DAVIS, Calif. — As demand surges for craft lagers, Missouri is getting a taste from an industry pioneer: Sudwerk Brewing Co. The lager leader just began distributing its beers in Missouri.
Late this summer, the brewery announced a long-term agreement with Major Brands Distributing to sell Sudwerk beer across Missouri. The initial Missouri shipment went out in late July, and included six packs, cases and kegs. Demand called for a second shipment soon thereafter. Beers included its signature Dry Hop Lager and Northern Pilsner in 12 ounce bottles; and Cascaderade India Pale Lager and BIG DIPL (Double India Pale Lager) in 22 ounce bottles. Other beers will follow this fall, such as the Ultimator Doppel Bock and Rye of the Lager (Imperial India Pale Lager).
Missouri isn’t the only state thirsty for craft lagers. Draft magazine said the top trend emerging from the Great American Beer Festival in September was “the rise of American craft lagers.” The Davis, Calif., brewery has specialized in lagers for 25 years.
Ryan Fry, co-owner of Sudwerk Brewing Co., said, “People are primed. They are receptive. Now they are transitioning to a really well-made, hop-forward lager. Wherever we go, we see a need for craft lagers.”
That’s why Missouri was a great step. “Residents do a great job of championing great beer,” Fry said, “and they wanted us there.”
Co-owner Trent Yackzan sees this as “part of a bigger trend to expand Sudwerk to other parts of the country that are thirsty for craft lagers.”
Sudwerk owners are happy to lead the drive to redefine the craft lager. Unlike some harsher ales, Sudwerk lagers are smooth and balanced. Many Sudwerk beers are lower alcohol “sessions,” with flavors that are subtle. “People in Missouri really live by that,” Fry said. “They are friendly, having a good time, and savoring the session.”
This is the first time Sudwerk beer has been sold in Missouri. Its current selling and marketing efforts focus primarily on California. “Everyone’s really excited,” Fry said. We offer a taste of California and the West Coast. It’s a unique style of beer for most markets.”
Sudwerk beers are available for Missouri orders. For more information, contact Ryan Fry at 805-305-1858.
Building on 25 years of family legacy and brewing tradition, Sudwerk Brewing Co. specializes in artisanal craft brews, specifically West Coast craft lagers. Its taproom, The Dock Store, at 2001 Second St., Davis, Calif., is open from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, 4 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 2 to 8 p.m. on weekends. It offers a rotating menu of experimental and innovative beers, “honest pints” and growler fills, fresh White Labs brewers’ yeast, and good conversation. Learn more at http://sudwerkbrew.com.
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