[Above: Brewmaster’s Collaboration beers via MrsOnion42]

Press Release:

Artisanal Imports of Austin, TX [a BeerPulse sponsor] is pleased to announce the acquisition of the USA brand importing rights held by SBS Imports of Seattle, WA [past BeerPulse sponsor]. Artisanal will now be the exclusive U.S. importer of Aspall Cyders from Suffolk, England; Batemans Ales from Lincolnshire, England; Bellegems Bruin from the Bockor Brewery in Bellegem, Belgium; and the De Proef Brewmaster’s & Collaboration Series from Lochristi, Belgium. The acquisition will become effective September 1, 2012. Other terms were not disclosed.

“We have considerable respect for these brands and believe they will greatly enhance our portfolio,” noted Artisanal President, Bob Leggett. “We look forward to building upon the foundation established by SBS to help the brands achieve even greater success across the U.S.”

“I have had the pleasure of getting to know Bob and the Artisanal team over the last several years and absolutely believe they are the right company to continue to build these brands in the U.S. market,” added SBS President, Alan Shapiro. “We intend to maintain a close working relationship to ensure a successful transition and future success for the portfolio.”

ABOUT ARTISANAL IMPORTS
Artisanal Imports was founded in 2001 by Lanny Hoff and Bob Leggett. Based in Austin, TX, Artisanal currently imports a number of world-class breweries including Bosteels and Bockor from Belgium, Urthel, La Trappe, and Tilburg from The Netherlands, Meantime, Nethergate, and Robinsons from England, Sunner Kolsch from Germany, and Hue from Vietnam. The Artisanal portfolio is available in 46 states. More information is available at: www.artisanalimports.com.

ABOUT SBS IMPORTS
SBS was created by specialty beer industry veteran Alan Shapiro in 2002. The SBS portfolio is currently available in 28 states. Shapiro is also the co-founder of the REUNION-A Beer for Hope project as well as the Cider Summit series of artisanal cider festivals. More information is available at www.sbs-imports.com.