FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Rebecca Spicer

September 25, 2009 rspicer@nbwa.org

(800) 300-6417

Alabama Beer Distributor Birmingham Beverage Named as Craft Beer Distributor of Year Award Finalist

Birmingham Beverage Recognized for Exceptional Efforts to Market, Promote and Sell Craft Beer

DENVER, CO – The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) and the Brewers Association (BA) are proud to announce that Birmingham Beverage Company, Inc. of Birmingham, Alabama, has been named as a 2009 Craft Beer Distributor of the Year Award finalist. The Craft Beer Distributor of the Year Award, which is in its third year, recognizes a beer distributor who does the most to market, promote and sell craft beer.

Birmingham Beverage has been instrumental in promoting craft beer in the state of Alabama by hosting craft beer and food pairing events, sponsoring the a state craft brewer grassroots effort to provide a wider choice and variety to consumers in Alabama and by producing and distributing beer education publications for the local market.

“It’s truly amazing that the United States has nearly 13,000 labels of beer and more than 1,500 breweries today, especially when you consider there were just a few dozen breweries in the 1970s,” said Craig Purser, president of NBWA.  “The craft beer category continues to grow thanks in part to the strong relationship between craft brewers and beer distributors.”

Distributors source labels from brewers of all kinds – large and small, domestic and international– unlocking the market for new beer brands, small breweries and innovative beverages. Beer distributors help craft brewers grow and compete by helping them reach a wide network of retailers. The American beer distribution system provides a level playing field that allows all brewers equal access to consumers.

“NBWA is proud to recognize all of the Craft Beer Distributor of the Year Award finalists that have gone above and beyond to help strengthen the craft beer segment and bring American consumers the most extensive choice and variety of beer in the world,” added Purser. “Birmingham Beverage has shown dedication to delivering unique and innovative craft beers to consumers by stocking store shelves with these brands.”

BA President Charlie Papazian added, “America’s beer drinkers are experiencing an unprecedented variety of beer in the marketplace. The continuing efforts of beer distributors like Birmingham Beverage to educate licensed alcohol retailers and consumers of legal drinking age about craft beers have helped to expand the market for craft brands and build widespread enthusiasm for craft beer.”

The Craft Beer Distributor of the Year Award, as well as a Craft Beer Distributor Achievement Award and a Craft Beer Distributor Recognition Award, were presented jointly by NBWA and BA at the Great American Beer Festival September 24-26 in Denver, Colorado.

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The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) represents the interests of America’s 2,850 licensed, independent beer distributor operations in every state, congressional district and media market across the country. Beer distributors are committed to ensuring alcohol is provided safely and responsibly to consumers of legal drinking age through the three-tier, state-based system of alcohol regulation and distribution.

Based in Boulder, Colorado, USA, the Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade and education association for small and independent American brewers, their craft beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. Visit the Web site, www.beertown.org, to learn more. The association’s activities include events and publishing: World Beer Cup®; Great American Beer Festivalsm; Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America®; National Homebrewers Conference; National Homebrew Competition; SAVOR: An American Craft Beer and Food Experience; American Craft Beer Week; Zymurgy magazine; The New Brewer magazine; and books on beer and brewing. The Brewers Association has an additional membership division of 19,000+ homebrewers: American Homebrewers Association.

For more information about beer distributors, visit www.AmericasBeerDistributors.com.