Iowa Craft Powerhouse: Mississippi River Distilling Company Joins Forces with Parallel Brewery Collective

LeClaire, Iowa – April 1, 2025 – Four of Iowa’s leading craft beverage brands are joining forces to deliver the best of Iowa craft to more shelves, bars, and consumers. Mississippi River Distilling Company is proud to announce it is becoming a full member of the Parallel Brewery Collective—a collaborative partnership with SingleSpeed Brewing, Backpocket Brewing, and Five Cities Brewing. This groundbreaking alliance streamlines access to top-tier Iowa craft beer and spirits through a single point of contact, creating new sales opportunities and opening doors for all partners—all while each business remains independently owned. 

“This is about great Iowa companies working together to make it easier for people to experience the incredible products we create,” said Ryan Burchett, owner and founder of Mississippi River Distilling Company. “By joining the Parallel Brewery Collective, we’re not just sharing resources—we’re creating a powerful opportunity for retailers to carry the best of Iowa craft under one roof. It’s a win-win for everyone.” 

The Parallel Brewery Collective simplifies the ordering process for retailers by providing access to a curated selection of Iowa’s best craft spirits and beers through a unified sales team. For breweries, the partnership opens doors to retail partners already carrying Mississippi River Distilling Company’s award-winning spirits. In turn, the distillery gains access to new markets familiar with these well-loved Iowa beers. 

“We’ve heard from retailers time and again that they want to work with local brands, but managing multiple vendors can be a challenge,” said Dave Morgan, founder of SingleSpeed Brewing. “With this collective, we’re simplifying that process while giving retailers an easy way to showcase the best craft beverages Iowa has to offer.” 

The collaborative model allows these independent brands to remain agile while leveraging collective resources for shared staffing, purchasing power, and a unified go-to-market strategy. This partnership strengthens the position of each member in a competitive marketplace while preserving their unique identities. 

“This is about working smarter,” said Aaron Vargas of Backpocket Brewing. “By joining forces, we’re creating more opportunities to reach customers who love craft beverages. With Mississippi River Distilling Company on board, we’re offering something no one else is—an easy way to stock premium Iowa beer and spirits from one team that understands the market.” 

While each business remains independently owned and operated, the Parallel Brewery Collective represents a new and innovative approach rarely seen in the business world. The collaboration enables members to share expertise and resources while maintaining the creativity and community connections that define craft beverages. 

“Our brands are stronger together,” said Nick Cervine of Five Cities Brewing. “Retailers know and trust these names, and now we’re making it easier for them to get all their favorite Iowa products in one place. This partnership gives us a major advantage in a competitive market while preserving the independence that makes us unique.” 

The collective is not just about operational efficiency—it’s about delivering more value to consumers and retailers while fostering innovation and growth across Iowa’s craft beverage industry. 

“This partnership is about putting great products in front of more people,” said Nick Bandy, director for the Parallel Brewery Collective. “We’re breaking down barriers for retailers and expanding access for our brands. Together, we’re bringing the best of Iowa craft to more fans.” 

Beyond the practical advantages, the Parallel Brewery Collective reflects a shared commitment to innovation and a forward-thinking approach to business. Each member brings unique strengths to the table, and by working together while remaining independent, they are redefining what’s possible for Iowa craft beverages. 

“At Mississippi River Distilling Company, we’ve always believed in the power of collaboration,” said Burchett. “This is an opportunity for growth that we couldn’t aachieve on our own.  It’s about amplifying our impact and working with people we respect to push the boundaries of what’s possible. With these great Iowa brands, we’re building a stronger, more innovative future for craft beverages while maintaining our independence.”