Importer boosts US portfolio

May 18, 2007: British beer importer and distributor James Clay and Sons has added three United States craft beer agencies to its portfolio of more than 200 imported speciality beers from eight countries.

	l Left Hand Brewery products are now available in the UK through James Clay and Sons

The three agencies take in Flying Dog, Great Divide and Left Hand Brewing — all from Colorado. These beers add to Clay’s existing USA list, which includes icons such as Brooklyn Brewery, of New York City, Anchor Brewing, of San Francisco, and Goose Island, of Chicago.

Nigel Stevenson, of James Clay, said: "America is now producing some of the world’s most flavourful and exciting beers and we will be offering wholesalers an increasing number of their seasonal specials in 35.5cl bottles.

"So our next shipment includes delights such as Anchor Summer Ale; Goose Island’s delicate Kolsch-style summertime ale; and Brooklyn’s seasonal duo of East India Pale Ale and Pumpkin Ale.

“In the near future, Clay’s will also be offering many of these beers in 19.5 litre kegs, perfect for those establishments wanting to highlight their range.

"We are also in discussion with a number of other craft brewers in the US for shipments later in the year, including Terrapin Brewing, from Atlanta, and Victory, from Pennsylvania.

"If the trade want to offer their customers an eclectic range from a wide variety of countries, and with excellent staff training and a good glassware range to back it up, then they know where to come!”