







As we embark on a new year, I find it meaningful to reflect on our purpose here at Elite, which is helping our people be successful. For me, that means not only our incredible team members, but also each and every one of you.
This year, we’re excited to announce the addition of Allagash Brewing Company to our portfolio. We believe this partnership will bring immense value to all of you, from independent shops to larger chains. With a 20-year history, the Portland, Maine-based brewery has an inspiring story of perseverance, introducing the historic Belgian Witbier style to the United States – a style that was initially slow to catch on. Today, Witbier has become widely appreciated in the States, with Allagash paving the way for suppliers like Belgium’s St. Bernardus and Japan’s Hitachino to find success in this market as well. You can explore more about their journey in this issue.
We’re also delighted to welcome Denver-based Bear Creek Distillery, a cornerstone of Colorado’s craft spirits scene for the past decade. If you’re not familiar, their grain-to-glass approach is one we’re excited to share with you. We're also reintroducing Press Premium Seltzer to the Colorado market, a sophisticated alcoholic seltzer with culinary-inspired flavors that we know your customers will love. Additionally, we’re launching state-wide distribution of Westbound & Down Brewing beginning January 2025.
At the end of the day, our focus is bringing in quality products that help drive your success, and we’re confident these new additions will do just that.
Beyond products, we’re always keeping a close eye on the market and exploring ways to better support you. For instance, while there’s a lot of buzz about Generation Z drinking less, we know that 80 percent of those purchasing non-alcoholic beverages are also consuming alcohol. This insight drives us to think strategically about the occasions we cater to, ensuring you can meet your customers’ needs and maintain wallet share. Much of this falls into the growing ‘Fourth Category’ with offerings like CBD beverages, fit energy teas and wellness drinks featuring nootropics and adaptogens. Expect more developments in this space as we continue learning in this rapidly evolving category.
Speaking of support, none of this would be possible without our remarkable team here at Elite. On the heels of the holiday season, I want to take a moment to recognize the behind-the-scenes efforts that make everything run seamlessly, including the 24-hour delivery that we’re still proud to offer. From delivering orders to maintaining an organized warehouse and so much more, their dedication day in and day out means the world to us—and we know it makes a difference to you as well.
As always, thank you for your ongoing trust and partnership. Here's to a successful year ahead!
President & CEO, Terry Cekola, gives us a glance behind her bar
ALLAGASH BREWING
CO. WHITE ALE
"With news that Allagash White is now available year-round in Colorado through Elite Brands, it’s no surprise you'll find this iconic Belgian-style wheat beer in my glass. Its countless awards and timeless flavor will soon make it a staple in our portfolio." Page 48
CANOPY
GANADERO GARNACHA
“During the winter months, I gravitate toward full-flavored reds, and Canopy's 100% old vine Garnacha from the Sierra de Gredos region in Méntrida, Spain, hits all the right notes. This wine perfectly balances power and finesse, showcasing the depth and elegance that Garnacha can achieve in the hands of expert winemakers.” Page 16
ABOUT US
Elite Brands of Colorado is a company with a lifetime of experience in the alcoholic beverage distribution industry. We consider it an honor to represent the finest producers of wine, beer, and spirits to the people in the state of Colorado. Our highly educated and driven sales staff reside in the Colorado communities we serve. We pride ourselves in carefully evaluating every potential brand and beverage for quality, sales and mutual growth potential before they’re selected for a place in our portfolio.
WEBSITE www.elite-brands.com
ADDRESS 4780 Holly Street Denver, Colorado 80216
CONTACT
Phone: 303.394.7535
Fax: 303.394.0693
Email: info@elite-brands.com
FOLLOW US @elitebrands
ORDER ONLINE https://app.provi.com/elite-brands
INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR NETWORK
Elite Brands is a proud member of the Independent Distributor Network (IDN). IDN was established in 2019 with the goal of overcoming industry consolidation by offering a new model for wine and spirits distribution.
IDN provides sales, marketing, and distribution solutions for mid-to-large scale wineries and distilleries seeking a fair and equitable opportunity for national sales and distribution services, through a combination of brand building, local market expertise, and proven growth strategies.
CREEK
DISTILLERY
WHEATED BOURBON
"I'm thrilled to now be distributing one of Denver's leading distilleries, Bear Creek! Their Wheated Bourbon has always been a favorite of mine, crafted by replacing the dark rye in their bourbon mash bill with whole wheat, resulting in a smooth, award-winning whiskey that shines with every sip." Page 62
LESLI GEGEN
Lesli is a seasoned and results-driven communications professional with more than a decade of experience in an array of industries — from travel and hospitality to outdoor and active lifestyle, dabbling in sustainability and consumer goods along the way. Her experience spans both external and internal communications, where she’s crafted thoughtful strategies and engaging messaging for audiences of all types. Outside of the office, Lesli can be found exploring Denver’s best breweries, on two planks going downhill, two wheels going up, or jetting off to find her new favorite destination.
If you're looking for the freshest, newest, hottest releases, you've come to the right place. This round-up gives you everything you need to know about the new products joining our portfolio.
p 9 15189
p 9 15192
p 9 15191
p 9 15190
Havenscourt Cabernet Sauvignon 12/750ml
Havenscourt Chardonnay 12/750ml
Havenscourt Pinot Grigio 12/750ml
Havenscourt Pinot Noir 12/750ml
HAVENSCOURT Pinot Noir
California
Havenscourt Pinot Noir is crafted with a food-first philosophy, designed to complement and elevate every dining experience. This versatile wine, blended with Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Barbera, offers a balanced profile with soft tannins, bright acidity, and subtle nuances from oak barrel aging.
