For most of its existence, Bell’s Brewery had not distributed its beers to Oregon (or the rest of the Pacific Northwest), so for those of us living in the PNW, having the opportunity to drink any of its acclaimed and highly-rated beers meant jumping over a number of hurdles. But that changed in April as Bell’s announced that it is now distributing to Oregon (as well as Idaho, Washington, and Alaska).

As part of this announcement, the brewery sent out samples and last week I received cans of Two Hearted IPA (along with a beanie).

Here’s the press release with details on the expanded distribution.

Bell’s Brewery, Michigan’s largest craft brewery, today announced expansion into five new states, including Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. This brings Bell’s total distribution to 49 states, leaving Hawaii as the only state outside of Bell’s distribution portfolio.

“Expanding our footprint to become a national brand is a top priority this year, and we can’t wait to share Bell’s beer with more fans across the country,” said Bell’s Executive Vice President Carrie Yunker. “We’re particularly excited about entering the Pacific Northwest market, a notably strong craft beer market already, where folks have been asking for Bell’s for decades. We’re grateful for the incredibly warm welcome we’ve already received from fans.”

Bell’s most popular beers are leading the expansion to these new states. Two Hearted IPA, Bell’s iconic American IPA brewed with 100% Centennial hops, will be available year-round on draft and in six-and-twelve pack cans and bottles, as well as 19.2oz cans in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. From March to September, Bell’s beloved seasonal wheat ale, Oberon Ale, will be available in all new states on draft and in six-pack cans Additionally, Bell’s rotating variety pack, currently Bell’s Hearted Variety Pack, will be available in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

This expansion also brings Bell’s Inspired Giving philanthropy program to new parts of the country. For every barrel of beer brewed, Bell’s donates $1 to organizations and non-profits solving the most pressing social and environmental challenges. Bell’s donated $480,000 in 2022 to organizations around the nation, including its first ever grassroots grant cycle focused on water stewardship.

“Expanding our distribution footprint means more organizations can participate in our Inspired Giving philanthropic giving program,” said Yunker. “Our model ensures our annual giving grows as our business grows, tackling the problems that matter most to our fans and brewery. We’re looking forward to supporting organizations doing incredibly important work across the country.

For more information on Bell’s Brewery, visit bellsbeer.com. To find Bell’s beer near you, visit bellsbeer.com/beer-finder.

ABOUT BELL’S BREWERY
Bell’s Brewery began in 1985 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with Larry Bell, a quest for better beer and a 15-gallon soup kettle. Since then, Bell’s has grown into one of the largest craft breweries in America, thanks to its iconic brands such as Two Hearted IPA, Oberon Ale and Hopslam Ale. Bell’s believes that business – and beer – can be powerful tools to renew our trust not only in each other, but the world around us. Bell’s ‘Inspired Brewing’ philosophy represents our collective responsibility to create meaningful change by resourcing responsibly as stewards of our environment, byre-igniting and celebrating our distinct senses of creativity, and by re-energizing the common belief we can come together to make good on the promise of a more prosperous future for all.

I’ve seen that Two Hearted and Oberon Ale are currently available here in Central Oregon; I don’t know yet about others.