Press Release: Buffalo Water Beer on the Road to Vermont

Buffalo Water Beer on the Road to Vermont

MILWAUKEE, WI, September 17, 2010. . . The first semi-load of cases and kegs of Buffalo Water Beer Company’s Bison Blonde all-malt lager leaves today for the green mountains of Vermont, to quench the thirst of some of America’s most serious craft beer drinkers.

“The citizens of Vermont know good beer,” said Craig Peterson, founder and CEO of Milwaukee’s Buffalo Water Beer Company. “Per capita, Vermont has more craft breweries than any other state in the nation, and the customers are appreciative of a good product. That’s why we chose Vermont as the first market outside of Wisconsin to introduce our beer.”

Buffalo Water Bison Blonde has been rated the best American style pale lager in the world, and for the last two years has won the silver medal at the Kohler International Beer Festival in Kohler, Wisconsin.

“Ratings and awards are nice,” said Peterson, “but what really puts a smile on my face is the reaction of the beer drinker who tries Bison Blonde for the first time and says it’s their favorite beer. I love making a product people enjoy and being a part of their life experience. Whether it’s enjoying a cold beer in front of the television, watching football with a plate of hot wings, or sharing a conversation with friends at a local pub. Our beer becomes part of their experience. And that’s my reward.”

Peterson said he admired the fierce independence of the customers he’s met in Vermont and believed that’s why craft beers do so well in the state. “The folks I’ve met don’t seem to follow the traditional pattern of just buying the products they see advertised during half-time. Just like a good Vermont cheese, they know handcrafted products, quality ingredients, passion and hard work make spectacular products. And coming from Wisconsin, I can say Vermont cheese is the only cheese we respect.”

Buffalo Water Beer Company was formed in 2007, when Peterson moved his offices to the intersection of Buffalo and Water Street in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward. There the idea for Buffalo Water Beer originated. That summer Peterson designed a beer to compliment Buffalo wings and spicy foods, and Bison Blonde has been a Wisconsin a local favorite ever since. “It was a tough job sampling different beers to come up with just the right recipe to complement a plate of nuclear wings. But someone had to take the bullet for the beer drinkers of America, and I guess that was me.”

Buffalo Water has retained Capital Candy of Barre, Vermont as the company’s wholesaler for the state. “The moment we met the owners and sales staff of Capital Candy we knew they were our team,” said Peterson. “ They are solid, hard working, dependable and honest. We are honored to have them represent us and our products.”

Peterson said he plans on spending a lot of time in Vermont. “I’ve earned a reputation in Wisconsin as the hardest working man in the beer industry. I want to earn the respect and business from the people of Vermont and will work hard to prove it to them. And I can’t wait to meet those two famous ice cream makers from Vermont. I think I have a great concept for a new favor.”

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Press Release: BUFFALO WATER BEER ON THE ROAD TO BUFFALO, NY

CONTACT:

Jodi Puetz
Zigman Joseph Stephenson, Inc.
(414) 978-8024 (o)
(414) 708-4064 (c)

Or

Craig Peterson
Buffalo Water Beer Company
(414) 614-4680

BUFFALO WATER BEER ON THE ROAD TO BUFFALO, NY

Milwaukee, WI, July 21, 2010 . . . . The founder of Buffalo Water Beer Company, brewer of Bison Blonde all malt lager, is on the road to Buffalo, New York to begin planning the launch of its flagship beer in the city synonymous for Buffalo wings and high quality craft beers.

Buffalo Water Beer Company was formed in 2007, after founder Craig Peterson, then a lobbyist for the Wisconsin’s Brewer’s Guild, moved his offices to the corner of Buffalo and Water Streets. “An intersection was our inspiration,” said Peterson. “One of my brewing clients said ‘Buffalo Water,’ what a great name for a beer. Oh, and by the way, the number one finger food throughout America is the Buffalo Wing.”

That summer, Peterson and his team sat down with plates of nuclear hot wings and formulated a beer designed for spicy foods. “You would never guess it would be difficult to build a beer around Buffalo wings, but you don’t want a recipe that’s too heavy, dark or hoppy. It took weeks of testing and the occasional headache, but someone had to take the bullet for America’s wing lovers.”