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PRESS PREMIUM HARD SELTZER
Synergy Variety Pack
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
PRESS Hard Seltzer's Synergy Variety Pack showcases the brand’s commitment to inventive, globally inspired flavor combinations. This curated selection features a dynamic mix of bold and refreshing profiles that highlight PRESS’s dedication to culinary creativity with flavors like Peach Rosemary, Dragon Fruit Lotus, Guava Rhubarb, and Watermelon Sea Salt. Page 27
p 32 91627 Brooklyn Special Effects Grapefruit IPA 4/6/12oz C
p 33 70018 Von Schleinitz Zero N/A Sparkling Wine 12/750ml
p 48 91902 Allagash Curieux
48 91900
CHATEAU MONEY
Bordeaux Rouge
Bordeaux, France
Château Money Bordeaux Rouge is a vibrant expression of Bordeaux winemaking. Made from a blend of 80% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Petit Verdot, this medium-bodied wine offers a juicy fruit character, soft tannins, and a rich, satisfying finish. Perfectly balanced, it’s a testament to the region’s timeless elegance.
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ALLAGASH BREWING CO.
Ski House Winter White Ale
Portland, Maine
Allagash Ski House Winter White Ale is a seasonal gem that combines the smooth body of wheat with bright citrus peel, warming spices, and fresh Maine ginger. Balanced with a touch of sweetness and a refreshing finish, this 7.5% ABV ale is perfect for pairing with winter dishes or enjoying fireside. Crafted with Allagash’s signature yeast, it delivers the cozy cheer of the season in every sip. Page 48
48 91895 Allagash White 4/6/12oz C
p 48 91896 Allagash White 1/6b
p 48 91897 Allagash White 1/2b
p 43 91617 Coronado Nado Japanese Lager 4/6/16oz C
p 47 91831 DESTIHL Brewery Wrexham Lager 6/4/16oz C
p 45 91308 Elevation Idol Time Tropical IPA 4/6/12oz C
p 45 91310 Elevation Idol Time Tropical IPA 1/6b
p 45 91309 Elevation Idol Time Tropical IPA 1/2b
p 48 91840 Ommegang Cooper's Hop Tripel IPA 6/4/16oz C
p 49 91841 Ommegang Cooper's Hop Tripel IPA 1/6b
p 49 91842 Ommegang Cooper's Hop Tripel IPA 1/2b
BREWERY OMMEGANG
Cooper's Hop Tripel IPA
Cooperstown, New York
Ommegang Cooper’s Hop Tripel IPA is a bold fusion of Belgian tradition and modern hop-forward innovation. Featuring an all-Mosaic hop profile, this Tripel IPA bursts with vibrant flavors of melon and orange peel, delivering a fruit-forward brightness that pairs perfectly with its higher ABV and effervescent Belgian-inspired character. Its clean, semi-dry finish balances the complexity, making every sip an adventurous elevation of the IPA experience. Page 48 & 49
p 46 91676 Telluride The Show Imperial IPA 15/19.2oz C
p 46 91623 Wibby Light Lager 2/12/12oz C
p 46 91750 Wibby Oishii Japanese Rice Lager 1/2b
p 54 91631 BRLO German IPA
p 51 91802 Stiegl Wildshut Bio Perlage 6/750mL
p 54 91626 Tucher Pils 6/4/500ml C
p 63 20071 Rick Thomas Distillery 1859 Corn Whiskey 12/750ml
p 63 20066 Rick Thomas Distillery 1859 Vodka 24/375ml
p 63 20067 Rick Thomas Distillery 1859 Vodka 12/750ml
p 63 20068 Rick Thomas Distillery 1859 Vodka 12/1L
p 63 20069 Rick Thomas Distillery 1859 Vodka 6/1.75L
RICK THOMAS DISTILLERY
1859 Vodka
Black Hawk, Colorado
Crafted at the Rick Thomas Distillery, perched atop Miners Mesa in Black Hawk, Colorado, this vodka pays homage to the town's gold rush history, named after the year John H. Gregory discovered gold in the area. Made with 100% Colorado grains and pure water from the eastern slope of James Peak, soaring at 13,294 feet, 1859 Vodka captures the essence of the Rockies in every sip. Page 63
p 61 10323 Bear Creek Rye Vodka 6/750ml
p 62 10334 Bear Creek Rye Whiskey 6/750ml
p 61 10327 Bear Creek Silver Rum 6/1L
p 61 10326 Bear Creek Silver Rum 6/750ml
p 61 10328 Bear Creek Spiced Rum 6/750ml
p 62 10336 Bear Creek Straight Bourbon 6/750ml
p 61 10322 Bear Creek Wheat Vodka 6/750ml
p 62 10333 Bear Creek Wheat Whiskey 6/750ml
p 62 10335 Bear Creek Wheated Bourbon 6/750ml
BEAR CREEK DISTILLERY
Wheated Bourbon Whiskey
Denver, Colorado
Bear Creek Wheated Bourbon is a smooth and inviting twist on the distillery's original Straight Bourbon recipe. By replacing dark rye with whole wheat in the mash bill, this bourbon offers a softer, slightly sweeter profile while maintaining the meticulous care that defines Bear Creek spirits. Aged in 30-gallon American white oak barrels, it emerges with a rich dark mahogany color and enticing aromas of vanilla, oak, and caramel. Page 62
p 62 10329 Bear Creek White Whiskey 6/750ml
p 62 10321 Bimini Coconut Gin 12/750ml
p 62 10314 Copper Can Mango Mule 6/4/12oz C
p 59 10319 Manly Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur 12/700ml
p 63 10317 Peach St. Jackelope Lavender Gin 6/750ml 10344 Wood's Distillery Alpine Rye 24/200ml
From new brands joining the portfolio to the latest innovations and company updates, this is the news you need to know to keep up with our suppliers.
