Corvallis-based brewery, Block 15, announces the creation of Block 15 Distribution.

image courtesy Block 15 Brewing Company

There was a time when Corvallis-based brewery, Block 15’s status as a pre-eminent brewery in Oregon, was something only discussed at bottle share and Oregon State parties. 

With names like Nebula, Sticky Hands, and Figgy Pudding; the only way to gain one of these was to either visit the brewery or know a source at a bottleshop when a shipment came in. Today, anyone in ye olde Cascadia can attest, it’s a lot easier to get your hands on a four-pack of Sticky Hands than it used to be. And it's not a coincidence why from Bellingham to Bend, Block 15 beers can be found on shelves throughout the region. It’s about self-distribution. 

Starting a few years back, Block 15 took their beers on the road, to gain awareness and inspire visitors to drive an hour off Interstate 5 or along the historic Pacific highway, in search of beers found in limited supply in the Rose City or nearby Eugene. As word got to those in places like Tacoma, Seattle, and Olympia, Block 15 couldn’t stop at the Oregon border. Which is why they expanded their self-distribution to include Western Washington. 

Today, it’s not uncommon to find both flagships and seasonal from Corvallis on shelves in Seattle, or Salem. Announced last week, April 14th, Block 15 Brewing is evolving their brand once again, with the creation of a distribution firm, simplified called Block 15 Distribution. 

For Block 15’s founding brewer and co-owner, Nick Arzner, he isn’t underestimating this expanded role the brewery is playing in the Pacific Northwest. 

This has been a tremendous undertaking for our team … After a year-long process of restructuring our licensing company-wide and dialing in our distribution systems, we’re so excited to launch this new endeavor in partnership with companies that we really believe in.

We landed on a model that is designed to enable the passionate small and medium-sized producer, with aspirations of moderate growth, to share their artistic offerings throughout Oregon and Washington… All aspects of our approach to distribution—from our fixed length contracts to our overarching mission—will focus on equitable relationships with our partners. As our brewery has developed a robust self-distribution program over the years, we have prioritized efficiency, impeccable care for the product, and enthusiastic relationships with our accounts. We will draw on these same values as we champion the artistic visions of our partner producers.

With its close relationships with hundreds of boutique bottle shops, grocers, restaurants, and public houses, Block 15 forecasts a portfolio featuring artisan businesses from segments like beer and coffee. Which is why Block 15 is happy to partner with Tillamook’s de Garde Brewing and Bespoken Coffee Roasters from Corvallis. 

“After many collaborations and years of friendship, we are honored to be working with Block 15 for distribution in Oregon and Washington,” said de Garde co-owners Trevor and Linsey Rogers. “We have a huge amount of respect for the people, the beer, and the distribution organization at Block 15, and we can't imagine a better partner. This project has been in the works for quite some time, and we are excited to get our beers back into regular distribution to all of our favorite retailers and customers!” 

Sharing his thoughts, Bespoken Coffee Roasters co-owner and roaster, Collin Schneider, opined. 

We love everything Block 15 does and are excited to be partnering with such an incredible team in serving the PNW! As a locally- minded business that focuses on custom-tailored and carefully produced products, this partnership feels like a natural fit for our coffee and our team.” 

Block 15 Brewing is quick to add, to those interested in enlisting them for distribution, they are not looking for new members. But any interested suppliers and area producers should visit: block15.com/distribution-company, for updates and information.

ABOUT BLOCK 15 DISTRIBUTION From the team behind from Block 15 Brewing Company, Block 15 Distribution’s mission is to supply the Pacific NW with unique artisan goods—thoughtfully produced by like-minded companies using practices that emphasize artistic expression, quality, employee welfare, and sustainability—delivered in an efficient, professional, and enthusiastic manner. 

ABOUT DE GARDE BREWING Located on the Oregon Coast, de Garde Brewing is dedicated to barrel-aged spontaneously fermented beer. Each batch is fermented exclusively with the native yeast and bacteria from an overnight rest in their coolship. Their naturally wild craft draws on historic traditions and local experimentation coupled with regionally sourced ingredients to represent their own unique terroir in each and every beer they make. 

ABOUT BESPOKEN COFFEE ROASTERS Bespoken Coffee Roasters is a husband and wife team out of Corvallis, OR. With a focus on transparent sourcing and with a mind for seasonal availability, they offer a rotating menu of carefully processed coffees from around the world and roasts them in small batches to ensure quality and freshness. Bespoken believes that quality coffee should taste like the conditions it was grown in, which informs the foundation of their roasting philosophy; each coffee is unique, and requires a tailor's touch during roasting to bring out the best the coffee has to offer without overshadowing its inherent qualities with roast flavor. 

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