sunshine State Distributing, VYBES products are rolling out now in Central Florida.  You can expect to find these CBD-based beverages at high-end retail stores and restaurants located in Orange, Osceola, Polk, Brevard, Lake, Seminole, Volusia and Flagler counties (a list of locations currently carrying VYBES is available below). Prost!

Locations Currently Carrying VYBES 

Red Hare Brewing Expands Distribution to Central Florida

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RedHareLogoRed Hare Brewing Company (Marietta, Georgia) has officially announced that it will immediately begin distributing in the Central Florida counties of Flagler, Volusia, Brevard, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Orange and Lake.

Established in Marietta, Georgia in 2011, Red Hare Brewing Company is an independent microbrewery that has since grown to add a second location in Shallotte, North Carolina.  With a strong portfolio consisting of six Year-Round brews and an array of Seasonal and Red Hare Reserve offerings, Red Hare has gone on to earn several awards and accolades including the distinction of being named the fourth best brewery at the 2016 U.S. Open Beer Championship.  This steady level of growth and success has allowed the brewery to expand its distribution footprint to include Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, the Florida Panhandle and now Central Florida.

Thanks to a freshly inked agreement with Sunshine State Distributing, Red Hare Brewing will now be treating beer lovers in Central Florida to the following offerings (descriptions sourced directly from the brewery’s website):

  • Grapefruit SPF 50/50 – A light, refreshing blend of Gangway IPA and our house brewed sparkling grapefruit soda. Sweet grapefruit zest mingles perfectly with citrusy hop notes, making this the perfect can to take with you everywhere this summer.  ABV – 4.2%  IBUs – 38
  • Tangerine SPF 50/50 – You don’t have to rub a lamp to make all your wishes come true, just grab the Tangerine SPF 50/50. Native to Tangier, the tangerine is a small, citrus fruit which we’ve turned into a soda and blended with our Gangway IPA. The Tangerine SPF 50/50 is the beer you want for riding on a camel to the nearest oasis. When you can’t think straight and everything is a mirage, grab a few of these babies and get ready for magic carpet ride fit for a Moroccan sheikh.  ABV – 4.2%  IBUs – 26
  • Rewired IPA – West Coast meets East with this crisp and clean, tropical, stone fruit, and slightly dank IPA.  ABV – 6.5%  IBUs – 44
  • Soft J IPA – Soft J IPA starts off with a super fruity nose, which is matched with a hazy pour. It hits your tongue with blasts of orange and tangerine, while a delicate bitterness carries through to the finish. This soft, creamy, y-uicy IPA is proof that words, beer, anything can start with a Soft J…and by way, no fruit was harmed in the making of this beer.  ABV – 6.8%
  • Gem City Classic – A craft light lager brewed to drink easy and finish clean. Hallertauer Mittelfrüh and Citra hops compliment the crisp quality of the beer with fragrant aromas but no overpowering bitterness. At 4.2% ABV and just 140 calories per can, Gem City Classic is the perfect beer to throw back while watching the game.  ABV – 4.2%  IBUs – 15.9

“We’re very excited to partner with the entire team at Red Hare Brewing Company. Their well-rounded team has built Red Hare into one of the top selling breweries in the Southeast, and we couldn’t be more pleased to work with them to bring their quality craft brands to the Florida market. Their high quality craft beers and refreshing SPF Radler brands are a welcome addition to Florida, and we feel the consumers in the state will be as excited to get these beers in their hands as we are.”

– Joe Martin, Sunshine State Director of Sales and Marketing

Red Hare officially launched distribution in Central Florida in late March 2019.  You can expect to find the offerings mentioned above at craft beer-friendly establishments located in Flagler, Volusia, Brevard, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Orange and Lake counties.  Prost!

Angry Chair Brewing Extends Distribution Reach into Central Florida

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angrychairlogoAngry Chair Brewing (Tampa, Florida) has officially partnered with Sunshine State Distributing so that it can immediately begin distribution in the following Central Florida counties: Orange, Osceola, Polk, Brevard, Lake, and Seminole.

A brewery that does not really require an introduction, Angry Chair Brewing is one of the most lauded, respected and sought-after brewers of decadent pastry stouts in the world.  After years of insanely long wait lines for bottle releases, a plethora of sold out events and countless high ratings on beer-related sites, Thrillist finally confirmed what all Tampa-based craft beer lovers already knew when they named Angry Chair Brewing “The Best Craft Brewery in Florida” in an article published in November 2018.  Distribution expansion is inevitable when it comes to a brewery as highly praised as this one, and it only seems fitting that Angry Chair is starting small and keeping it local by sending some love out to its neighbors in Central Florida.