Elite Brands is excited to announce that Allagash Brewing Company, the renowned Maine-based craft brewery, is now available in Colorado. Known for its flagship White—a classic Belgian-style wheat beer revered for its balanced flavor and subtle spice—Allagash brings a new level of quality and innovation to the state’s craft beer scene. Beer enthusiasts can now enjoy Allagash’s wide range of award-winning brews, including their signature Belgian-inspired offerings and seasonal releases.
BREWERS TAKE HOME HARDWARE AT 2024 GREAT AMERICAN BEER FESTIVAL
Elite Brands is proud to represent some of the award-winning breweries from this year’s Great American Beer Festival! Nearly 9,000 beer and cider entries were judged across 102 beer categories and 5 new cider categories, and we're thrilled to celebrate our partners who brought home the hardware this year:
• Gold: Bull & Bush Brewery - Ghoul Fuel, Rum Diaries Edition
• Gold: Holidaily Brewing Co. - Fat Randy
• Gold: Pizza Port, Imperial Beach - Indie Roo
• Gold: Pizza Port, San Clemente - Dusk Til Dawn
• Gold: Westbound & Down Brewing Co. - Western Juice
• Silver: 21st Amendment - El Sully
• Silver: Bull & Bush Brewery - Temporary Paradise, Rum Diaries
• Silver: Westbound & Down - Don’t Hassle the Hef
• Bronze: Best Day Brewing - Non-Alcoholic Kolsch
• Bronze: Brooklyn Brewery - Special Effects Grapefruit IPA
• Bronze: Pizza Port, Ocean Beach - Guillaume
• Bronze: Russian River Brewing Co. – Intinction, Petite Sirah
Bear Creek Distillery has joined the Elite Brands family of spirits, adding a lineup of award-winning craft spirits from the heart of Denver. Bear Creek Distillery was founded by a group of friends dedicated to producing high-quality, small-batch spirits that showcase local ingredients and Colorado pride. Each spirit is crafted grain-to-bottle in their Denver facility, utilizing a state-of-the-art Kothe still from Germany. Bear Creek's commitment to excellence is evident in every bottle, with small batches meticulously produced to ensure consistent quality.
Elite Brands recently announced an exciting new partnership with PRESS Premium Alcohol Seltzer, a brand celebrated for its culinary-inspired fruit and spice flavors, luxury packaging, and eco-conscious production. Founded in 2015 by Amy Walberg, PRESS has redefined the seltzer category, winning “Best Hard Seltzer” in national consumer votes at Seltzerland events and receiving praise from industry media, including a spot among Martha Stewart Living’s top woman-owned food brands. PRESS uses real fruits and spices to craft a truly superior sipping experience. Brewed at a lower ABV of 4% to enhance complex flavor notes, each 12 oz serving contains only 110 calories, 5g of sugar, and 7g of carbs.
Underberg, the iconic herbal digestive from Germany, proudly celebrates 165 years in the United States market. Known for its unique blend of aromatic herbs sourced from 43 countries, Underberg has become a beloved tradition, enjoyed after meals to support digestion and elevate the dining experience. Its signature single-serve bottles and time-honored recipe remain a symbol of quality and craftsmanship over a century and a half later.
Domestic Wine - 8
Import Wine - 11
If you know a thing or two about wine, you know terroir plays a significant role in shaping the character of each wine. With reds from France, Argentina, Australia, Spain and beyond, each offers distinctly different profiles. From the structured elegance of French reds to the bold, fruit-forward expressions from Argentina, each bottle in this round-up reflects the unique landscape it comes from.
MALBEC
Ruta 22 is a premium Malbec from Argentina’s renowned Uco Valley. Grown at a high altitude of 3,600 feet, these Malbec grapes thrive in the region's alluvial, stony soil, resulting in wines of intense fruit character, depth, and exceptional structure. With rich, concentrated flavors, Ruta 22 Malbec is a true reflection of its terroir.
CASTRO VENTOSA
MENCIA RABBIT
Castro Ventosa's Mencía Joven is a unique wine from the heart of El Bierzo, Spain, crafted predominantly from the cherished Mencía grapes of Valtuille de Abajo. Sourced from over 85-year-old vineyards, the wine reflects the complexity of berciano minifundio, a rich blend of approximately 352 mini plots spread across 17 distinct locations.
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Goats Do Roam Red is a lively blend from South Africa’s Western Cape, inspired by the legendary Rhône Valley. Rooted in a story of Fairview’s curious goats who once roamed the vineyards, choosing only the ripest berries, the wine is made with that same adventurous spirit, delivering exceptional quality at a great value.
CHATEAU MONEY
BORDEAUX ROUGE
Chateau Money Bordeaux Rouge is a blend of 80% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Petit Verdot, made from vines averaging 25 years old. Rooted in the heart of Entre-Deux-Mers, this sustainably farmed wine reflects the unique terroir of Targon, where the vineyards sit at altitudes of 80 to 110 meters near the historic Montarouch Commandery.
KILLERMAN'S RUN GSM
This wine is a tribute to the Clare Valley’s rich winemaking heritage, blending 50% Grenache, 40% Shiraz, and 10% Mourvèdre sourced from select vineyards across the region. Founded by Kevin Mitchell in 1997, Kilikanoon has become renowned for producing terroir-driven wines that capture the essence of Clare Valley.
STARRY NIGHT PINOT NOIR
Art of Wine’s Starry Night Pinot Noir draws inspiration from the vivid colors and textures of Van Gogh's iconic masterpiece. This French Pinot Noir from the Pays d’Oc region showcases bright notes of juicy cranberry and red cherry, balanced by a silky, rich mouthfeel and a lingering fruity finish.
