The Hidden Side of Beer: From Control States to Distribution Challenges

When most people think of craft beer, they picture hops, malt, and the creative energy that goes into every new release. But behind every pint lies a far more complicated story — one shaped by regulations, logistics, and a patchwork of laws that determine where beer can and can’t be sold.

In two recent episodes of The Craft Equation, we explored the systems that define how beer moves - or doesn’t - across the country: alcohol control states and beer distribution challenges. Together, they reveal the unseen forces that shape the modern craft beer landscape.

In “License to Pour: Alcohol Control States Explained,” we sat down down with Jeremy Pisca, a government affairs expert and partner at Risch Pisca Law & Policy, to explain why some states still control alcohol sales nearly a century after Prohibition. The episode dives into the history of how these systems came to be, how they operate today, and what their existence means for breweries, retailers, and drinkers. It’s an insightful look at the balance between regulation and access, and why no two states play by the same rules.

The follow-up episode, “The Problem with Distribution” features Kevin Hopkins, VP at Mother Earth Brew Co., and Rich Collins, an industry veteran with time at Stone Brewing, Maui Brewing, and Modern Times Beer. They pull back the curtain on the complex world of distribution, including the relationships, regulations, and realities that determine what ends up on store shelves. From competition for limited shelf space to the cost of expanding into new markets, Kevin and Rich share firsthand insight into why distribution might be the toughest part of running a brewery.

For drinkers, these conversations explain why your favorite local beer isn’t always easy to find outside its home market. For breweries, they serve as a candid guide to navigating two of the biggest challenges in the business. Together, these episodes remind us that the craft beer journey doesn’t end when the fermentation tanks empty — it’s just getting started.

Listen to both episodes of The Craft Equation wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the full conversations on YouTube.

🎧 Listen now: https://motherearthbrewco.podbean.com/

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@motherearthbrewco