“We are excited for the opportunity to partner with Angry Chair Brewing,” said Chris Larue, president and founder of Sunshine State Distributing. “Their beer will be a welcome addition to shelves and taps around Central Florida—we can’t wait to get it into the hands of craft beer lovers in the area.”

 

“We’re known for our stouts, but we have the flexibility to be creative and change up our beer. To have a distributor be okay with that and encourage it makes this partnership a no-brainer for us,” said Ryan Dowdle, co-founder of Angry Chair Brewing. “We’ve had a lot of requests for our beer in Central Florida and Orlando specifically. We’re excited to have that support and be able to send some beer their way.”

With Sunshine State Distributing handling all distribution responsibilities, Angry Chair Brewing will launch in its new Central Florida territory in late December with a “regular line-up” of offerings that includes “Nexus Sour IPA, Vodnik Czech Style Pils, Two Pump Chump Porter, and others. Additional rotating beers will be distributed throughout the year based on availability.”  You can expect to find Angry Chair Brewing offerings at select at craft beer-friendly bars, restaurants and retailers located throughout Orange, Osceola, Polk, Brevard, Lake, and Seminole counties.  Prost!

Epic Brewing Extends its Reach to Central Florida

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EpicGlassEpic Brewing Company (Salt Lake City, Utah) has teamed up with Sunshine State Distributing and will officially kick-off distribution in Central Florida with a series of launch events in the Orlando area during the week of October 8.

Founded in Salt Lake City, Utah in 2010, Epic Brewing Company is the longtime dream of David Cole and Peter Erickson – the brewery’s founders and self-described “beer geeks, foodies and ‘Epic’ adventure junkies” – that has allowed them to “share a passion for making and drinking fine ales and lagers.”  Shortly after opening the doors, their beers caught the attention of locals and quickly “began earning medals . . . domestically and internationally.”  This caused an increase in demand and led Epic Brewing to open a second brewery and taproom in Denver, Colorado in 2013.  This larger facility has made it possible for Epic Brewing to steadily expand distribution, build upon its popular barrel aged beer program, and establish a line of sour beers.  Epic Brewing Company currently brews “over 40 distinctly different beers”, and they are now ready to share some of that goodness with beer lovers in Central Florida.

“We have had fans in Florida for years and it is exciting to finally start distributing our beer there. To do it with such a great partner like Sunshine State makes it a slam dunk,” said Darin McGregor, Epic’s National Sales Manager. “Chris Larue and Joe Martin have built a team that is well organized, passionate and downright scrappy. They are a perfect fit for Epic. With their help we think beers like Big Bad Baptist, Tart n’ Juicy Sour IPA, our new series of New England-Style IPAs, as well as our diverse portfolio of barrel-aged sours will add a lot to an already thriving and still up and coming market.”

Epic Brewing Company plans to enter the Central Florida market with the following offerings:

To properly introduce you to the beers listed above (and possibly a few rare surprises), representatives from Epic Brewing and Sunshine State Distributing will be in Orlando this week hosting the following launch events:

If you cannot make it out to one of these events but still wish to get your hands on some beers from Epic Brewing, you can expect to find their offerings available in bottles/cans and on draft at beer-focused establishments located throughout Orlando and the surrounding areas normally serviced by Sunshine State Distributing.  Prost!

Atlantic Beach Brewing Company to Launch Distribution in Central Florida

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ABBCCans_editedAtlantic Beach Brewing Company (Atlantic Beach, Florida) has officially announced that it has partnered with Sunshine State Distributing so that the brewery can begin distribution of its core line of craft beers in six counties of Central Florida: Orange, Osceola, Polk, Brevard, Lake, and Seminole.

Founded in 2016 by twin brothers Chuck and Spencer Horn and Spencer’s wife, Linda, Atlantic Beach Brewing Company is a family-owned brewery committed to “pursue [a] passion for quality craft beer at the beach to please casual drinkers and beer enthusiasts alike.”  Atlantic Beach Brewing began canning at its North Florida facility in March 2018 and is now fully prepared to share its offerings with beer lovers in Central Florida.

Atlantic Beach Brewing Company will launch distribution in Central Florida with the following core beers (descriptions sourced from the brewery’s website):

