The long awaited entrance of new Belgium into the Florida craft beer market is just days away. On Monday, July 29 the Ft. Collins, Colo. brewer will enter the market with a splash by hosting a week’s worth of launch parties all around the Jacksonville area.
But, ours is not the only state New Belgium is conquering. Along with Florida, the brewery has recently announced that they will launch in Utah and Delaware in the U.S. and British Columbia in Canada.
“[Delaware] will mark our 33rd state of distribution, once Florida opens up later this month, and it’s exciting for us to be inching our way into more and more areas in the Northeast,” said New Belgium Brewing Sales Co-Pilot, Brian Krueger. “We definitely look forward to having a New Belgium beer with our friends in The First State.”
In Delaware New Belgium faces stiff competition with the state’s beer super star Dogfish Head. But, the two breweries have enough differences that it is certain that both can coexist happily.
Utah, which shares a border with New Belgium’s home state of Colorado, has been an elusive target for the brewery. “Since we’re based in Colorado and share a border with our friends in Utah it only makes sense that we can now share a beer with them as well,” Krueger said. “We are really excited about some of the recent legislation in Utah that gives us the peace of mind we need to ensure the quality of our beers will be held to our high standards”
British Columbia marks New Belgium’s first foray into exports. The brewery will officially kick off its entry into the Canadian market at the Great Canadian Beer Fest on September 6, 2013.
Back home, if you have not had the opportunity to sample New Belgium’s brews or if you are a fan and just want to support the brewery’s roll out in North Florida, check out the list below.
Monday, July 29
5:30 to 6:30 World of Beer Southside
7:00 to 8:00 Mellow Mushroom Southside
Tuesday, July 30
5:30 to 6:30 European Street Beaches
7:00 to 8:00 Mellow Mushroom Beaches
Wednesday, July 31
5:30 to 6:30 Mellow Mushroom St. Augustine
7:00 to 8:00 JP Henley’s St. Augustine
Thursday, August 1
5:30 to 6:30 Dogstar Tavern Fernandina Beach
7:00 to 8:00 Palace Saloon Fernandina Beach
Friday, August 2
5:30 to 6:30 Kickbacks Riverside
7:00 to 8:00 European Street Riverside
