Editor’s Note: The below news items were initially reported in the Brewbound Insider Newsletter Tuesday, September 30. Become an Insider today to get earlier access to what’s going on in the industry.
Providence Brewing Co. for Sale
Rhode Island’s Providence Brewing Co. (PBC) is for sale, founder Efren Hidalgo announced on Facebook.
Hidalgo resurrected PBC in 2018, nearly 100 years after Prohibition shuttered the original brewery of the same name. PBC opened its taproom at the Farm Fresh RI Food Hub in Providence’s Valley neighborhood in 2022.
Hidalgo wrote: “We poured everything we had into this place, but what we got back from you was so much more. Thank you for embracing our vision, for celebrating your milestones with us, and for making our little brewery a landmark of laughter and good cheer.
“This isn’t a goodbye – it’s a ‘pass the torch.’ We’re looking for the right person or group to carry on the spirit of Providence Brewing and write its next exciting chapter.”
Hidalgo, a Cuban-American, is the second generation of his family to work in beer; before immigrating to the U.S., his father held exclusive distribution rights in Havana for Cerveceria La Tropical.
PBC produced 158 barrels of beer in 2024, according to data from the Brewers Association (BA).
PA’s YAH Brew Welcomes Iron Hill Customers and Staff
Following the abrupt closure of brewpub chain Iron Hill last week, YAH Brew announced it will offer perks to Iron Hill gift card holders and club members. Both breweries operate(d) locations in Hershey, PA.
Those perks include a 20% discount off food, a free 13 oz. pour for gift card holders through October 5 and membership in YAH Brew’s mug club for Iron Hill club members through the rest of the year. YAH Brew also invited former Iron Hill employees to reach out for assistance.
YAH Brew wrote: “What many no longer realize is that in our industry, local ‘competition’ is how we thrive. We don’t look at other breweries and think that their success affects our bottom line, we feel that success of any industry partner creates success for all, as guests enjoy variety and the idea of visiting a handful of great beverage professionals all in one little town.”
Rupee Launches NA Ahead of Diwali
Indian American beer brand Rupee Beer has launched its first non-alcoholic (NA) product, Rupee Non-Alcoholic.
The “light, easy-to-drink” NA beer is “specially brewed to pair with Indian, spicy and world cuisine.” The launch also coincides with Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights also celebrated across other Indian religions (October 21).
Rupee co-founders and brothers Van and Sumit Sharma said: “As we scale and widen our reach within the beverage category, it was important to include a non-alcoholic option to build out our range of Indian-inspired products. This is something we personally wanted to drink with our friends and something our consumer audience has been asking for.”
Read more in the press release.
Van and Sumit joined the Brewbound Podcast last month to discuss Rupee’s launch journey and expansion. Listen to the episode here.
Godzilla on 60M PBR Packages
Godzilla and friends (and enemies) will appear on 60 million Pabst Blue Ribbon cans and packages this fall.
Pabst struck a partnership with Toho International to feature the King of Monsters, as well as Mothra, King Ghidorah and Mechagodzilla, on packaging, including 25 oz. cans, to celebrate the kaiju’s 70th birthday.
The brewer worked with official Godzilla artist Attack Peter to create four images in his signature hard-carved linoleum block print technique. Also look out for a limited run of cans featuring Godzilla’s blue atomic breath effect.