  • Duality India Pale Ale – Duality is our flagship IPA and boasts full flavor and aroma. With a modest ABV, this IPA will be calling you back again and again to enjoy this impressive, full-rounded brew. The hops used to make this gem of AB include: Citra, Chinook, Centennial, Simcoe and Cascade. Showcasing a high – hop flavor, Duality boasts a fruity, spicy, tropical fruit, berry and melon combination forming a true winner! Duality was literally born around the kitchen table and matured into the IPA it is today. The name brings all of us back to the beginning of this journey as we worked two jobs, relied on our twin sibling for support and knew two (okay, three, thanks Rory) heads were better than one in this creation of awesomeness! ABV – 6.3%  IBUS – 70.4
  • Mayport Red Ale – Mayport Red is a shout-out for our friends to the north at Naval Station Mayport! Okay, they’re not that far north, but they sure love the RED, white and blue. This all-American Red is an approachable, smooth ale that malt-heads and hop heads will equally love. The Centennial hops boast a grapefruit flavor while the Chinook hops gives it a piney note. The combination is priceless! With its smooth, rounded-out finish, this Red salutes our neighbors in Mayport with appreciation and gratitude.  ABV – 5%  IBUs – 41.4
  • Two Minutes Session IPA – You may be back in Two Minutes for another pint as you enjoy this all-day, crushable IPA. Its low ABV has a burst of Citra Hops which gives this low – bitter IPA a fruity and spicy flavor. With a complex aroma of citrus, tropical, floral, berry, melon and pine, you will be happily satisfied. Its namesake are twins and co-owners of Atlantic Beach Brewing Company. Spencer is a whole Two Minutes older than his brother, Chuck. Spencer may be the older brother, but hey buddy…it’s only Two Minutes! ABV – 4.4%  IBUs – 20.7

With the help of Sunshine State Distributing, Atlantic Beach Brewing Company is scheduled to roll out in Central Florida by the end of June 2018.  You can expect to find Atlantic Beach Brewing’s beers available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at craft beer-friendly establishments located in Orange, Osceola, Polk, Brevard, Lake, and Seminole counties.  Prost!

26° Brewing Co. Expands Distribution to Central Florida

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Bar-Taps-2Drinks26° Brewing Co. (Pompano Beach, Florida) recently announced that it has officially partnered with Sunshine State Distributing to extend the brewery’s reach to six Central Florida counties: Orange, Osceola, Polk, Brevard, Lake, and Seminole.

Focused on making “world-class, craftsmen-inspired beers that are rich in artisan traditions while celebrating life and love in South Florida”, high school friends Greg Lieberman and Yonathan Ghersi first opened the doors at 26° Brewing Co. in September of 2015. As local craft beer lovers embraced their passion and offerings, the brewery’s distribution area has steadily grown over time “to cover all of South Florida, extending as far north as Pasco and Indian River counties.”  Confident that their success in those areas is a sign to continue distribution expansion, the folks at 26° Brewing Co. have now joined forces with Sunshine State Distributing so that they can share their beers with those in Orlando and the counties of Central Florida.

“All the feedback we got about Sunshine State Distributing was really good.” said Greg Lieberman, Co-founder of 26° Brewing Co. “And when we met them, we realized that we share the same philosophies about craft beer. We knew that we would be well-represented by the team there. They’re craft people, like us.”

With the help of Sunshine State Distributing, 26° Brewing Co. will enter Central Florida this December with Core offerings that include Jared’s Batch Amber Ale (6.3% ABV), Captain Ron Hefeweizen (5.6% ABV), IPA1A American IPA (6.4% ABV), Tri-County Common Lager (5.5% ABV) and Ziko’s Rage Imperial Stout (8.2% ABV).  You can expect to find these offerings available in cans and/or on draft at fine craft beer establishments located in Orange, Osceola, Polk, Brevard, Lake, and Seminole counties.  Prost!

 

Pair O’Dice Brewing Co. Extends Reach to Central Florida

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PODLuckyLucyPair O’Dice Brewing Company (Clearwater, Florida) has officially entered into a partnership with Sunshine State Distributing to expand distribution into several counties of Central Florida.

After establishing a “background in mass brewing”, husband and wife duo Julia and Ken Rosenthal decided to take “the time to perfect their recipes before” founding Pair O’ Dice Brewing Company in 2013.  They have since taken the same careful, methodical approach when it comes to growth and expansion of distribution.  With the belief that now is the time to introduce themselves to the beer-loving masses of Central Florida, Julia and Ken recently conducted an “extensive search . . . to find the best possible distributor for their beers.”  With their research now complete, they have decided that Sunshine State Distributing is the perfect partner to assist them in six Central Florida counties: Orange, Osceola, Polk, Brevard, Lake and Seminole.

“We learned about Sunshine State from a fellow brewery,” Julia Rosenthal, Pair O’Dice co-founder, said. “After meeting the team there, we were thrilled to get the opportunity to work with them on our brand. It’s a mutually beneficial partnership, and we can’t say enough good things about the level knowledge and collaboration that Sunshine State brings to the table.”

Beginning in September, Pair O’ Dice Brewing will launch in Central Florida with core offerings such as “Lucky Lucy Strawberry Blonde and Clearwater Honey Cream . . . , the brewery’s Hop Streak series of limited edition IPAs as well as a nitro line.”  If you live in the area, you can expect to find these beers available “in cans and on draft at taverns and in retail stores.”  Prost!