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OWNERS OF BARLEY MOW BREWING TO CEASE DISTRIBUTION; LAUNCHING NEW BREWERY

July 14, 2017, Largo, FL: Jay and Colleen Dingman, owners of Barley Mow Brewing Company, have announced that they are launching a new brewery and will cease distribution of the Barley Mow branded beers across the state of Florida. 

Earlier this year, the couple celebrated the Grand Opening of The Raven Brewery & Eatery on East Bay Street, about two miles down the road from the Barley Mow brewery on West Bay Street.  According to a statement issued today, however, "having two breweries wasn’t enough for these driven entrepreneurs. They’ve recently begun working on their third project, Sea Drift Ales & Lagers." 

Sea Drift 30-barrel brewhouse
(photo courtesy of Sea Drift Ales & Lagers)

The Dingmans decided to discontinue distribution of the Barley Mow brands in order to proceed with the new project. "It will be a little strange to no longer see Barley Mow beer out in the market, but I’m excited about what we’re putting together,” says Jay. With Sea Drift, they will create a "true craft brand that was specifically designed with the Gulf Coast lifestyle in mind."  As of now, the only details being released are that the Sea Drift branding will feature a “Florida Nautical” style, and the new brewery - with a 30-barrel brewhouse - plans a summer release of three core brands: Sea Drift Pils, All Hands IPA, and Dark Harbor Mocha Stout. 

Beginning July 15, all Barley Mow brands will be sold only at the original location on West Bay Street (including core beers Maven Milk Stout, Unkindness Black IPA, Americana Golden Ale, Quackalope IPA). The Tavern will continue to operate, notwithstanding that the land has been sold to a developer. “While it is true that the 500 block of West Bay Drive is slated for redevelopment, that project is not scheduled to begin for at least a year,” adds Jay.  Barley Mow has roughly a year to relocate. That said, the brewery is working on its 5th Year Anniversary Party, named "Five Years of Blood, Sweat, and Cheers."  The Anniversary events will run four days, beginning Thursday, July 20, at the Barley Mow Tavern and The Raven locations.

Expect more details about Sea Drift Ales & Lagers to be forthcoming. 

Cheers,
Linda Johnson, 
Certified Cicerone®