GIAPOZA California michaelpozzanwinery.com
GIBBS ESTATE WINES St. Helena, California gibbsestatewines.com
GOOSECROSS CELLARS Yountville, California obcwines.com
BOURGOGNE France
LA CLAPE France
CHAMPAGNE France LOIRE France
LANGUEDOC, ROUSSILLON, GASCOGNE France
RHONE France PAYS D'OC France
VINHO VERDE Portugal
DOURO VALLEY Portugal
COASTAL REGION South Africa
CONSTANTIA South Africa
PAARL South Africa
ROBERTSON South Africa
STELLENBOSCH South Africa
SWARTLAND South Africa
TULBAGH South Africa
BASQUE COUNTRY Spain
BIERZO Spain
Spain
PAGO CALZADILLA Spain
PRIORAT Spain
RIAS BAIXAS Spain
RIBERA
RIOJA Spain
TOLDEO Spain
TORO Spain
YECLA Spain
Spain
While Colorado has long been known for its thriving craft beer scene, the state also has an extremely robust craft spirits scene. And, while the competition has heated up in recent years with more and more makers coming on the scene, the collaborative nature of the industry keeps it thriving. Today, both established and emerging brands are fostering a spirit of mutual support, creating an environment that’s elevating the industry as a whole.
One of Colorado’s established brands is Denver-based Bear Creek Distillery. While the distillery recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, its roots trace back to the camaraderie of founders Jay Johnson, Jeff Dickinson, and David “Dbo” Baker during their junior high and high school days at Lakewood’s Bear Creek High School.
While they initially set out to make whiskey and bourbon, their passion spirits, commitment to crafting everything in-house, and dedication to being a grain to glass distiller, led to a more diverse line-up. While they were waiting for their spirits to age, they expanded their offerings to include three rum and three vodka products. Locally, only a couple of other distillers are producing rum, setting Bear Creek Distillery apart and giving them a leg up in the summer months when people gravitate towards lighter spirits.
As they continue to refine their craft, Bear Creek is steadily working towards sourcing everything exclusively from Colorado, even though they are already considered locally sourced, with all of their ingredients coming from within a 250-mile radius. They currently use Colorado corn from Whiskey Sisters in Burlington, Colorado and are actively pursuing 100 percent Colorado-grown grains. For Bear Creek, grain sourcing is a top priority, especially since their wheat and rye whiskey feature 100 percent mash bills.
Bear Creek Distillery Rye Vodka is handcrafted one batch at a time from a wash of 100% organic rye and then carefully distilled in a 16 plate column still. Each chill filtered bottle is hand numbered and signed by the distiller resulting in a grain to bottle vodka with the slight bite and aroma of rye.
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“This philosophy extends to our vodkas as well,” shares founding partner Jay Johnson. “Our distiller had this cool idea to truly capture the essence of each grain.” With three vodkas in their lineup, it might seem surprising to some that none are flavored. However, Jay explains that as people taste through them, they can really get a sense for the grain differences and how they influence the final product.
No matter the product, “we pride ourselves on very drinkable, approachable spirits,” explains Jay. Bear Creek Distillery aims to be your go-to everyday drink, not something you buy once and save for special occasions. “At the price point we’re at, compared to other craft distilleries, I think we’ve really created space for ourselves in that niche.”
With a longstanding presence in Colorado’s craft spirits industry, Bear Creek Distillery embraces the supportive ethos of the industry, readily sharing their expertise with those who are just starting to build their brands. One of those makers is Declan Watts, founder and master distiller at Rick Thomas Distillery, who Jay can recall sitting at their bar diligently jotting down notes when he was just starting out.
After graduating Colorado State University for fermentation science and finishing his education at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, which is widely regarded as one of the best places to study brewing and distilling, Declan founded Black Hawk-based Rick Thomas Distillery with his father in 2021. The distillery is named after another member of the family, Declan’s grandfather, Rick Thomas Watts. It’s the ultimate nod to “a scotch guy,” as they describe him.
The distillery’s high-altitude location in Black Hawk offers Rick Thomas Distillery some unique advantages. For instance, at 8,000 feet ethanol boils at a lower temperature, which allows for a gentler distillation
Rick Thomas Distillery's 1859 Corn Whiskey is a testament to tradition and craftsmanship, born at 8,650 feet on
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process. “You get some more of the delicate notes that come through because they’re not being vaporized,” explains Declan. “It’s not better or worse, it’s just unique.”
Another interesting thing that happens at elevation is significant temperature fluctuations. With daily temperature swings of 20-50 degrees, the whiskey continuously moves in and out of the wood, accelerating the aging process of the spirits.
Beyond tapping into the unique effects of Colorado’s high elevation, Rick Thomas Distillery also leans heavily
Colorado growing conditions can be stressful on the grains, Declan and Brian see that as enhancing the flavor of their whiskey.
Local sourcing is a great example of how the collaborative nature of the Colorado spirits community creates a ripple effect of support in adjacent industries. For instance, conversations between local spirits brands often stirs up inspiration to source ingredients from within the state, fostering support for Colorado’s agricultural industry.
Another emerging brand that’s been making waves is Denver-based Red Rocks Spirits, whose owners Willis and Ashley Blankenship hit the ground running in 2023.
New to the industry, Ashley and Willis quickly discovered the supportive nature of the Colorado spirits community. "Everyone's been incredibly helpful, especially considering the competitive landscape," Ashley shared. "We're all small businesses trying to make it, and there's a real sense of camaraderie in going up against some of the bigger players in the industry." Embracing this spirit of collaboration, they also dove headfirst into paying that support forward, including leading Rick Thomas Distillery to Elite Brands when they were looking for a distribution partner.
Blazing their own trail on the Colorado spirits scene, Red Rocks Spirits saw an opportunity to disrupt the Colorado vodka category with a high-quality, affordable product. "We decided early on that having a distillery would increase our overhead too much," Ashley shared. "Our goal has always been to find the best quality product and sell it at an affordable price, because we believe that everyone should have access to really high-quality products."
