Blog : Starcut News

Elk Rapids, Mich. – Starcut Ciders and Beaches Hard Seltzer, two separate divisions of Short’s Brewing Company, are now available in Tennessee for purchase. Distributed by Tennessee Craft Distributors (TCD) out of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, this is the ninth state to receive shipments of these Northern Michigan brands.

“We started as beer distributors, and have been continually impressed with the creativity of the next generation of craft beverages. We’re excited to bring Starcut and Beaches to the Nashville market and believe the brands align with our ethos of growing brands, retailers, and relationships by delivering liquid art.” Says Ed Muranyi, owner and head beer dude of TCD.

Starcut Cider was originally introduced at Short’s pub in late 2014. Starcut Ciders was born out of a passion to create high quality and innovative hard cider that focused on the flavor produced by real ingredients. It is brewed with apples from their home state of Michigan without backsweetening, so any sweetness comes directly from the apples. Short’s began distribution of this new division in 2015.

Starcut Ciders will begin distribution with three flagship varieties; Octorock, a semi-sweet hard cider, Pulsar, a dry hard cider, and M osa, a mimosa inspired cider, and a variety pack that features the three flagships, plus one rotating seasonal flavor.

Beaches Hard Seltzer was introduced in October of 2019. The brewery approached making hard seltzer with a focus on manipulating ingredients and the process, producing something unique that pushes the flavors and boundaries of the category with their cocktail-inspired variety pack, which includes mojito, margarita, paloma, and piña colada hard seltzers.

Beaches Hard Seltzer will begin distribution with this cocktail-inspired variety pack.

Tennessee Craft Distributors (TCD) grew out of a passion for beer and is on a mission to provide the American consumer diverse choices when it comes to beverages.

“TCD is a great fit for our brands” says Pauline Knighton-Prueter, CSO at Short’s. “We’re excited to have such a great partner in the Nashville area who specializes in smaller craft brands like ours and is dedicated to helping us succeed! We know our products are in good hands.”

Short’s Brewing Co along with Starcut Ciders, and Beaches Hard Seltzer, is now available in New York City and Long Island for purchase. Distributed by S.K.I Beer Distributors, based out of Brooklyn, New York is the tenth state to receive shipments of the Northern Michigan brands.

Founded in 1987 by Ralph Mauriello and Charlie Yim, S.K.I. Beer has grown from 10 employees to over 250. They pride themselves on a hands-on approach to sales and their deep relationships with accounts in their region.

“The S.K.I. approach to brand building and their deep knowledge of New York and the surrounding boroughs was what initially sparked our interest in partnering with their team, as well as their focus on craft brands.” Said Pauline Knighton-Prueter, CSO at Short’s. “The SKI leadership team is enthusiastic, focused, and well organized. East coast distribution is new for us, but we are in good hands with the SKI team and we are ready for this adventure!”

At first, the plan is to release flagship products to market, and bring in specialty and seasonal beers and ciders over time.

“Initially, we need to build consumer trust. We’ve found that the best way to do that is to focus our flagship offerings because of their year-round availability.” Knighton-Prueter remarked.

That means starting in July, New Yorkers will be able to find Local’s Light American Lager, Huma Lupa Licious IPA, and Soft Parade fruit ale from the Short’s beer line along with Starcut Cider’s Pulsar, Octorock, and Mosa, and a cocktail-inspired hard seltzer variety pack which features flavors like Mojito and Piña Colada from the hard seltzer brand Beaches.

“We think these products are a perfect fit for our market, New Yorkers love craft. At its price point, Local’s Light is a home run for anyone with a macro-domestic lager line and the Mosa cider is a no brainer for anyone serving Mimosas. Beaches Hard Seltzer will be our exclusive seltzer offering for Long Island, and with summer heating up the timing couldn’t be better. The Short’s team is making our jobs very easy.” said Paul Catalano, General Manager of Off Premise for S.K.I. Beer Distributors.