America’s Most Influential Beer Importer Is Going Out of Business

Even if you aren't familiar with Shelton Brothers, you likely know their beers.Since 1996, they have been introducing Americans to products from some of Europe's most acclaimed brewers.Cantillon, Drie Fonteinen, Fantome, and Cloudwater are just a few of the over 100 breweries listed on their website.But it appears Shelton Brothers—at least as the brother-owned importer it is today—will soon be no more.The company's bank, Berkshire Bank, plans to seize the importer's assets to cover their extensive debts.And at this point, the company has reportedly already laid off 25 members of its staff.Ironically, Shelton Brothers, which opened up drinkers' palates with their imports, helped start the craft beer revolution.And many industry experts suspect that the rise of craft beers could be largely responsible for Shelton Brothers' plight