Peak Organic Brewing & Manhattan Beer Distributors Forge a Clean Way to a Cold One

06/12/07 Manhattan Beer Distributors, New York's energy-efficient beverage distribution pioneer, and Peak Organic Brewing, makers of hand-crafted, certified organic ales in Portland, ME, have joined forces to bring New York beer lovers a clean way to a cold one.

"This is an opportunity for folks in metro New York to celebrate with a delicious, sustainable toast." said Jon Cadoux, the passionate craft beer brewer who founded Peak Organic Brewing. "The business community has a long way to go in terms of environmental sustainability, ourselves included. But we salute companies that are taking real steps toward that goal. We are proud to be distributed via the pioneering, energy efficient practices of Manhattan Beer Distributors."

Ten percent of Manhattan Beer's fleet of 300 delivery trucks have been retrofitted to operate on compressed natural gas (CNG) through state grants totaling more than $1 million. The trucks deliver Peak Organic Beer and other brands to the five boroughs of New York City, all of Long Island and seven counties north of New York City. The company also has sustainable systems installed at its Brooklyn, NY refueling station.

Said Mike McCarthy, Sr. VP of Operations for Manhattan Beer Distributors, "Our retrofitted trucks have the same performance and fuel economy as our other trucks, but none of the harmful diesel emissions." McCarthy noted that Manhattan Beer Distributors received its first round of emissions funding in 2002 to retrofit 15 trucks with CNG engines and to build its first CNG refueling station at its South Bronx location.

"Combined emissions reduction from Manhattan Beer's 30 CNG delivery trucks is estimated, over ten years of operation, to lower vehicle pollution in New York by 227 tons, eliminate the need for 700 oil changes, displace an estimated 601,423 gallons of diesel fuel and decreased engine noise by 90 percent," said McCarthy.

One of America's very first organic brewing companies, Peak Organic is made with the highest quality ingredients and has been receiving many accolades lately. "Peak Organic Beer tastes delicious because it is organic. It's craft brewed with only the purest organic ingredients that are grown without toxic and persistent pesticides, chemical fertilizers and fungicides. The absence of these toxins makes our beer tastier and more enjoyable for people and the planet. Healthier soil grows tastier barley and hops," says Cadoux. "By supporting organic agriculture, we believe that we can make the most delicious beer possible and feel good about the positive environmental contribution we are making." explained Cadoux. Peak also partners with and supports organizations like Farm Aid, the Chefs Collaborative, Slow Foods, the Organic Trade Association, Maine Organic Farmers and Growers Association, the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Surfrider Foundation.

Peak is available in three flavors, all of which are based on Peak's old homebrewing recipes: Pale Ale, complex and hoppy; Nut Brown Ale, smooth with a nutty finish; and Amber Ale, lively with a subtle toasted character. Look for innovative new flavors from Peak this coming year. "Our goal this year is to release some styles that are completely new to the craft brewing scene, all using unique certified organic ingredients" said Cadoux.

In New York, Peak's hand-crafted ales can be found in many fine locations including Danny Meyer's restaurants, The Room in Soho, Bubby's Pie Co. in TriBeCa, Lil' Frankie's Pizza in the East Village, Dylan Prime in TriBeCa, Beast in Prospect Heights, the Brazen Head in Cobble Hill, as well as many high-end grocers and bodegas. Said Mike Cadoux, who manages the New York Metro area, "Peak has really been embraced by the community here. People who value gourmet products made with sustainably sourced ingredients have gravitated towards our hand-crafted ales."

Peak started as avid homebrewers in 1998. Over the course of many years brewing, an interest developed in organic products, realizing that they were increasingly more delicious than their conventional counterparts. Organic barley and hops were used in the brews and the taste of the beer was enhanced dramatically. At that point, the mission of Peak became clear, to mesh a passion for the environment with a love for making delicious craft beer. The beer is brewed and bottled in Portland, Maine, and the company has offices in both Maine and Massachusetts.

Appealing to a dynamic, active and health-oriented crowd, Peak Organic invites its customers to come to its website (www.peakbrewing.com) and share photos of their peak experiences in life. Site visitors rate the stories and photos customers post, and the most popular ones end up on the bottle or six-pack containers. "Peak Organic Beer is all about celebration," said Cadoux. "People really enjoy hearing about the peak experiences of others. We want to spread that positive sense of connection."

Organic beer is well positioned for growth, according to the Organic Trade Association (www.ota.com). Organics has become a $13 billion industry and represents one of the fastest growing segments of America's food and beverage category. "People are realizing that they can enjoy a superb craft beer made with organic ingredients, while supporting a cleaner environment. It's really a win-win," said Cadoux.