USA, ME & IL: Maine Beer Company expands distribution to Midwest, plans to increase production

Popular boutique brewer Maine Beer Co. recently signed a new wholesale agreement with Windy City Distribution — part of the Reyes Beverage Group of beer distributors — and made its first shipment of beer to the Midwest just last week.

Windy City announced the new partnership on Facebook on October 25, posting a picture of two of Maine’s signature brews, Mo and Peeper. Brewery spokeswoman Colleen Croteau told Brewbound that other Maine Beer Co. offerings will also be available in the Metro Chicago area.

Maine Beer was able to broaden its distribution footprint — which currently includes 12 states — after the company moved its brewing operations from Portland to Freeport in April. Croteau said Maine Beer will look to increase production from an expected 4,500 barrels in 2013 to 6,500 in 2014.

Chicago is the farthest west Maine Beer has sent its products to date.

When asked why the brewery made the decision to make Chicago its next market for distribution, Croteau said owners David and Daniel Kleban have family in the area.

“It seemed like a reasonable market to open up,” she said.