Willis and Ashley take that commitment to quality seriously. After searching coast-to-coast for the best product, they also found that Colorado’s unique attributes produced exceptional spirits and partnered with Lakewood-based Ballmer Peak. "The high mineral content in our water here in Colorado, and ethanol that's six times distilled from corn, makes for a really great product," describes Willis. Willis' experience mirrors that of consumers, who are consistently impressed by the vodka's smooth, neutral flavor and exceptional quality, especially considering its affordable price point.
And consumers aren’t the only ones who have taken notice. Red Rocks Spirits recently became the official vodka of the Colorado Rockies, less than a year and a half after Willis and Ashley took the helm. Ashley was so surprised when the email landed in her inbox that she
thought it was a hoax. “I never, ever expected that to happen. Especially at this stage of the game,” she explained. In their first year at the stadium, Red Rocks Vodka outsold Tito's, Ketel One, and Absolut combined.
Needless to say, Colorado’s robust craft spirits scene is thriving. Fueled by a unique blend of collaboration, innovation and local pride, the industry is as diverse as it is collaborative. From established brands like Bear Creek Distillery, to rising stars like Rick Thomas Distillery and Red Rocks Spirits, there’s no shortage of passion and creativity to keep spirits high—and flowing!
Vodka delivers quality in every sip, crafted from 100% non-GMO corn for a naturally gluten-free spirit with a touch of sweetness. Distilled six times and carbon filtered for an ultra-smooth finish, it’s perfect for sipping straight or mixing into your favorite cocktail.
ASPALL DRY CIDER
Aspall Dry Cider is a testament to nearly three centuries of English cider-making tradition, made with a blend of 50% sweet, 35% sharp, and 15% bittersweet apples grown in the original orchards of Debenham, Suffolk.
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ETIENNE DUPONT CIDRE BOUCHÉ BRUT
Etienne Dupont Cidre Bouché is a classic expression of traditional French cider-making from the Pays d'Auge. This cider is a harmonious blend of 50% bittersweet, 20% bitter, and 30% acidic apples, grown organically in the nutrient-poor soils, ideal for producing small, flavor-packed fruit.
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COLORADO CIDER CO.
GLIDER CIDER
Longtime partner, Colorado Cider Company’s Glider Cider is a true celebration of fresh apple flavor. This semi-dry cider balances a light sweetness with a hint of tartness that’s both refreshing and satisfying with just the right touch of crisp flavor.
The hard cider category has been experiencing impressive growth, tapping into the trend for natural, fruit-forward alcoholic beverages. In recent years, cider sales have seen a consistent annual increase, with the U.S. market alone growing by approximately 8% to 10% annually. Additionally, innovations in flavors, from traditional apple varieties to bold blends with berries, tropical fruits, and even hops, are attracting a broader audience.
WILD CIDER BRUT N' BOUJEE
Wild Cider’s Brut N' Boujee is a refreshing, innovative cider that brings a unique twist to the category. Crafted in Longmont, this blend features dry-hopped cider infused with white clove honey with a focus on the floral and citrus notes that add an unexpected depth and complexity.
BRLO ROSÉ CIDER
True to BRLO’s roots as a modern Berlin brewery, their cider line reflects their dedication to creativity and flavor diversity. BRLO Rosé Cider is BIO certified and a vibrant twist on classic cider, blending organic apples with the unique flavors of rhubarb and pomegranate.
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CORONADO BREWING CO. SUPER FRUIT HARD CIDER
Semi-sweet and fruit-forward, this California crafted cider is made with organic acai berries and blueberries. The cider pours a striking deep maroon color with a perfect balance of natural sweetness and punchy acidity.
In response to rising demand for full-flavored, non-alcoholic options, our NA brewery partners have mastered the art of crafting IPAs that offer the complexity and depth expected from traditional styles. Today’s non-alcoholic IPAs showcase a range of tastes—from hazy, juicy profiles to West Coast bitterness, even exploring fruit-forward infusions to satisfy a growing audience with diverse preferences.
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BEST DAY BREWING
WEST COAST IPA
Best Day Brewing’s West Coast IPA pays homage to the bold, hoppy beers that define the West Coast. With aromas of bright citrus and pine from classic Cascade hops, this IPA is perfect for those who appreciate a classic West Coast-style IPA without the alcohol.
GRÜVI
JUICY DAZE IPA
Now rebranded as Juicy Daze IPA with a vibrant new can design, Grüvi’s non-alcoholic Juicy IPA offers a burst of pineapple flavor balanced with notes of citrus and a subtle hint of fig at only 50 calories per can and 0g of sugar.
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BROOKLYN BREWERY
SPECIAL EFFECTS GRAPEFRUIT IPA
Brooklyn Brewery’s Special Effects Grapefruit IPA took home a bronze medal at this year’s Great American Beer Festival for its lively, zesty punch of sweet and tangy grapefruit in every sip. Bold in aroma and refreshingly tart on the finish, this non-alcoholic IPA provides all the satisfaction and complexity of a classic IPA, minus the alcohol.
BREWDOG
PUNK AF IPA
As the non-alcoholic brother to Brewdog’s classic Punk IPA, this version is bursting with the same iconic flavors as the original Punk IPA without the alcohol. At just 0.5% ABV, this non-alcoholic brew brings the best of both worlds—bold pine notes on a solid malt base.
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BREWDOG HAZY AF IPA
BrewDog’s Hazy AF IPA is here with all the attitude and flavor, minus the alcohol. This non-alcoholic New England-style IPA packs a juicy punch, while the addition of oats and wheat rounds out a smooth, full-bodied experience that rivals any traditional hazy IPA.
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CERIA BREWING CO.
INDIEWAVE IPA
Indiewave is crafted by the legendary brewer Keith Villa right here in Colorado. Brewed with a blend of Cascade, Citra, and Amarillo hops, Indiewave is 0.00% ABV with half the calories of traditional IPAs. It’s a plant-based, naturally hydrating option that can be enjoyed any time.
