Did you know Astoria, Oregon’s Buoy Beer Company has their own Washington beer distributor that wholesales multipple Oregon brands? Established in 2020, River Barrel Distributing has quickly grown its partnerships with craft beverage brands in the Pacific Northwest and is now growing to include two new Washington born and raised brands: North Jetty Brewing and Artivem Mead.

Recently, River Barrel Distributing added Portland-based Zoiglhaus Brewing Company and Ascendant Beer Company to the portfolio.

North Jetty Brewing is a family-owned business celebrating its 8th anniversary this year. Erik and Michelle Svendsen opened their taproom on Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula in 2014 and have been brewing up a variety of unique beer styles ever since. With a new Head Brewer and a new 20bbl fermenter, the company aims to increase their production by more than 30% this year, which includes more beers to more Washington customers.

“We are very pleased to be working with River Barrel Distributing in supplying the Greater Seattle area with our beer as well as getting back into the Olympia and Tacoma area,” says Michelle Svendsen, co-owner of North Jetty Brewing. “So many people have been asking for it and we are thrilled they can now get North Jetty beers in their local bars, restaurants, and bottle shops."

North Jetty will be distributing their Honorable Mention IPA, Spirit Fingers Hazy IPA, Leadbetter Red Scottish Ale, and Semper Paratus Porter.



River Barrel is also excited to partner with its first meadery, Artivem Mead Co. Made from fermented honey, mead is commonly referred to as “honey wine” and while it’s one of the oldest alcoholic beverages, the mead industry’s popularity is just beginning.

“Artivem Mead Co. is an artisan meadery focused on making real life connections and world class mead in Bellingham, Washington,” says Carlos Bassetti, mead maker and co-founder of Artivem Mead Co. “We are thrilled to be working with the team at River Barrel Distributing. Their passion for craft products is unparalleled in the industry, and we are excited that they are helping introduce our product and brand to new people.”

Artivem takes its name from the Latin words “artis” (art) and “avem” (bird), symbolizing community and creativity. The company opened its first taproom at Bellingham’s Granary Building in 2020 where it serves meads, ciders, and pyments.

“I very much look forward to expanding my mead knowledge and representing Artivem’s newest venture in Bellingham,” says Sean Dunn. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Dunn is one of the newest members of River Barrel Distributing’s sales team and will service the South King County area. He became familiar with Buoy Beer Company when he sold it for New Seasons Market but fell in love with the brewery and the brand when he visited Astoria.

Another member joining River Barrel’s sales team is Mike Ottoboni, who will be servicing Lewis & Thurston counties. Ottoboni is originally from Olympia and began his beer career in 2015 when he launched the Icicle Brewing brand in Western Washington. He expanded his industry experience working for another local distribution company and is now excited to be part of the River Barrel team.

River Barrel Distributing serves Seattle’s King County and the Greater Western area of Pierce, Thurston, Lewis, Snohomish, Kitsap, and Grays Harbor Counties.