Virginia Losing Great Divide

It was just two years ago that I was excited to report that Great Divide Brewing Company of Denver, Colorado was once again distributing in Virginia after a brief absence. Unfortunately this run of good fortune has ended for some in VA, at least for now. TheFullPint.com is reporting that Great Divide is pulling distribution from four states and six regions. The brewery issue the following statement:

We are pulling out of MI, RI, DE and CT due to our exponentially increasing orders. Additionally, we are pulling out of DC and southern and central VA. While we are excited to see this massive growth, we simply do not have the production capability to keep up with these orders. We appreciate the loyalty that our customers have shared with us in these states and hope to be back in the future.

While bad news for local Great Divide fans, the reason for this cutback isn't all bad. It means that Great Divide beers are so popular that the brewery can't keep up with demand.

From the statement above it appears that fans in Northern Virginia may still be in luck. Nonetheless, I think I'll have to make a stop on the way home from work and pick up a six-pack of my favorite Great Divide beer, Hercules Double IPA.

Beernews.org has more on the details behind Great Divide's decision.

Update: It looks like my home town is spared. As much as we hate to admit it, the Fredericksburg area is considered "northern Virginia." Our local distributor is Hop & Wine Beverage. Those in the area covered by Specialty Beverage will no longer get Great Divide.