How Your Favorite Alcoholic Beverages Are Distributed

The United States has a three tier system for alcohol distribution, which entails a producer of alcohol selling the goods to a distributor, who then sells the goods to a retailer. The retailer then sells the alcohol when it is ordered at the bar or restaurant. Knowing how your favorite alcoholic beverages are distributed for sale and dispensed is an interesting subject.

Kegs, cans and bottles

Beer, both domestic and imported, is the main type of alcohol distributed in the United States. Typically, a distributor sends the beer to retailers; however, there are also breweries and pubs that make their own beer and sell it directly to customers. Once at the bar, the beer is then dispensed in various ways. Some bars offer beer on tap, which is usually a cask or keg that has a line up to a tap. Most bars and restaurants also offer a range of canned and bottled beers as well.

By the bottle or the glass

Wine is another favorite alcohol sold in bars and restaurants. Most establishments allow you to purchase wine by the glass, which is more expensive, or by the bottle. Typically, distribution companies import the wine from Italy, France and other areas. Domestic wine is usually distributed by the winemaker, especially for smaller vineyards, or by a larger company that sells multiple brands.

Shots and mixed drinks

Other forms of hard alcohol, such as tequila, vodka and rum, are usually dispensed at a bar through a shot glass or a mixed drink. Most bartenders keep these bottles near the bar for you to see and order your favorite brand. Similar to beer and wine, hard alcohol is usually sold by the maker to a distributor, who then sells the bottles to the retailer.

Almost all producers of alcohol have deals with distributors, which ensure that there are not competing distributors in one area. Usually, alcohol sold by the producer directly is less expensive compared to that sold through distributors and then to retailers. Finding these types of places, such as breweries and small vineyards, can save you some money on your next alcohol purchase.