Press Release:
(Austin, TX) – As of Thursday, May 29, KEG 1, LLC has acquired the distribution rights to locally based Hops & Grain Brewery from Mayan Distribution. KEG 1 plans to initially saturate the greater Austin metropolitan area—Travis, Williamson and Hays counties—with cans of Hops & Grain’s four permanent beers—award-winning Alt-Eration Altbier, Pale Dog Pale Ale, The One They Call Zoe and the Greenhouse IPA.
“We are beyond thrilled about our new relationship with KEG 1,” says owner and founder of Hops & Grain Brewery, Josh Hare. “Since we opened the brewery almost three years ago our primary focus has been on growing the quality of our beer. We’ve expanded our team, our infrastructure and continue to expand our passion for creating the highest quality beer that we can. The passion and commitment for quality distribution was evident in our very first meeting with KEG 1!”
Eventual expansion of Hops & Grain’s distribution is on the horizon through KEG 1 O’Neal, serving 32 counties out of distribution centers in Temple, Fredericksburg and Weatherford, but for now, since Hops & Grain is barely scratching the surface of its home city, the current game plan is to more than quadruple its presence in Austin. And the partnership with KEG 1 provides Hops & Grain the ability and resources to effectively fulfill the demand in its home market.
“Right now we are in the middle of a huge expansion that will more than double our current capacity. We are stoked to have KEG 1 as our distribution partner to allow us to operate effectively and sustainably during this time of exponential growth,” says Hare.
“We are excited and proud to be able to add Hops & Grain’s outstanding beers to our portfolio of brands,” says Phil Benvenuto, Vice President-Sales and Marketing for KEG 1 of the new relationship. “We have admired Josh’s beers for some time and are happy to now be able to bring them to our retailers and consumers. With their award-winning beers and commitment to sustainable brewing, we feel that they are a perfect complement to our lineup. Representing such a successful and well-thought-of member of Austin’s brewing community is an incredible opportunity for the KEG 1 team. This is a partnership to be proud of; and certainly one we expect to achieve great success.”
Initiating the partnership between all three parties, Hops & Grain, KEG 1 and Mayan Distribution, was well-known craft beer advocate for Central Texas, Jim Houchins.
“It’s been a real pleasure for me. I think it is a positive outcome for all the parties involved. I felt privileged to be involved—I know all of the parties and was honored to help facilitate it. I think it’s just a great deal. Everybody walked out of the closing with a smile,” says Houchins.
About Hops & Grain: Specializing in craft beer and sustainability, Hops & Grain Brewery is located in East Austin (literally at the end of East Sixth Street) at 507 Calles, Austin, TX 78702. Hops & Grain Tap Room is open Wednesday-Friday from 2 – 10PM, and every Saturday from noon – 8PM with tours of the brewery given on Saturdays at 1, 3, and 5PM. Tours are approximately 45 minutes and include special samples not available in the tap room. For further information please visit hopsandgrain.com or call 512.914.2467. ‘Like’ us on Facebook at Facebook.com/hopsandgrain and follow us on Twitter @HopsandGrain.
About KEG 1: KEG 1 Central Texas is the proud distributor of many quality beers in the Austin metro area. With a diverse portfolio of brands that includes domestic, import, and numerous local and national craft offerings, KEG 1 strives to be the leader in delivering both quality products and exceptional service to every customer. ‘Like’ them on Facebook at Facebook.com/KEG1CentralTexas and follow them on Twitter @KEG1centraltx.