Bale Breaker Brewing selects wholesaler Maletis Beverage, to assist in distributing beer throughout Oregon.

Press Release

Yakima, Washington’s Bale Breaker Brewing Company is launching northwest Oregon distribution this May through Maletis Beverage.

Since its founding in 2013, Bale Breaker has become one of the most popular breweries in Washington state. The Smiths, a multi-generational hop farming family, started Bale Breaker to showcase the Yakima Valley hops that have grown outside their front door since 1932.

“Oregon craft beer drinkers have been asking for our fresh-off-the-farm beers, like Topcutter IPA and Field 41 Pale Ale, and we are excited to be able to make them available.” said Meghann Quinn, co-owner and president.

Bale Breaker has seen tremendous growth over its first five years, exceeding 23,000 barrels in 2017. Thanks to recent fermenter additions, capacity is over 32,000 barrels. The past twelve months have brought a talented team together, including three full time QA staff, giving Bale Breaker the resources to expand its production of high-quality, hop-forward beers.

“Maletis Beverage is thrilled to bring fresh off the farm Bale Breaker beer from the Yakima Valley to the great State of Oregon,” noted Rob Maletis, owner of Maletis Beverage. “A fourth-generation hop-growing family partnering with a fourth-generation beer distributor makes this partnership extremely unique. Our entire team at Maletis Beverage is eager to bring the world-class portfolio of Bale Breaker beers to our retailer partners in Oregon.”

Kevin Quinn, Bale Breaker co-owner and sales manager, adds,  “Our strategy has always been to stay close to home, and Oregon allows us to do that. We know Maletis is a partner who shares our entrepreneurial spirit and values.”

ABOUT BALE BREAKER
Crafting fresh-off-the-farm brews from the middle of a hop field, Bale Breaker is a family-owned brewery located in the Yakima Valley. Backed by four generations of hop farming experience, Bale Breaker started in 2013, and has grown to become the fifth largest independent craft brewery in Washington.  With a 30-barrel brewhouse at a 27,000 square foot facility, Bale Breaker crafts four year-round canned beers, including the widely celebrated Topcutter IPA, and a diverse offering of seasonal beers in kegs. The onsite taproom hosts frequent food trucks and events, with a beautiful outdoor patio and lawn area, perfect for enjoying the Yakima sunshine.  For more information, visit www.balebreaker.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT MALETIS BEVERAGE
Founded in 1935 by Chris Maletis Senior, Maletis Beverage is a locally owned and operated distributor of domestic, craft and import beers. The company also distributes a world-renowned portfolio of cider, wine, champagne, mead and sake, as well as an extensive portfolio of non-alcoholic products.

Under the leadership of Chris Maletis Junior, the company saw tremendous growth as it built a portfolio of brands that have established Maletis Beverage as the preeminent beverage distributor in the Portland metropolitan area.

Since 2000, Rob Maletis has continued to grow Maletis Beverage while also keeping the company true to the principles established by his grandfather and father. Under his guidance, Maletis Beverage has grown into one of the largest beverage distributors in the Pacific Northwest, leading the industry in service, quality products and customer satisfaction.