Shelton Bros no longer in MI?

Holy schneikies that stinks. Hope they don't plan on pulling out of any other markets anytime soon

 

They're not in St. Louis either. No Westy 12 when it comes out.

 

Aw man, that sucks. Has Shelton Bros confirmed it?

Though, there's not much they distribute that I buy with any regularity, I think. Looking through their portfolio (does anyone know if that list is complete?), it seems like the really good stuff rarely/never makes it to stores around here anyway, so maybe their pulling out won't change much for me. It's not like we're hurting for good beer

 

So what happens to the JP distro in our state? How does that all play out?

 

i assume JP will have to sign with a different distributor. I don't know the legal/business hangups of that though.

 

I'm disappointed that they've pulled out of the state completely but they've pretty much been flipping us the proverbial bird for at least a year. Next to no Cantillon or De Struise. Occasional shipments of Drie Fonteinen, Fantome, De Molen ect. ect. The only stuff they seemed to send consistantly was Mikkeller and even then we missed out on a lot of the barrel treatments and what have you.

 

They just switched distributors here in Chicagoland too... and with the whole New York mess they are tied up with it sure doesn't seem like they are making any friends.

 

Yep..it's true..true enough we have some great brews right here in the USA..now and then would be nice to enjoy a import.

 

This does not affect Jolly Pumpkin distribution in Michigan. They only deal with Shelton for out-of-state markets, but ship direct to their Michigan wholesalers.
The issue had to do with Shelton Brothers relationship with their Michigan wholesaler, Arbor Beverage...they don't get along with one another. Due to liquor laws in MI, that means Shelton brands have to remain out of the market for a minimum of 12 months before they can sign with a new network of wholesalers, unless the individual brands want to start shopping direct to Michigan wholesalers.
This has been building for awhile. W have not had a Shelton shipment into MI since November...not sure when the official word came down to the wholesaler regarding a contract dissolution.

 

Seems Shelton has issues with many wholesalers ...not only in Michigan...the Shelton lack of giving a shit has been going on for years...there reputation in my opinion is hardly one of consistency..the other Mi wholesaler thru there hands up a few years back because of all the bs they had to deal with ......

 

not taking away from the the shelton portfolio..of course they import some wonderful beers..but if they don't want to ship it then what a guy to do? Trust me Mi is not the only state that has been if you will kicked to the curb..

 

Besides Peche Mortel, I have never seen any of these on a shelf in Michigan. Ever.

 

If you had gone to a store that has a good variety of imported beer, you would have seen some of the Belgian or German varieties. Merchants or Cloverleaf come to mind. Even the store by me had Fantome a few years back - we bought many.

 

Merchants,Holiday,Plum, Beer Baron,8 Degree Plato,just to mention a few...the beers will be missed

 

yep.

 

Dammit! Not real thrilled about not having a shot at a Westy 12 brick, or that there will be no more Dieu du Ciel. Sucks.