Contact your Elite Brands Account Manger for Best Day’s seasonal offering
BREWDOG Columbus, Ohio brewdog.com
By Lesli Gegen
Witbiers, white beers. Tomayto, tomahto. Witbier literally translates from Dutch to “white” beer, so it’s no surprise that the two names are used interchange ably and cause confusion for some.
Whatever your preference, the style’s origins are undeniable. Tracing back to 14th-century Belgium, Witbier fell out of favor in the mid-20th century. That was until a Belgian brewer named Pierre Celis revived the tradition in the 1960s and created the modern-day version of the style, a beer known as Hoegaarden. As Marco Passarella, sales manager at the Belgium-based brewery St. Bernardus describes it, “Pierre single handedly brought Witbier back from the dead. He is seen as the godfather of Witbier.”
While the style originated across the Atlantic, here in the United States, there’s no more iconic Witbier than Allagash Brewing Company’s Allagash White.
Beyond the history, if you are unsure what makes a Witbier a Witbier, you’re not alone. In fact, one of the most popular posts on Allagash’s blog is titled “What is: Wheat Beer vs. Witbier vs. Hefeweizen,” because it’s tough to explain, even for the experts. While all three use wheat as a primary ingredi ent, that’s about where the similarities end.
Witbiers are brewed with raw, unmalted wheat, which gives the style a signature cloudy look, and are spiced with corian der, orange peel and other spices, giving them a refreshing, citrusy flavor profile. They also always use Belgian yeast strains, which contribute fruity esters to the final product and add a level of complexity to the finished product. As Allagash describes it, “spices should never be over the top, but just enough to have you wondering, hmmm what is that?”
In any case, it’s an exciting time for beer drinkers in Colorado as they no longer need to resort to creative suitcase solutions to bring home Allagash White from the East Coast. The brewery is one of the newest members of Elite Brands’ portfolio, making its flagship beer, the world's most awarded Witbier, available in Colorado once again, marking the largest distri bution footprint for the Maine-based beer brand in nearly fifteen years.
The most celebrated and award-winning Belgian-style wheat beer, Allagash White, is brewed with a carefully selected blend of oats, malted wheat, and raw wheat, resulting in its distinctive hazy "white" appearance. Infused with a special combination of coriander and Curaçao orange peel, it perfectly captures the Belgian tradition of crafting beers that are both complex and refreshing.
Allagash’s founder Rob Tod began his brewing career at Otter Creek Brewing Company in Vermont. It was during after-work beer tastings that he first encountered Celis White, a groundbreaking Witbier from the ‘godfather of Witbier’ that inspired him to start his own brewery. In 1995, Allagash Brewing Company was born in Portland, Maine, with a focus on Witbier because, as Rob puts it, he “didn’t want to be doing what everyone else was doing.” Which, at the time leaned heavily into British-style ales and pale ales.
Even though Rob was impressed with the style out of the gate, the same can’t be said for the market. For a decade, he championed the Witbier style through some good-natured teasing from fellow brewers about the cloudy nature of his beers.
Although they weren’t winning popularity contests quite yet, they were catching the attention of some heavy hitters in the industry and the awards started to roll in not long after Allagash was founded. In 1998, Allagash White won its first gold medal at the World Beer Cup, followed by several other gold medals, including the Great American Beer Festival in 2002 and 2005, World Beer Cup again in 2010, 2012 and 2015. For Rob and brewmaster Jason Perkins, the awards are a recognition of the continued quality of Allagash’s beer, which is one of the most important things for them. “We’ve
spent years working very hard on quality and consistency, which are integral to our core values,” explained Rob.
His dedication to quality and belief in the style eventually paid off, as Witbier began to gain traction in Portland and beyond. And his influence on the popularity of the style here in the United States is recognized around the world.
Returning to Witbier’s roots, Belgium’s St. Bernardus Brew ery has extremely close ties to Pierre Celis, the reviver of Witbier. With a deep-rooted history tied to Trappist monaster ies, St. Bernardus embarked on its Witbier journey in 1992 after their license to brew beer for the Trappist monks came to an end and they sought to complete their portfolio as an independent brewery. Unfortunately, their initial takes on the style fell flat. As Marco explained, “We didn’t get the recipe right. It wasn’t hazy or citrusy enough. It didn’t have that pizzazz.” To perfect their recipe, they called on their friend Pierre, who gave St. Bernardus insight on how to strike the difficult balance in both ingredients and timing. Today, their St. Bernardus Wit is widely regarded as one of the best Witbiers on the market.
While St. Bernardus Wit may not be their top-selling beer in Belgium, it's incredibly popular in the U.S. Marco attributes
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this success, in part, to the influence of breweries like Allagash. “Allagash is so popular, that they also make the style popular,” he explains. “You can’t make a style popular by yourself. It takes a collective effort to elevate a specific beer style, and we're proud to work alongside them to grow the category.”
When speaking more broadly about the influence of Belgium beer in the states, Marco shares that “Witbier is considered a very traditional style. It’s not a trend, it’s something that’s here to stay. In Belgium, we’re happy to see America embrace that tradition.”
With that, it’s no surprise that Marco is a fan of the classics and he’s happy that St. Bernardus isn’t messing with a good thing, even as they modernize their brewing process. "We stick to our recipe and the traditional brewing methods," he explains. "Our new brewhouse is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, but we still rely on age-old techniques like gravity filtration." This blend of tradition and innovation allows St. Bernardus to maintain the integrity of their beers while embracing modern advancements.
Similar to St. Bernardus, Allagash isn’t messing with a good thing. While the iconic Allagash White remains unchanged, the undercurrent of Allagash as a brewery is giving people new experiences with beer. To stay true to those roots, the brewery’s research and development program encourages experimentation. Ideas from employees are brought to life alongside their brewing team, and highly rated pilot beers become larger releases, like Ski House, a higher ABV Witbier with ginger notes.
