News

An auction of the production equipment at Smuttynose Brewery’s Hampton, New Hampshire facility is set to open October 8, according to a New Mill Capital listing.

Check out these news items initially reported in the Brewbound Insider Newsletter between September 24-26.

Growth is slowing down for spirits-based RTDs, but gains in the on-premise and emerging flavor categories hint at opportunities, according to bev-alc consulting and data firm 3 Tier Beverages.

Mid-Atlantic brewpub chain Iron Hill Brewery abruptly closed its 16 remaining locations overnight, weeks after it shuttered three in a move that a spokesperson at the time said was “to position Iron Hill for long-term success.”

Ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDs) remain one of the hottest segments in bev-alc, seemingly avoiding the quick rise and fall of the former new kid in town, hard seltzer (for now). Even the previously formidable flavored malt beverage (FMB) segment is starting to see the impact of consumers moving away to the more premium, typically spirits-based offerings.

AleSmith is celebrating its 30th anniversary with momentum behind new products – in and out of beer – and a growing contract brewing business. In this episode of the Brewbound Podcast, AleSmith president Brandon Richards shares how the San Diego craft brewery has evolved to meet drinkers’ needs with new products while fortifying its business by brewing for others.

Hemp-derived THC seltzer brand Delta Beverages recently unveiled a new visual identity and a marketing campaign that seek to “humanize” the brand while eliminating the stigma often associated with cannabis use.

Aslin Beer Co., the country’s third-largest taproom brewer by volume, and Torch & Crown Brewing have merged to form the Driven Collective. The platform will combine Alexandria, Virginia-headquartered Aslin’s production capacity and Torch & Crown’s distribution arm in New York City to “unlock smarter growth, fuel creativity and prove that craft still has room to run,” according to a press release.

Are THC-infused beverages the next stage of evolution for craft distillers? The leaders of one Milwaukee distillery believe so.

Sazerac is facing legal heat again for selling malt-based versions of Fireball and Parrot Bay that allegedly misled consumers who believed they were spirits-based products.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka has struck a deal to acquire a majority stake in LALO Tequila, a fast-growing tequila brand often dubbed the “Tito’s of tequila.”

New Belgium Brewing is investing $20 million in Bell’s Brewery’s Kalamazoo production facility and Eccentric Cafe taproom, Crain’s Grand Rapids Business reported.

Call it a late career shift or just a beverage-alcohol professional trying something new, but the former brewmaster for White Claw is launching an energy drink.

Craft outperformed the overall beer category in convenience stores to close the summer selling season. In the four-week period ending September 7, dollar sales of craft beer increased 1.5% in c-stores, compared with total beer’s 1.9% decline in the channel, according to the latest monthly report from market research firm Circana.