They dazzled me with science

Equilibrium Brewery enters West Virginia.

While many small breweries dabble in alchemy, the newest small brewery to hit West Virginia’s beer shelves and taps sort of grew out of a real science lab. Equilibrium Brewery owners are committed to the science of beer making, and it is, in part, this commitment that sets them apart from many others.

A highly respected, super premium craft brewery from New York’s Hudson Valley, Equilibrium makes its first appearance in West Virginia retail this week. Now, West Virginia craft beer drinkers can discover the difference an adherence to science makes in a beer. In fact, the brewery’s tagline is Beer Balanced By Science.

Best known for their Hazy IPAs, Equilibrium Brewery began its commercial brewing journey in 2017. With co-founder Peter Oates holding a PhD in water chemistry from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the brewery quickly gained a reputation for competing with the best of the breed. While they now sell beer in 34 states and overseas too, they are still a smaller, boutique operation, producing around 15,000 barrels of beer this year.

Brought to West Virginia by distributor Mountain State Beverage, the brand should instantly compete for the top spot in Hazy IPAs available here. Just check out their ratings on Untappd (4.21 overall rating) to see the love folks in other states have for this label.

True to their passion, their beer names are all references to science. Also known for their stylish, super catchy beer labels, their cans should definitely stand out on beer specialty shop shelves.

Brands hitting WV now

The biggest portion of the beers that are opening the West Virginia market are the brewery’s core brands. Todd Lyons, Equilibrium’s general manager, explains, “We always start off our initial launches with our core beers so people get to really know our true identity — who we are and what we represent.” In West Virgina these core and better known brands include:

• Photon Pale Ale • 4.8% ABV (16-oz. cans & draft)
• MC² Double IPA • 8.0% ABV (16-oz. cans & draft)
• Wave Length IPA • 6.5% ABV (16-oz cans)
• Fluctuation Double IPA • 8.1% (16-oz. cans)
• Fractal Citra-Mosaic IPA • 6.8% ABV (16-oz. cans & draft)

The West Virginia launch also received a small supply of Equilibrium’s current specialty products. They include:

• Lucid Dream Wave DIPA (Batch 3) • 8.2% ABV (16 oz. cans & draft) — A collaboration with Brooklyn’s Other Half Brewing)
• Double Fractal Tri-Flake DIPA • 8.3% ABV (16-oz. cans & draft)

“We always try to give a nice mixture of products,” Todd says. “While we only have hazy IPAs on this drop, we’ll try to introduce more styles as time goes on.” He says Equilibrium also makes several Pastry Stouts and Farmhouse Ales.

Science is Equilibrium’s differentiator

“We have a very science based approach,” Todd says. “There’s a lot of effort put into our recipes to separate us from our competition. We strive for a specific flavor profile. A lot of people refer to that profile as EQ Juice. Our beers are known for having great mouthfeel with a juicier, more flavorful—not bitter— finish. Smooth and easy to drink.”

Todd says he looked at the West Virgina market and feels it still has room for the Hazy IPA segment to grow. “I’m hoping we’re a part off driving that growth by introducing a superior product to your market that we hope your consumers will love to drink,” he said.

He says he did a lot of research on our market and on our state’s beer distributors. That led him to select Mountain State Beverage. “They really seemed to have the structure and employee base to launch our brand.” he says. And as they now ready to open the state market he adds, “I couldn’t have been any happier with with what they all did preparing to market Equilibrium beer.”

Brought to WV by Mountain State Beverage

Mountain State Beverage’s brand manager, Zach Williams, says Equilibrium fits well into their book, as far as offering a bit different kind of beer than the other lines they handle. “We’re pumped to have this brewery,” Zach says. “Our owners jumped at the chance to get them. Their products speak for themselves.”

Zach says the beer is being launched statewide this Friday (December 16).

Look for it at craft beer bars including The Apothecary in Morgantown, Summit Beer Station and Taps at Heritage in Huntington, and 1861 Public House in Barboursville.

For purchasing 4-packs of canned product, check out Kroger in Morgantown (Suncrest), Ashton Place, and Barboursville, and independent bottle shops, such as the Wine Shop at Capitol Market, Drug Emporium and Fruth Pharmacy. More accounts may be added. Check with Mountain State Beverage to find additional sales locations.

LINKS

Equilibrium Brewery website