“Since we began brewing, Buffalo Water Bison Blonde has been one of the highest rated pale lagers in world,” said Peterson. The beer company founder also noted, in a state famous for breweries, Buffalo Water is the only Wisconsin beer company to ever win an award at the prestigious Kohler Beer Festival in Kohler, Wisconsin, where beers from throughout the world are sampled and judged by the public. “Winning the silver medal two years in row is flattering and humbling. Especially when competing against beers like Chamey and Duvel, and many of America’s top craft brewers. I’m just fortunate to be able to stand on the shoulders of the brewers who built Wisconsin into one of the country’s top craft beer states.”

Peterson said the trip to Buffalo and other Upstate New York cities was much like a scouting expedition. “We want to meet the customers, the hardworking hospitality workers and the people who can bring our beer to market. Buffalo, New York and Milwaukee, Wisconsin are similar in so many ways. A hard work ethic, dedication to family and community and a love of good beer with friends, is just one of the many things our communities have in common. And we can’t forget the weather.”

Noting both Buffalo and Milwaukee are port cities, are about the same size, have similar urban issues and assets, and diverse ethnic populations, Peterson said it’s no coincidence the Buffalo Street his operations are located on is named after Buffalo, New York and not the animal. “Over one hundred years ago our cities shared a common bond. I’d like to think we can bring our cities a little closer together by sharing a nice cold Buffalo Water beer and plate of authentic Buffalo wings.”

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Ryan Wickens
Marketing Communications Specialist

Buffalo Water Beer Company
309 N Water Street, Suite 315
Milwaukee, WI 53202

414.978.8013 (office)
414.801.8970 (cell)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Buffalo Water Bison Blonde Lager Takes
2^nd Place at Kohler Festival of Beer

Buffalo Water Beer Company's Bison Blonde All-Malt Lager Beer took the Silver Medal at the Inaugural 2009 Kohler Festival of Beer "Cheers to Beers Grand Tasting Event," held Memorial Day weekend, May 22-23, 2009 at the Kohler Design Center, Kohler, WI.

"Beer is the drink of the people, and this People's Choice recognition shows that Bison Blonde is a beer people like," said Buffalo Water Founder and President Craig Peterson. "I am proud this distinction was bestowed by the judges we value most - the everyday folks who sit on the bench of public opinion."

"I am especially honored this award was earned at the first-ever Kohler beer festival, where over 20 breweries presented over 93 different beers. It is great to be associated with such a prestigious event and venue," Peterson added.

HISTORY OF BUFFALO WATER

The Milwaukee-based beer company was organized late in 2007 to create a classic brew to complement Buffalo Wings, America's most popular leisure food. Founder Craig Peterson decided a craft-brewed all-malt lager beer would be the most satisfying match for the spicy finger food. The first batch of Bison Blonde was produced early in 2008 and released to the public that February at the 10^th Annual Milwaukee Public Museum Food and Froth Fest, where it won immediate acceptance.

Following the successful debut, Peterson embarked on his trademark sampling events, where potential customers can try Bison Blonde before they buy at off-premise and on-premise accounts.

"People like to know the people who make their beer," Peterson said. "And at Buffalo Water we like to know the people who drink our beer. That's why this honor is so important to us. It comes straight from the people."

A 150-YEAR OLD BUSINESS PLAN

Peterson likes to joke that he operates from a 150-year old business plan.

It happens to be funny - but true.

"I wanted to create a craft-brewed beer that was true to the inspiration of Milwaukee's early brewing giants like Fred, Joseph, Philip and Val. People told me they wanted to try a craft beer they could enjoy time and time again.

"We've seen so much growth and innovation in the craft beer segment that the public is sometimes confused about the basics. I thought, ‘let's make a beer that tastes like a beer,' and that's how our All-Malt Lager came to be," Peterson said.

According to Laurie Turner, Special Events Coordinator at Woodlake Market, Kohler, the official winning beers based on attendee voting were as follows:

First place - Blucreek Brewing / Wild Blueberry Ale
Second place - Buffalo Water Beer Company / Bison Blonde Lager
Third place - Unibroue / Don de Dieu

"I think the public's choice for the top three finishers at the Kohler Festival of Beer reveals that discerning beer drinkers like to balance a respect for tradition with a quest for innovation. That's the American way, and I'm proud to be part of it," Peterson said.

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