One of the largest cideries in the country, Schilling Cider, has filed a civil complaint against its longtime partner Incline Cider, claiming its fellow WA-based cider company breached a “recipe agreement” in its attempt to move production of Incline’s offerings away from Schilling. 

Brewbound senior reporter Zoe Licata dove into the court documents, which include hefty debates over the definition of a “recipe” and details on the leadup to Schilling’s filing. Insiders are getting the full scoop, including comments from all the parties involved. 

In today’s full version of the Brewbound Newsletter and on Brewbound.com, Insiders are also reading about:

• Ballast Point’s new investors;
• Scout’s final distribution divestment;
• Good Boy Vodka’s new California network;
• And North Coast’s new sales chief.

Insiders also have access to the Brewbound Newsletter Archive, including previous newsletter-exclusive Insider content.

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A legal dispute between 2 Pacific Northwest cider brands is bringing into question what defines a “recipe” and how airtight – and specific – agreements between bev-alc brands and their manufacturing partners need to be. 

Schilling Cider has filed a civil complaint against Incline Cider and its parent company Compass Brands, LLC, alleging Incline breached contracts – including a 2019 “recipe agreement” – and shared confidential information with a competitor. The suit was filed July 2 in the King County Superior Court in Washington. 

Schilling has been the exclusive producer of Incline’s hard ciders since the latter's inception in 2015. Disputes between the 2 companies first arose in mid-June, when Incline informed Schilling it would be moving production to “a competing manufacturer and seller” – later revealed to be Great Frontier Holdings-owned Ninkasi (Eugene, OR) – which Schilling believes would violate the recipe agreement. 

Incline has disputed these claims, stating that the recipe agreement is not enforceable, and alleging that Incline does not have enough knowledge of the recipes – including details on the cider base or specific ingredient measurements – to be able to share them with a 3rd party.

Insiders can read more, including details on the recipe agreement, the events that led up to Schilling’s civil complaint, why Incline believes Schilling’s actions are ‘litigation gamesmanship” and Schilling’s new plans for the “recipes” in question. 

Representatives of Uncle Nearest were in court last week fighting to retain control of the whiskey brand’s operations as its lender seeks the appointment of a receiver as the company has fallen into default on $108 million in loans.

BevNET spirits editor Ferron Salniker joins the Brewbound Podcast to share the latest on the case, including arguments made in court last week in favor of CEO Fawn Weaver remaining in charge, a gag order on comments to the media and on social channels and the timeline for a judge’s ruling.

Plus, the Brewbound team discusses aluminum can producer Ball Corporation cutting back on beer in its mix, and Boston Beer’s plans to shut down its Truly Hard Seltzer taproom in Los Angeles and sell the Angel City craft beer brand, as well as close its downtown LA taproom. 

Justin, Jess, Zoe and Ferron also play Another Round or Tabbing Out on whether the attention the Spaghett – a bottle of Miller High Life with aperol and lemon juice added – is warranted. 

Listen here or on your preferred podcast platform. 

Ballast Point has new, local investors in its ownership group, San Diego Beer News reported. Hospitality force RMD Group and boutique investment firm Cypress Ascendant have taken shares in the brewery, and the investors who facilitated the bombshell acquisition of Ballast Point from Constellation Brands in 2019 have exited. 

Insiders can catch up on Ballast Point’s 10-year journey, including a look at volume declines and the offloading of major production facilities, as well as read more about its new investors.

The Idaho JV between Scout Distribution and Columbia Distributing is being sold to Hayden Beverage Company, the companies shared Wednesday.

Insiders can read statements from all of the principals in the deal, a recap of Scout's recent moves and get a picture of their respective portfolios.

Breakout RTD brand Good Boy Vodka will move its CA distribution to California Beverage Solution (CBS) this month, the companies announced Wednesday.

Insiders can read more here.

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey faces an uncertain future as a judge weighs its lender’s request for a receiver to seize control of the company’s operations.

The parties made their cases in court on August 7, with federal Judge Charles Atchley Jr. expected to rule on the motion “quickly.”

Insiders can go deeper into the case, including Uncle Nearest’s response to the lawsuit, an explainer on what would happen if a receiver did take over operations and much more.

Brewbound Live takes place in Marina del Rey, CA on December 10+11, and the official Marriott hotel block is now available. Staying on-site means you’re just steps away from panel discussions, beer tastings, and connection-building with top industry leaders.

Secure your spot early, register now to access the room block and save $100 with early registration.