North Peak Brewing extends reach into Ohio

North Peak beer is a common sight on northern Michigan shelves, but now it's going to be found all the way down in Ohio as well.

On Feb. 1, North Peak began distributing beer throughout Ohio, with some help from a program from Premium Beverage Supply. Premium specializes in supplying craft beers to retailers around the state of Ohio, and will add North Peak's Vicious, Diabolical and Siren brews to their offerings, both in bottles and on draft.

This is the first time North Peak Brewing beers have been sold outside of Michigan, but North Peak brewer Mike Hall says Ohio was the right market to start in.

"For a long time we have been eyeing Ohio as our first expansion market due to its consumers' knowledge and support of not only craft beer but specifically Michigan craft beer," says Hall. "We are very excited about bringing our exceptional lineup of delicious North Peak beers to such a savvy craft beer market."

Premium Beverage Supply is based in Hilliard, Ohio, and has been distributing craft and specialty ales, lagers and other brews there since 1994.

"We are very excited to add North Peak Brewing to our existing portfolio of strong Michigan breweries," says Ron Wilson, owner of Premium Beverage Supply. "Its lineup of year-round and seasonal beers makes for an excellent selection for the Ohio craft beer stores to choose from."

North Peak started bottling its Siren Amber Ale, Diabolical IPA and Majestic American Wheat on the Old Mission Peninsula in 2009, and has since expanded with the Vicious dry-hopped Wheat IPA, Archangel Summer Wheat, and Furry IPA. New this spring will be their Burly Belgo IPA, which is out this month, and in time for St. Patrick's Day, the Sinuous Celtic Ale will arrive in March.

The brewery is part of Northern United Brewing Co., which also includes the Grizzly Peak and Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales craft beer brands, and the upcoming Civilized line of spirits.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Mike Hall, North Peak Brewing