Granbury’s Revolver Brewing, which successfully challenged a Texas law that it says restricts its distribution rights, has signed a partnership deal with Dallas-based Andrews Distributing Co., one of the country’s largest beverage distributors. The deal, whose terms were not disclosed, follows the Sept. 9 completion of Tenth and Blake Beer Co.’s acquisition of a majority interest in Revolver. Tenth and Blake is the craft and import division of MillerCoors.
Andrews, which was selected as a “key distributor” for Revolver in North Texas except in Denton County effective Monday, is aiming to jump-start sales of the brand’s 19 beer offerings, including its flagship Blood & Honey, an unfiltered American wheat ale. “Revolver sold 300,000 cases last year,” said Barry Andrews, the distributing company’s owner and CEO. “I think we’ll be able to help them double that at the end of nine months.”
Founded in 2012 by father and son Ron and Rhett Keisler, along with master brewer and cicerone Grant Wood, Revolver has become one of Dallas-Fort Worth’s most popular craft breweries. Its deal with Tenth and Blake is in line with an industry trend whereby giant beer companies are snapping up smaller craft breweries. Last year, 19 such craft-brewery deals worth $13 billion were announced.
Mike McGuire, president of Andrews Distributing, said the Revolver partnership will help support a vibrant local brewery. “It’s been great to watch … the entire Revolver team build such a strong brand in their short history,” he said. “Revolver has become a local craft staple in the DFW area due to their team’s hard work and attention to detail.”
Asked how the new partnership with Andrews would affect the lawsuit, which could be appealed by the state, Rhett Keisler said, “We’re glad the judge saw the facts the same way we did. Going forward, though, I don’t know. The case is over, unless there’s an appeal.”
