Growth Report 2: Penguin City Brews Distribution Deal

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Penguin City Brewing Co. started 2023 by entering a distribution contract with Heidelberg Distributing for the state of Ohio.

The brewery in downtown Youngstown also put two seasonal beers on the market – Honey Dark Lager and Holy Cannoli – and introduced its St. Patrick’s Day and Golf tribute cans, says co-owner Aspasia Lyras Bernacki.

Penguin City beers became available in Walmart stores last year. Penguin City Beer is now sold in more than 500 locations in the Mahoning Valley, Lorain, Cleveland, Columbus, western Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

In early March, the brewery will introduce a variety pack. Its Mexican Lime Lager will become available in cans and kegs in April, Lyras Bernacki says.

Penguin City brewed 1,800 barrels in 2023, she adds. 

A new fermenter will be installed this spring, that will allow the company to expand its output by 60 barrels.

The taproom was the scene of many public events in 2023, including Mahoning Valley Irish Fest, Oktoberfest, Pride, Picklefest, fundraisers and a pug fest.

Two highlights were a massive St. Patrick’s Day party, and the final performance of polka legend Del Sinchak on New Year’s Eve.

The parking lot was paved last year. The $175,000 project got a boost from a $20,000 grant from Valley Partners, according to Lryas Bernacki.

The brewery received Youngstown Cityscape’s Beautification award and the Mahoning Valley Historical Society’s Commercial Revitalization award last year.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.