Clausthaler Road Trip
The people behind the brew
March 31, 2003 Periodically, the folks who bring you non-alcoholic Clausthaler Premium and Clausthaler Golden Amber take to the road to visit the people behind the brew – those unsung heroes at the warehouse, and in the stores who make sure Clausthaler is stocked, fresh and ready for your enjoyment.
National Packers Express
In March 2003 we visited the eastern warehouse and a number of accounts in Maryland, starting first with National Packers Express deep within Sopranos-land, South Kearny, N.J. Nestled between the local correctional facility and piles of empty sea-going containers, the two Jacks – Jack Wayser, president, and warehouse manager Jack Tresnicky – supervise the unloading of containers directly from Germany, and transfer to trucks that will take Clausthaler, DAB and Henninger, as far as Chicago.
Wayser says his operation is a “sophisticated mom and pop” within 11,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space. If you visit, be sure to see his collection of two dozen pencil stubs, a legacy from his brother who once worked there.
Binding’s Chief Operating Office Dilip Mehta praises National Packers, “They have serviced us since Clausthaler was first taken over by Binding in 1999. They serve as an extension of BBUSA. They understand the product and help protect it from severe heat or cold.”
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| Packing it in - The team at National Packers (left to right) Margie Candelario, Jack Wayser, Nancy Sheppard, and Jack Tresnicky. |
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| Corridor Wine & Spirits, Laurel, Md. |
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| He Shoots, He Scores with Clausthaler – Wine manager Gil Fraijo (right) started to drink Clausthaler when he was serving in Berlin for 10 years and drank it during soccer matches. Now at Corridor, he says, “Clausthaler is the better-tasting of our N.A.’s. It tastes like regular beer to me.” Stopping for a cool six-pack is Binding sales consultant Art Brzostowski. |
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| Astor Home Liquors, Laurel, Md. |
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| Three German Imports – Binding Brauerei USA’s director of marketing, Michael Heinrich, Ph. D., of Radeberger Gruppe AG in Frankfurt, came over from Germany to tour Maryland liquor stores that carry the brand. At Astor Home Liquors in Laurel, he joined two other German imports, Clausthaler and DAB Original. Astor Home Liquors general manager Angelo Delis tells us Clausthaler sells consistently well. “I’m sure many of our customers can’t drink alcohol and choose Clausthaler for its beer taste,” he says. |
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| Waugh Chapel Village, Gambrills, Md. |
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| Icy Cold – Manager Joe Gray of Waugh Chapel Village Wine & Spirits reaches for his favorite non-alcoholic brew. |
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| Metro, Crofton, Md. |
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| Nothing’s Fishy – There’s nothing fishy about Clausthaler being sold near the seafood in Metro, which is affiliated with Shopper’s Warehouse. It’s the perfect brew to enjoy with a nice place of catfish nuggets or cod fillets. That’s Binding’s Art Brzostowski on the left with Michael Heinrich of Radeberger Gruppe AG in Frankfurt. |
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| Bay Ridge Wine & Spirits, Annapolis, Md. |
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| The Responsible Choice for Sailors – People joke that Annapolis is a “drinking town with a sailing problem.” But landlubbers and sailors alike can drink Clausthaler anytime, anyplace. That’s beer manager John Cole (left) rolling out a fresh supply with Art Brzostowski of BBUSA. Cole says, “Clausthaler is one of our better-selling N.A.’s.” |
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| Among Bay Ridge’s selection of 200 imports is new DAB Original available in 5-liter mini kegs that are great for tailgate parties in a specially-designed, easy-to-pour, no-leak container. |
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| Joss Café & Sushi Bar, Annapolis, Md. |
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| There Oughta be a Law – Last we looked, Maryland is a great place to live, no doubt due to the quality of its state government. Many legislators come to Joss Café and drink Clausthaler at lunch instead of alcoholic brews. Assistant manager Brian Gove says Clausthaler outsells the domestic N.A. two to one. |
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