Interestingly, Japan’s Kiuchi Brewery, with a 200-year history rooted in sake production, has also made a significant contribution to the Witbier style. When Japan’s strict tax laws were relaxed in 1994 to allow smaller breweries to begin production, Kiuchi seized the opportunity to brew year-round, as sake brewing typically takes place in the autumn and winter seasons. The brother-run brewery started to brew the now-famous Hitachino Nest White Ale, which quickly became a style favorite and stole hearts of craft beer enthusiasts everywhere with its distinctive owl label. In fact, it’s so popular that even as Japan’s biggest craft brewery, fifty percent of Kiuchi’s production is the Hitachino Nest White Ale.
For ninth-generation owner, Toshiyuki Kiuchi, Japanese food is very simple and delicious, so it only makes sense that the goal for their White Ale is to be described in the same way. The Hitachino Nest White Ale is a refreshing, mildly hopped witbier brewed with coriander, nutmeg, orange peel, and fresh orange juice. Its citrusy, sweet-fruity-tart flavor profile,
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balanced use of coriander, and beautiful golden hue make it a unique and delicious interpretation of the Belgian Witbier style.
The pride in a Japanese version of the traditional Belgian style runs deep for the family behind Kiuchi Brewery. In fact, the brand ‘Hitachino Nest’ reflects the Kiuchi family's pride in sourcing ingredients from the fertile Hitachino Province. Looking into the future, their goal is to use 100 percent local ingredients.
Whether you’re sipping on a classic Allagash White, a historic St. Bernardus Wit, or a unique Japanese interpretation from Kiuchi Brewery, there’s a Witbier out there for everyone. And even though Belgium can lay claim on the origination of the Witbier style, the inspiration isn’t only flowing one way. “I visited a few breweries in America, and they all had really nice tap rooms and I thought, this is something we need to have,”
shared Marco Passarella, sales manager at St. Bernardus. “So, we built a beautiful rooftop bar here at the brewery.” Needless to say, next time you’re in Europe, stop by, get a pint and cheers to a style that’s inspired breweries around the world.
Domestic Beer - 42
Import Beer - 51
Our portfolio is packed with award-winning beers. From the Great American Beer Festival to the World Beer Cup and other renowned competitions, we’re proud of our brewing partners who consistently raise the bar in the industry. While the full list of winners could go on forever, we’ve narrowed this roundup to six beers that have truly stacked up the hardware at GABF.
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TELLURIDE BREWING CO.
FACE DOWN BROWN ALE
Telluride’s iconic Face Down Brown is a best-selling brew with four GABF medals to its name, earning two bronze and two gold medals between 2012 and 2021. This smooth blend of English and American Brown Ale styles is characterized by an unbeatable rich, malty character and balanced hop presence.
WIBBY BREWING CO.
VOLKSBIER VIENNA LAGER
Wibby Brewing has made a name for itself at the Great American Beer Festival, earning the prestigious Brewer of the Year title in 2023. Their Volksbier Vienna Lager, which won GABF gold in 2020 has also achieved the rare distinction of receiving a perfect 100-point rating from Wine Enthusiast.
WHITE BELGIAN-STYLE
We couldn’t complete a roundup of award-winning beers without featuring the most awarded witbier in the world. Allagash White has set the gold standard for the style, earning top honors at the Great American Beer Festival, the World Beer Cup, and more—including a Gold medal at this year’s GABF.
EL SULLY MEXICAN-STYLE LAGER
El Sully, the 4.8% Mexican-Style Lager from 21st Amendment earned a silver medal at this year’s GABF (2024). But that’s just one of its many accolades— El Sully, which is known for its clean, crisp, and refreshing taste, also took home bronze in 2018 and gold in 2016.
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Man Beer is undeniably Bull & Bush’s flagship brew, racking up awards at major competitions over the years, including a silver medal at GABF in 2003. Known as “Colorado’s IPA,” it features a robust malt backbone balanced by bold hop flavors, which has kept it a fan favorite and best-seller to this day.
ASPEN BREWING CO.
INDEPENDENCE PASS IPA
Aspen Brewing Co.’s Independence Pass IPA recently earned its first medal with a bronze at this year’s GABF (2024). With a hoppy yet balanced profile, it captures the essence of a classic Colorado IPA—and now has the hardware to back it up.
