Stone in NC?

[silver0rlead]

I didn't think it would ever happen, but there was a thread on BA that made me think otherwise.  Apparently they are going to be in South Carolina (and possibly NC too) by years end, but this info all seems to be second hand.  Anyone had any recent contact with Stone or a distributor with good news about this?

[GCBrewingCo]

Sounded like Sean had some inside info but was sworn to secrecy...

A little over two years ago I was told 2-3 years at a min. We're in that timeframe now. It would seem odd to bring the brew to SC before NC except SC is an easier market to control freshness (less stores). Greg's worry about NC IIRC was how to ensure the supply was constant and fresh.

[emacgee]

From everything I understand they are not going to be in NC this year. Maybe next year at the earliest. They may come to SC but I believe thats only because its a much smaller market. They cited the breweries inability to meet the needs of our state as one of the reasons they weren't moving here.

[crimsondago]

A Mutual rep. told an acquaintance that Stone and Founders will be distributed by Mutual this fall.

Fat Tire will be distributed by Tryon later this year.

But don't believe it until you're drinking it.

[emacgee]

A Mutual rep. told an acquaintance that Stone and Founders will be distributed by Mutual this fall.

Fat Tire will be distributed by Tryon later this year.

But don't believe it until you're drinking it.

Tru dat

[GCBrewingCo]

Noticed this link on another forum...
http://www.greensbeverages.com/beer-ga1.shtml#recent
If GA is getting their rocks off, we should too...

[dartsandbeer]

I sat in on a meeting with two folks from Stone last week.  One is the current mid-Atlantic (soon to be Southeast) area manager.  He is relocating from Norfolk to Charleston, SC as we speak.  They will be signing a contract by the end of July with beer arriving shortly after.  A statewide release party will be held where kegs from Stone's "vault" will be available as well as their normal lineup.  This timetable is accurate for NC, SC, and GA.  Worst case scenario is Stone rolls out NC in early October, more likely to be early September. 

I cannot speak for the accuracy of the distributors.  It is an all out battle; the guys from Stone were visiting literally every distributor who had ever shown interest in their brand, dating back four years.  This includes all AB distributors across the state that were in town to meet with Stone.  I've been hearing that Founders is going to Tryon, but I've been hearing that for quite a while.  I've also heard that it probably won't be until early '09 at this point.  It wouldn't suprise me to see Mutual pick up some brands; they definately have some cash to work with after unloading nearly their entire NA portfolio recently. 

New Belgium will be coming to NC in Q1 of 2009; no word yet as to who they will be with, but probably one of the very large players.  They want to join a distributor that already has a strong presence in every account possible, including large national accounts (Wal Mart, Sam's Club, Costco, Target,...).

[JCB]

Tons of great news there. Thanks for posting!

[GCBrewingCo]

I read on another forum that the Stone rep was saying September 17.

[MopWater]

Looks like their permit was issued on 8/19 and all of their brands were approved as well and Tryon is the chosen dist.  Doesn't necessarily mean much in terms of when it will show up on shelves, but at least it looks like they're definitely on the way.

http://www.ncabc.com/product/supplier.aspx?bid=148232

[Flash]

http://www.ncabc.com/product/supplier.aspx?bid=148232

I like Greg Koch and Steve Wagner's little joke: "Koochenvagner Brewing Company".

[OldStyleCubFan]

Official Stone - Tylers(Durham) Release Party. 

http://www.stonebrew.com/events/index.php

Stone Brewing Invades The Tarheel State
Wednesday, September 17th --- 5:00pm 'til Close
The wait in North Carolina is nearly over...the wait for beer...but not normal beer...beer with loads and loads of hops...Stone Brewing beer!

Come join craft beer fans and aficionados from all over North Carolina at Tyler's Taproom on Wednesday the 17th to celebrate the long awaited arrival of Stone Brewing Co. in the Tarheel State. Choose from Stone's stellar year round craft creations as well as some rare archived gems we're dusting off just for you folks! And since you've been waiting since you all "popped the cap," you may want to sit down before reading further.

The lineup will include: Stone Pale Ale, Stone IPA, Arrogant Bastard Ale, Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale, Stone Ruination IPA, Stone Smoked Porter, Stone Levitation Ale, 2006 Double Bastard Ale, Stone 11th Anniversary Ale, Stone 07.07.07 Vertical Epic Ale, and the 2008 Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine!

Make plans now to sample the amazing beers and meet our amazing East Coaster, Scott as he meets, greets, and educates everyone about Stone's great ales!

Tylers Restaurant and Taproom
324 Blackwell St
Durham, NC
919.433.0345
Click Here For Details

[ucusty]

Too bad S.C. got a better draft list... IMO 

[silver0rlead]

the only significant difference is that they get the 2007 RIS, otherwise its just different brews (070707 instead of 080808 and 11th anniversary instead of 12th)

[ucusty]

exactly