After 12 years, Ska Brewing Co. will no longer distribute to North Carolina, at least temporarily.
The decision to sever ties with its No. 2 market stems from growing local demand for the 20-year-old brewery’s product. Ska does not distribute some of its newest brews, such as the Modus Mandarina, to some of Colorado’s neighboring states.
“There are a lot of folks who have really been there for us over the years, and we owe them a debt of gratitude,” Ska co-founder and President Dave Thibodeau said in a prepared statement. “But there are also some amazing breweries in North Carolina, so until we can make it back, it’s good to know there’s no shortage of terrific beers for them to choose from.”
Thibodeau could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon.
Though discontinuing Ska in North Carolina may have little economic impact, the news was disappointing to Asheville beer-drinker and local bartender Dion Dixon.
“As a bar-goer, I can say Ska doesn’t sell a whole lot, because people are really interested in local beers, but I’ve always spent copious amounts on Ska,” said Dixon, who lived in Durango in the early 2000s. “I’m sad they’re leaving the market.”
The North Carolina partnership goes back to 2003, after Ska sponsored its head sales manager’s Asheville-based kayak team. The brewery subsequently signed with Tryon Distributing. Ska’s Modus brew was the distributing company’s first canned craft beer.
Supply hasn’t dried up, so customers aren’t crying for Ska just yet at Asheville-based Tasty Beverage Co., but manager Bryan Smith said he anticipates a few disappointed drinkers in the future.
“Modus is by far our best seller from Ska,” Smith said.
“But we’re happy they’re seeing more growth that they’re not able to ship to North Carolina. Hopefully, when and if they expand, we’ll be able to bring them back on. Rudie (Session IPA) is fantastic, and they’re good for their price point.”
jpace@durangoherald.com