Contact
MAUI BREWING CO. Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii mauibrewingco.com
GRAND TETON BREWING Victor, Idaho grandtetonbrewing.com
DESTIHL BREWERY Normal, Illinois destihl.com
SHORT'S BREWING CO. Bellaire, Michigan shortsbrewing.com ALLAGASH BREWING CO. Portland, Maine
SURLY BREWING CO. Minneapolis, Minnesota surlybrewing.com
BREWERY OMMEGANG Cooperstown, New York ommegang.com
BROOKLYN
Contact your Elite Brands Account Manager for info on new Southern
BREWDOG Columbus, Ohio brewdog.com
EPIC BREWING CO. Salt Lake City, Utah epicbrewing.com
COOPERS BREWERY Adelaide, Australia totalbeveragesolution.com
BRAUEREI SCHLOSS EGGENBERG Vorchdorf, Austria wettenimporters.com
STIEGL BREWERY Salzburg, Austria globalbeer.com
BROUWERIJ DE BRABANDERE Harelbeke, Belgium globalbeer.com
BROUWERIJ BOON Lembeek, Belgium globalbeer.com
BROWERIJ BOSTEELS Buggenhout, Belgium artisanalimports.com
BIERES DE CHIMAY Chimay, Belgium globalbeer.com
BRASSERIE D' ACHOUFFE Achouffe, Belgium duvelmoortgat.be
BRASSERIE DUPONT Tourpes, Belgium totalbeveragesolution.com
BROUWERIJ DUVEL MOORTGAT Breendonk, Belgium duvelmoortgat.be
BROUWERIJ HUYGHE Melle, Belgium bblusa.com
BROUWERIJ LIEFMANS Oudenaarde, Belgium liefmans.com
BROUWERIJ OMER VANDER GHINST Bellegem, Belgium artisanalimports.com
BROUWERIJ RODENBACH Roeselare, Belgium sfbimports.com
S S S
BROUWERIJ ST. BERNARDUS Watou, Belgium specialtybeer.com
BROUWERIJ VAN STEENBERGE Ertvelde, Belgium globalbeer.com
S S S S S S
BROUWERIJ VERHAEGHE VICHTE Sint-Dierikserf, Belgium specialtybeer.com
CERVEJARIA KAISER Jacareí, Brazil totalbeveragesolution.com
HABESHA Debre Birhan, Ethiopia sfbimports.com
AECHT SCHLENKERLA Bamberg, Germany bunitedint.com
AUGUSTINER-BRÄU Munich, Germany augustiner-braeu.de
BENEDIKTINER Germany
BRAUEREI HEINRICH REISSDORF Cologne, Germany bunitedint.com
BRLO Berlin, Germany specialtybeer.com
FRÜH Cologne, Germany shbrands.com
ANDECHS Andechs, Germany shbrands.com
KÖNIG Duisburg, Germany globalbeer.com
KÖSTRITZER BREWERY Bad Köstritz, Germany globalbeer.com
MICHAEL PLANK Bavaria, Germany bunitedint.com
G. SCHNEIDER & SOHN Kelheim, Germany globalbeer.com
SÜNNER Cologne, Germany artisanalimports.com
TUCHER BRÄU Bavaria, Germany wettenimporters.com
VELTINS Grevenstein, Germany artisanalimports.com
WELTENBURGER KLOSTER Kelheim, Germany shbrands.com
EINSTÖK ÖLGERD Akureyri, Iceland einstokbeer.com
O'HARA'S Carlow, Ireland totalbeveragesolution.com
SULLIVAN’S BREWING COMPANY Kilkenny, Ireland globalbeer.com
BIRRERIA LE BALADIN Piozzo, Italy bunitedint.com
KIUCHI SHUZOU Ibaraki-ken Naka-gun, Japan bunitedint.com
ROD & HAMMER'S SLO SPIRITS
WINTER SPICED WHISKEY
Rod & Hammer's Winter Spiced Whiskey is a smooth winter warmer crafted from Rod & Hammer’s straight bourbon whiskey and infused with rich notes of nutmeg, allspice, clove, and cinnamon. Like all their whiskeys, it’s cut with distilled and purified Pacific Ocean water.
WOOD'S HIGH MOUNTAIN DISTILLERY FLEUR DE SUREAU ELDERFLOWER LIQUEUR
Wood’s Fleur de Sureau Elderflower Liqueur, crafted in Salida, begins as Colorado wine. It’s carefully distilled into a high-proof brandy before being infused with locally grown elderflower and finished with a touch of local honey.
Our roundup of flavored spirits showcases a selection of distilled spirits infused with natural flavors that elevate the base spirit’s character. These spirits offer a range of taste profiles, from fruity and floral to spicy and rich, crafted with ingredients like fruits, spices, botanicals, coffee, and chocolate. While our portfolio includes many exceptional flavored spirits, here are six we believe are especially worth your attention.
MANLY SPIRITS
COLD BREW COFFEE LIQUEUR
Manly Spirits Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur is made for coffee lovers. Crafted in Sydney, Australia, this dark chocolate-colored liqueur combines responsibly sourced coffee beans with distilled native botanicals and sea minerals, all infused into Manly Spirits’ signature wheat vodka.
PEACH STREET DISTILLERS
PEACH BRANDY
Peach Street Distillers Peach Brandy is a tribute to the legendary Palisade Peach—26 pounds of these famed fruits are distilled into every 750ml bottle. After distilling the Eau de Vie, the spirit is aged in lightly toasted French oak barrels, allowing the fruit’s flavors to deepen and develop into a smooth, complex masterpiece.
IRON FISH DISTILLERY
BOURBON WHISKEY FINISHED IN MAPLE SYRUP BARRELS
Crafted from a blend of corn, rye, and malted barley, this bourbon ages in fired American oak barrels, but it’s the finishing touch that sets it apart: after aging, it’s transferred to well-worn whiskey barrels that previously held the Griner family’s Michigan maple syrup. This final step imparts a hint of maple sweetness, balancing the bourbon's rich grain profile.
CHAI SPIRIT
Hailing from Greeley, 477 Distilling's Chai Spirit is a unique spirit that starts with a vodka base, steeped in a local chai tea blend that brings layers of distinct flavor. Awarded Gold at the 2023 San Francisco International Spirits Competition, it’s a decorated favorite filled with heavy spices, vanilla, and cinnamon notes.
MOLINARI Civitavecchia, Italy totalbeveragesolution.com
GIOIA LUISA Naples, Italy gioialuisa.com
GOZIO Italy totalbeveragesolution.com
ALIDA TEQUILA Mexico alidatequila.com
APALUZ MEZCAL Durango, Mexico
CASCAHUIN TEQUILA Jalisco, Mexico suroimports.com
DON MATEO Michoacan, Mexico suroimports.com
EL MERO MERO San Dionisio, Ocotepec, Oaxaca
MONTE AZUL Jalisco, Mexico
PAJAROTE Guadalajara, Mexico oma-artesanal.com
PARANUBES RUM Oaxaca, Mexico paranubes.com
DE SUEÑOS Mexico santasabia.com
PUNTAGAVE Mexico puntagave.com
SANTA SABIA DISTILLERY Mexico santasabia.com
SIEMBRA SPIRITS Mexico suroimports.com
XILA Oaxaca, Mexico craftspiritscoop.com
CAPURRO Nasca, Ica, Perú craftspiritscoop.com
WODKA