Craft beer industry news.
New Belgium Brewing is getting in on the gluten-free beer game and plans to introduce a pair of “gluten-reduced” offerings in January. Using an enzyme to break down gluten proteins, New Belgium’s new products boast the familiar “crafted to remove gluten” language on their labels. In a press statement, the company said both of its new “Glütiny” beers meet the FDA standard for “gluten-free” of 20 parts per million.
Anheuser-Busch InBev today announced that Mark Hegedus, the president of New York-based craft beer outfit Blue Point Brewing, will depart the organization at the end of the month. Hegedus has accepted a position with North American Breweries (NAB) and will take over as the president and general manager of Magic Hat Brewing in December.
Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Inc. (OTC:HOPS), announced third quarter revenue increased significantly, up 89 percent to $504,214, compared to third quarter 2014 at $266,283, as wholesale distribution with Craft Brew Alliance expanded throughout Western North Carolina. AMB’s gross margin remained extremely strong during the third quarter at 57 percent.
Some things are just too good for the world to be deprived of them. This is true for Stone Brewing Co.’s rerelease of the delicious and wildly popular beer that was introduced last year in 22-ounce bottles as Stone Xocoveza Mocha Stout. It was an instant hit. Because craft beer enthusiasts voiced fervent adoration via social media and online forums, Stone was inspired to embrace the joyous spirit of giving and rebrew this milk stout infused with cocoa, coffee, peppers, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Starting this week, the beer is making a comeback in 12-ounce six-packs and on draft at select retailers, restaurants and bars nationwide.
Uinta Brewing Company releases Port O’ Call, a Belgian Style Dark Ale aged in Port barrels imported from Portugal’s Douro Valley.
Dark, bold and delicious, Sudwerk Brewing Co.’s winter seasonal beer, the Doppel Bock Ultimator, is back for 2015. Sudwerk brewers continue to make this dark, German lager as authentic as possible. A 10-week, cold storage process gives the Doppel Bock Ultimator a velvety smooth finish, earning it countless medals since its original release 25 years ago. Roasted malts create the reddish-black color and coffee-like flavors. With 8% ABV and a moderate 45 IBU, it warms us up just in time for the holiday season.
CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries Group, Inc., the largest craft brewery restaurant operator in the country, announced today the appointment of Sarah Stephensonto the position of Chief Human Resources Officer. Stephenson, who most recently served as vice president of human resources at The Laclede Group, Inc., will report directly to Srinivas Kumar, CraftWorks Restaurant & Breweries’ chief executive officer. She joined the company as of August 10, 2015 and will be based in the company’s headquarters in Broomfield, Colo.
It took some time, but Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ) has officially entered the craft beer business, today announcing the $1 billion acquisition of San Diego’s Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits. It’s a blockbuster transaction — the largest ever in craft — and represents an astonishing $3,500 per barrel multiple, as Ballast Point is expected to produce 290,000 barrels in 2015.
Constellation Brands is officially entering the craft beer category, and in a big way. The Corona and Modelo maker today announced it would acquire San Diego’s Ballast Point Brewing for a whopping $1 Billion. “The purchase price values the acquisition multiple of the projected calendar 2016 Ballast Point EBITDA in the mid-to-high teens range,” Constellation said in a press statement.
Magic Hat Brewing Company recently released sixth barrels of one of its most celebrated holiday beers outside of Vermont for the first time ever. Feast of Fools, a festive raspberry stout, earned high marks from The Bros at Beer Advocate, as well as its cult-like following of passionate beer drinkers. Due to demand, last year, limited bottles were shipped nationally for the first time ever and sold out quickly.
Liquidity options are plentiful for owners of craft breweries: strategic sale, private equity, management buyout, family transfer, leveraged recapitalization. Which path should you take? Harpoon, New Belgium, Odell, Left Hand and many others walked a different path. These breweries chose to implement an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). ESOPs can be a great exit strategy for craft brewers. Outlined below are the top five reasons why craft brewers should consider an ESOP.
After teasing broader East Coast distribution in September, Maui Brewing has officially expanded its reach throughout Florida, New York and Massachusetts, the company announced Tuesday. Meanwhile, Seattle’s Fremont Brewing is making its first significant foray outside of Washington, extending its relationship with Columbia Distributing to include Oregon, the company announced today.
BridgePort Brewing Company, Oregon’s oldest brewery, announced today that Long Ball Ale won gold in the English-Style Gold Ale/Summer Ale category at this year’s European Beer Star Awards held in Doemens Brewing Academy in Gräfelfing, near Munich, Germany. Long Ball Ale, dry-hopped with Meridian hops from Willamette Valley, is a golden ale with refreshing lemon notes crafted by Brewmaster Jeff Edgerton.
Announcing Night Ryder, an Imperial Black Rye IPA from BarrelHouse Brewing Co.. One of their most popular seasonal releases, Night Ryder is brewed with local spruce tips and a hefty amount of dark malts and rye making this creation quite unique.
