LONGMONT - Longmont-based craft brewer Oskar Blues is continuing its expansion into new markets, announcing it will now sell beer in Ohio and northern Kentucky.

The launch is the third in as many months for Oskar Blues, according to a release issued Friday by the company. Oskar Blues recently began selling in the Chicago market and in Alabama.

Earlier this year it announced plans to open a new brewery in North Carolina that will have the capacity to produce 40,000 barrels next year. The brewery is expected to open in December, according to the release.

Oskar Blues expects to produce 90,000 barrels this year, up from 13,000 in 2007.

Oskar Blues has formed partnerships with two companies to distribute in the area. Stagnaro Distributing will cover the Cincinnati and northern Kentucky markets, while Superior Beverage Group will distribute in Columbus and Cleveland.