Purchasing Resources for Beer Distributors

Beer Distributor Key Terms

Get in touch with beer distributor terminology
By Emily Lugg Beer distributors serve a key role in the entire beer industry. Without licensed beer distributors, there would be no regulation on buying and selling beer from the brewer to the retailer. The three-tier regulatory system allows beer distributors to sell barrels of beer at a regulated price as well as ensure that the beer is consumed responsibly. Knowing your beer distributor key terms can help you to understand the inner workings of the beer industry.

Brewing

Brewing is the actual process that the beer ingredients go through to get the finished product. The nine important factors of brewing are universal and are essential to the production of beer.
Try:  Merchant du Vin explains the traditional steps in the brewing process.

Pilsner

Pilsner, also known as pilsener or pils, is a beer that is pale in nature and is often used to refer to premium beer options. Not all pilsners have the same type of flavor profile, but they are mostly known for their strong, hoppy bitterness.
Try:  The All About Beer Magazine gives a detailed history of the pilsner.

Microbreweries

Microbreweries are smaller scale brewers and are the only ones licensed to sell their product without the middleman. Microbreweries often make specialized beers to stand out from the major commercial beer producers.
Try:  Drink Focus discusses the role of microbreweries in the beer industry.

Barrel, keg, pony-keg

A barrel refers to an amount of alcohol. Barrels in the U.S. measure 31.5 gallons. A keg is a half of a barrel, sold in 15.5 gallon increments. Kegs can also be purchased by the half, which is referred to as a pony-keg.
Try:  The Beer Advocate defines the many increments in which beer can be purchased.

Three-tier regulatory system

The three-tier regulatory system provides a regulated system in which alcohol is sold to the retailer and the consumer. This system- from the manufacturer to the distributor to the retailer-ensures fair pricing and distribution of beer around the country.
Try:  The Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois have a detailed diagram that explains how each tier works.

Hops

Hops are the cone-shaped female portion of the hop plant. Hops are the key ingredient in beer production and act to balance the sweet and the bitter basic tastes.
Try:  Botanical.com gives a complete profile of hops.

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