Eddyline Brewing Names Elite Brands New Colorado Distribution Partner
After 15 years alongside Western Distributing, the Buena Vista brewery begins its next chapter — same beer, same adventure, new partner.
BUENA VISTA, CO — May 29, 2026 — Eddyline Brewing today named Elite Brands as its new Colorado distribution partner, marking the next chapter for the 17-year-old craft brewery from the Arkansas River Valley. The transition follows the announced closure of Western Distributing, which has carried Eddyline’s beer across Colorado since the brewery first launched its 16oz 6-packs in 2011.
Western Distributing’s 15-year partnership helped Eddyline grow from a small Buena Vista brewery into one of Colorado’s most recognized independent craft brands — putting CrankYanker IPA, Epic Day IPA, and the full Eddyline lineup on shelves and behind taps from the Front Range to the mountains and the Western Slope. Eddyline will continue to honor that work as Western winds down operations.
Elite Brands assumes Eddyline’s Colorado distribution effective today, May 29, 2026, ensuring that Eddyline beers remain on shelf and on tap without interruption. Elite field representatives will begin coordinating directly with current Eddyline accounts beginning today to confirm orders, introduce themselves, and answer any transition questions.
A river, a transition, and what comes next
“An eddyline is the transition in a river where the fast current meets the calm water — it’s the moment you choose where the day’s going to take you,” said Brian England, CEO and co-owner of Eddyline Brewing. “After 15 great years with Western, we’ve come to one of those transitions. Western helped put our beer on shelves across Colorado, supported us through some big years of growth, and treated us like family. We’re grateful for every one of those years, and we wish the Western team well.”
England said the decision to partner with Elite Brands came down to fit.
“Elite is the right team to carry this work forward. They know Colorado, they respect craft, and they showed up ready to roll up their sleeves. Our beer is going to keep flowing without missing a beat, our retail partners are going to see a smooth handoff, and 17 years in, Eddyline is still in the same town, still owned by the same family, still making beers for any adventure. We’re just cranking into the next stretch of trail.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Eddyline Brewing into the Elite Brands portfolio,” said Terry Cekola, Founder and President of Elite Brands. “As one of Colorado’s most recognized and respected independent craft breweries, it’s a natural fit for our experienced team and a brand we’re proud to represent. We’re honored to carry the torch forward, support a smooth transition, and continue expanding Eddyline’s footprint throughout Colorado.”
Continuity for retailers, restaurants, and bars
Retail accounts currently carrying Eddyline products will be contacted directly by Elite Brands representatives in the days following May 29 to coordinate the transition. Eddyline’s full year-round lineup — including flagship CrankYanker IPA, Epic Day Double IPA, Grapefruit Yanker IPA, Boater Beer, Colorado State of Mind Hazy IPA, and the rest of the portfolio — will remain available without disruption.
Watershed Distribution, Eddyline’s longtime partner in its Buena Vista backyard, will continue serving its existing territory and will expand into Summit County. The Watershed team will contact those accounts directly in the days following.
Eddyline’s sales team in Buena Vista is also available directly for any account-level questions during the transition. Retailers can reach Eddyline’s distribution team at sales@eddylinebrewing.com.
About Eddyline Brewing
Founded in 2009 in Buena Vista, Colorado, Eddyline Brewing is a family-owned craft brewery rooted in the Arkansas River Valley. Best known for its flagship CrankYanker IPA — and as the brewery that pioneered 16oz craft 6-packs in Colorado — Eddyline brews beers for any adventure, from kayaking the Numbers to skinning the Sawatch. Eddyline’s roots trace to 2000, when current CEO and co-founder Brian England joined predecessor Socorro Springs Brewing as an early team member, going on to help launch the Buena Vista brewery in 2009 alongside original Eddyline founders Mic and Molley Heynekamp. England and Eddyline CFO Melissa Ridlon purchased the US operations from the Heynekamps in 2018, as the Heynekamps continued building Eddyline’s expansion in Nelson, New Zealand. Eddyline operates a taproom and 30-barrel production facility in Buena Vista and celebrates its 17th anniversary in May 2026. Beers for Any Adventure!
Web: eddylinebrewery.com | Instagram: @eddylinebrewery | Hashtag: #eddylinebrewery
About Elite Brands
Elite Brands of Colorado is an independent beverage distributor dedicated to bringing a best-in-class beverage experience to retail and hospitality partners across Colorado. Founded in 2003, Elite has built a carefully curated portfolio that spans craft beer, wine, spirits, non-alcoholic, and other emerging beverage categories. Each brand is thoughtfully evaluated by Elite’s experienced team for quality, fit, and growth potential before earning a place in the portfolio. The Elite team canvasses the state daily, proudly bringing premium beverages from neighborhood bottle shops and restaurants to stadiums, music venues, and retailers at the peaks of Colorado’s mountain resorts. For more information, visit www.elite-brands.com.
