Me with Dogfish Head Brewery founder Sam Calagione (left) in June 2010—back when he and I and Tennessee were all smiles.

I’ve just been dumped. Or at least that’s how I feel today, after learning via Twitter last night that Dogfish Head Craft Brewery is ceasing distribution to Tennessee (as well as some other states).

I received the bad news in the form of a tweet from Midtown Wine & Spirits‘ Janet Timmons: “BREAKING NEWS for fans of Dogfish Head- @midtownwine just learned they have ceased distribution to TN….” Dogfish Head founder Sam Calagione confirmed the report via a blog post on his brewery’s website today.

As someone who adores Dogfish Head’s famed 90-Minute IPA as well as its Burton Baton and Palo Santo Marron, I’m kinda crushed by the fact that the brewery’s lineup will no longer be readily available just up the street. I have an affinity for Dogfish Head. It was my first “favorite” brewery and still ranks right up there for me. I’ve received a tour of the Milton, Del., brewing facilities from Sam Calagione himself and hitched a ride to Avery Brewing Company with his amiable wife, Mariah, during the 2010 Beer Bloggers Conference in Boulder, Colo. Like many folks in the craft beer world, they’re people you want to support.

Yet, like a spurned lover, I can’t help but wonder what else I could have done.

“Please come back, baby. I’ll try harder next time.”

I’m kidding around a bit here; certainly there are much more pressing issues in the world than beer availability. But as a consumer, it is really disappointing when access to your favorite products—incidentally, products designed to help you escape from all the pressing issues—are restricted. I understand that the brewery’s braintrust has sound reasons for making such moves and as I said before, I want nothing but success for the people behind the brand.

Still, it’s no fun being dumped.

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