Eastside Distilling Kicks Off Sales in California with Order by National Distributor

  PORTLAND, OR - 04/21/2016 (PRESS RELEASE JET)

Eastside Distilling, Inc. (OTCQB: ESDI), a producer of award-winning master-crafted spirits, has received approval for liquor sales in California and has now begun offering it full portfolio of master crafted spirits in the state.

A national distributor operating in California has placed initial orders that include Eastside’s award winning Burnside Bourbon and Barrel Hitch American Whiskey.  

California is the nation’s top liquor consumption state, with sales in excess of 25 million cases annually. The state represents approximately 12% of the $60 billion U.S. spirits marketplace, making it the largest state liquor market in the country.

Burnside Bourbon is a straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 96 proof, giving it a “bit more kick” than other bourbons. While it is great for sipping straight, it also has solid cinnamon and oak flavors making it ideal for mixing cocktails where bourbon is the central focus. The bourbon category has been experiencing tremendous growth nationwide, with a 6% increase in sales volume in 2015 generating supplier revenue of $2.5 billion.

The prestigious Beverage Tasting Institute awarded Burnside Bourbon a Gold Medal along with a 90 point “Exceptional” rating. Burnside also won gold at the 2012 Micro Liquor Spirit Awards.

Bottled at 80 proof, Barrel Hitch American Whiskey hits the mark with a smooth body, toasted oak and hints of green apple and vanilla. Its remarkable flavor profile is the result of a meticulous blending process of carefully selected finished whiskey sources. Every source contributes a unique scent, flavor, mouth feel and color that is expertly balanced for consistency and quality. Eastside’s spirit crafting process represents the true marriage of art and science. 

Barrel Hitch American Whiskey was awarded a Triple Gold Medal for ‘Best in Show’ and a Bronze Medal for packaging design by the MicroLiquor Spirit Awards in 2015. Eastside’s other award-winning spirits include Portland Potato Vodka, Below Deck Spiced Rum and Cherry Bomb Whiskey.

“As the top liquor consumption state in the nation, California clearly represents a major market opportunity for our full line of craft spirits,” said Eastside Distilling CEO, Steven Earles. “California marks the 16^th state where we are now distributing our portfolio of spirits, and we look forward to actively grow this market as we continue to build out our national sales channels.”

About Eastside Distilling

Eastside Distilling, Inc. (OTCQB: ESDI) is located in Southeast Portland’s Distillery Row, and has been producing high-quality, master crafted spirits since 2008. Makers of award winning spirits, the company is unique in the marketplace and distinguished by its highly decorated product line-up that includes Barrel Hitch American Whiskies, Burnside Bourbon, Below Deck Rums, Portland Potato Vodka, and a distinctive line of infused whiskeys. All Eastside spirits are master crafted from natural ingredients for unparalleled quality and taste. The company is publicly traded under the symbol OTCQB: ESDI. For more information visit: www.eastsidedistilling.com

Forward-Looking Statements           

Certain matters discussed in this press release may be forward-looking statements.  Such matters involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the following: changes in economic conditions; general competitive factors; the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern; acceptance of the Company's products in the market; the Company's success in obtaining new customers; the Company’s ability to obtain additional capital, the Company's success in product development; the Company's ability to execute its business model and strategic plans; the Company's success in integrating acquired entities and assets, and all the risks and related information described from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including the financial statements and related information contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 13, 2016  Examples of forward-looking statements in this release may include statements related to our strategic focus, product verticals, anticipated revenue and profitability.  The Company assumes no obligation to update the cautionary information in this release.