January 2011 - Carolina Beer & Beverage will not be selling Carolina Blonde and Cottonwood products and tastings will no longer be offered effective immediately. Kegs may be obtained from Foothills Brewery in W/S and Charlotte retailers such as Total Wine, Fruggles, Mike's Beverage, and other "Better beer stores". Blonde and Cottonwood Bottled beer are carried at many stores/restaurants- just ask for Carolina Blonde and Cottonwood. Carolina Beer & Beverage, LLC was founded in 1997 by CEO J. Michael Smith and President John Stritch. The company is the creator and maker of a dozen, high-quality, craft beers sold and distributed in five Mid-Atlantic States under the Carolina Blonde and Cottonwood Ales brands. In 2001, the company expanded its operations to offer contract packaging services after being recognized as one of the first craft breweries in the country to utilize PET packaging for its beers. Today, the company has a reputation as a world-class co-packing producer for numerous national and international beverage brands. With an emphasis on co-packing specialty-sized cans, specialty plastic bottles and glass bottles, the company's customers include the who's who in the beverage world, including makers of well known malt beverages, distilled spirits, energy drinks and other ready-to-drink beverages. The company's state-of-the-art facility in Mooresville, N.C. has a current capacity of 35 plus million cases annually, including the latest in high-speed can filling, batching, tunnel pasteurization and laboratory technologies.