RIVER BARREL NEWS

River Barrel Distributing is proud to announce that we are now the exclusive distributor for Slightly Furry Beverage Company cider in Western Washington. Slightly Furry Beverage Company creates “bold ciders for bold animals in an inclusive space” — a slogan that captures their commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fun.

Cozy stouts, festive ales, wintry IPAs, and gift-worthy packs—now available from River Barrel. As the days get shorter and the nights turn crisp, winter is officially knocking on the Pacific Northwest. At RBD, we’re celebrating the season with an incredible lineup of holiday and cold-weather beers—rich stouts, malty winter warmers, expressive IPAs, and limited-release barrel-aged treasures perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself).

The quality and distinctiveness of the brands you choose can make all the difference. At River Barrel Distributing, we take pride in partnering with exceptional beverage producers whose products stand out for their flavor, craftsmanship, and innovation. Understanding what makes these partner brands unique allows enthusiasts and business owners alike to appreciate the care and creativity behind every sip.

For beer enthusiasts, exploring the world of craft beers and local brews is an adventure filled with flavor, creativity, and discovery. But pairing these local favorites with imported brands can elevate the tasting experience to new levels. Imported beers offer unique profiles, aromas, and histories that complement the character of your hometown brews. Understanding how to combine them opens the door to memorable gatherings and sophisticated flavor pairings.

In Seattle’s fast-moving craft-beer world, staying ahead of the latest releases, trends and inventory shifts is essential. As your partner in craft-beer distribution, River Barrel Distributing offers a strategic tool created just for this – the Fresh Sheet. Our real-time beer-and-beverage inventory list, updated each Monday, simplifies and supercharges the way bars and retailers manage their taps, helping you deliver the freshest selections and drive repeat business.

At River Barrel Distributing, we’re all about helping our retail partners save time, stay organized, and keep their shelves stocked with fresh, local craft beverages.Our DSD Portal, powered by dsdlink, gives you a modern, digital way to browse products, place orders, and manage payments—all in one place.

The 2025 Washington Beer Awards brought together more than a thousand entries from across the state — and our partner breweries shined bright. We’re especially proud to celebrate Garden Path Fermentation, which earned six medals and the title of Very Small Brewery of the Year. This recognition highlights the depth of talent in Washington’s craft community and showcases what makes independent brewing so special: local ingredients, authentic processes, and creative freedom.

We’re excited to announce that River Barrel Distributing is now the Washington distribution partner for Private Landbrauerei Schönramer - one of Bavaria’s most respected lager breweries. This collaboration marks a major milestone in bringing world-class, traditional German lagers to Western Washington.

In recent years, the beverage landscape has shifted as more consumers embrace non-alcoholic and alternative options. Whether driven by health, lifestyle choices, or inclusivity, this trend is reshaping menus in bars, restaurants, and retail spaces across Western Washington. River Barrel Distributing recognizes this evolution and is committed to providing high-quality, thoughtfully curated non-alcoholic (N/A) and alternative beverages for every occasion.

When it comes to bringing fresh, high-quality beverages to taps, shelves, and tables across Western Washington, River Barrel Distributing (RBD) is the bridge between local producers and businesses. Our commitment goes beyond delivery, we uphold freshness, consistency, and a sense of community in every step, ensuring that craft beer, cider, wine, and spirits arrive exactly as the makers intended.

Washington’s craft beer scene has been thriving for years, but what truly sets it apart is the deep connection to the region’s abundant local ingredients. From the lush Yakima Valley hops to the hearty Washington wheat and even unique foraged additions from the surrounding wilderness, these elements shape the distinct flavor and identity of Washington’s craft beers

If you’re searching for fresh and flavorful options, River Barrel’s portfolio offers an impressive variety of seasonal summer craft beers designed to please every palate. From bright and citrusy IPAs to crisp lagers and tangy fruited sours, these brews are crafted to keep you refreshed and satisfied all season long.

Washington drinkers thirsty for something beyond beer will have another local option this summer. Triceratops Brewing Company, a family-owned brewery in the South Sound region, is proud to announce the return of its popular hard soda line, featuring three refreshing flavors perfect for the warmer months ahead: Blood Orange, Lemon Lime, and the award-winning Strawberry Lemonade.

Washington State is known for its love of craft beer, and retailers here have a unique opportunity to connect customers with fresh, local flavors that change with the seasons. Craft beer drinkers seek not just something cold but something timely. That’s where this seasonal beer guide comes in handy. By aligning your inventory with the Washington beer calendar, you can maximize sales, reduce waste, and build a loyal base of returning customers.

Cold chain beer distribution refers to the process of keeping beer consistently refrigerated throughout its entire supply chain—from production to storage and retail. This method is crucial for preserving the delicate flavors and aromas that define fresh craft beer. Unlike mass-produced beers, which are often pasteurized for extended shelf life, many craft beers are unpasteurized and contain live yeast. This makes them more susceptible to temperature fluctuations.

Few things compare to the refreshing taste of a perfectly chilled craft beer. Whether you're enjoying a hoppy IPA at a Seattle taproom or grabbing a seasonal ale from your favorite bottle shop, there’s a behind-the-scenes story that makes it all possible. Ever wonder how that beer made its way into your hands? At River Barrel Distributing, we specialize in craft beer logistics, ensuring that every pint poured across Washington reflects the care and passion of the brewery that

The craft beer scene in Washington continues to thrive, with new breweries emerging and established ones pushing the boundaries of flavor and innovation. Retailers need to stay on top of craft beer trends to keep their offerings fresh and aligned with consumer demands. Washington’s craft beer market is evolving, and it’s crucial for retailers to understand what trends are shaping the industry.

There's a new star on the beer scene in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s called Freight American Lager. Crafted in the heart of the Northwest, Freight Lager embodies a spirit that resonates wherever you may be. With its soft and silky malt flavor, this refreshing brew is perfect for any occasion. It's time to raise a glass to a beer that brings people together.

Excitement soared as the 10th annual Oregon Beer Awards were unveiled on April 10th at a sold-out ceremony in Revolution Hall, Portland. This year, three River Barrel breweries, Living Haus Beer Co, Hetty Alice Beers & Alesong Brewing & Blending took the spotlight, achieving remarkable recognition for their outstanding brews.

Yakima Valley, Washington, is renowned as one of the premier hop-growing regions globally. An astonishing 75% of the United States’ total hop acreage thrives in this fertile valley, creating a playground for brewing enthusiasts. Here, popular hop varieties such as Cascade, Mosaic, Amarillo, Citra, and Centennial flourish, showcasing the region's ideal conditions for exceptional brewing.