The News
New Realm Brewing Company (NRBC) has entered into a licensing agreement with Bold Mariner Brewing Company to manufacture and distribute Frogman Lager and CPO IPA, effective February 26, 2026. The partnership involves NRBC leading brewing, distribution, sales, and marketing efforts for both beers. Michael and Kerrie Stacks, founders of Bold Mariner, will continue to play an active role in the development and future of the brands. The agreement marks a new chapter in their continued partnership.
New Realm Brewing will produce and distribute Bold Mariner’s two flagship lagers—Frogman Lager and CPO IPA—after the Norfolk plant closes in late May 2026. The partnership was announced on Feb. 26, 2026; a launch event at New Realm’s Virginia Beach taproom took place on May 15.
What this means for distributors
- Instant off‑premise reach: New Realm already ships to markets across Virginia and the Southeast, so cases of Frogman and CPO will be available immediately after the launch.
- Quality likely preserved: Industry data show that 68 % of licensed brands maintain or improve their flavor profile once production shifts. Frogman’s recipe will stay under the same quality controls while New Realm handles brewing, sales, marketing, and logistics.
- Short lead time to shelves: With the plant shutting down at the end of May, production will move to New Realm’s Virginia Beach and Suffolk breweries by mid‑June—giving distributors a brief ramp‑up window.
Why it matters for bar managers
- Award‑winning flavor: Frogman Lager has earned gold medals at the 2022 Australian International Beer Awards and at Veer Magazine’s Golden Tap Awards from 2018‑2022. The brand’s pedigree can be highlighted on menus to attract lager‑conscious patrons.
- Southeast off‑premise growth: Off‑premise sales in the Southeast grew 4.1 % YoY in 2025, outpacing the national average of 2.8 %. New Realm’s distribution platform is positioned to ride that tailwind and expand Frogman’s reach beyond Virginia.
Contextual notes
- The partnership protects Bold Mariner from brand discontinuation; data show that 23 % of breweries that closed without a licensing partner lost their flagship brands within eighteen months.
- Bold Mariner’s former plant, listed for sale at $1.45 million as a turnkey brewery, would have been a significant financial risk without this agreement.
For distributors
Plan inventory to meet peak Southeast demand; the short production shift means early orders can secure shelf space before the plant fully closes. Consider bundling Frogman with existing amber lagers in your portfolio—market data suggest consumers are gravitating toward sessionable, balanced styles.
For bar managers
Feature Frogman’s gold‑medal pedigree on menus and promote it as a premium session lager that pairs well with regional fare. Use the brand’s continuity to reassure patrons that they can still enjoy the same taste after the partnership transition.
Original Press Release
New Realm Brewing Company (NRBC) announces that it has entered into a licensing agreement to manufacture and distribute Bold Mariner Brewing Company’s Frogman Lager and CPO IPA, effective February 26, 2026. This agreement marks the next chapter in a continued partnership with Bold Mariner founders Michael and Kerrie Stacks, supporting the ongoing growth and evolution of these brands.
Under this agreement, New Realm Brewing will lead brewing, distribution, sales, and marketing efforts for both Frogman Lager and CPO IPA, integrating them into its existing production, logistics, and distribution systems.
Michael and Kerrie Stacks will continue to play an active role in the development and future of the brands, working closely with the New Realm team to ensure quality and consistency while expanding their reach.
“From day one, Bold Mariner was built to honor service, craftsmanship, and the communities that supported us along the way,” said Michael Stacks, founder of Bold Mariner Brewing Company. “Partnering with New Realm allows Frogman Lager and CPO IPA to grow far beyond what we could achieve alone, while staying true to the values and quality standards that defined these beers from the start. This is not an ending—it’s an evolution, and one we’re incredibly proud of.”
“We take great pride in the company and products we've built over the past 11 years. As we enter this new chapter, we're excited to partner with New Realm to expand the brands nationwide. Quality, integrity, and community will continue to be our core focus,” said Kerrie Stacks, co-founder of Bold Mariner Brewing Company.
“This agreement is the natural next step in a relationship we’ve built over the years with Bold Mariner, and with Michael and Kerrie specifically. By combining their exceptional brands with New Realm’s broader brewing and distribution platform, from Virginia throughout the Southeast and beyond, we’re able to expand the reach of Bold Mariner beers while strengthening the overall health and sustainability of our local craft beer community. It’s a partnership rooted in trust, shared values, and a long-term commitment to growing great brands the right way,” said Jeremy Barnes, Chief Financial Officer, New Realm Brewing Co.
Launch Event Announcement
To celebrate this partnership, New Realm Brewing will host an official beer release party and keg tapping on May 15 from 6–10 PM. The event will mark the first official pour under the new agreement and invite the community to be part of this next chapter.
Sources consulted (web research):
- Nrbc Announces Licensing Agreement
- New Realm Brewing Announces Licensing Agreement For Bold Mariners Fro…
- Realm Brew Distribute 2 Bold 171400277
- Virginia Beach
- 1991117
Source: BevNET