Craft Beer

After a week of good (dare we say sunny?) vibes in Philadelphia, the Brewbound team regrouped to put a bow on the 2026 Craft Brewers Conference. Plus, a trio of Pennsylvania-centric interviews with Carbon Copy’s Brendon Boudwin, Brewers of PA’s Hannah Ison and Love City’s Kevin Walter.

Indianapolis-based Sun King Brewing has expanded its empire with the acquisition of Hotel Tango Whiskey’s brand assets, the brewery announced this week.

With today’s overcrowded shelves and endless bev-alc options, more and more suppliers are fighting for less and less retail space. Global Partners’ Mark Buonomo, New Trail Brewing’s Paul Gephart and Lawson’s Finest Liquids’ Matt Roth and Seth Talmon share tips for sticking out and getting one of those coveted placements.

Are demographics destiny for craft brewers? Maybe, but maybe not, according to Brewers Association (BA) staff economist Matt Gacioch, who shared the stage with Lawson’s Finest Liquids regional chain accounts manager Matt Roth Wednesday, during a Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) seminar.

Craft beer needs a vibe shift, and the Brewers Association (BA) is spearheading a campaign to make that happen.

There is more anticipation for Brewers Association (BA) president and CEO Bart Watson’s annual “State of the Industry” address this year due to intentional adjustments to the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) schedule, which now places Watson at the end of the three-day conference’s content.

Now may be the time to invest in mints or hot dogs, as sales could rise following Monday’s Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) keynote address by hospitality expert Will Guidara.

The 2026 edition of the Brewers Association’s Craft Brewers Conference (in Philadelphia (April 20-22) arrives amid turbulence for the trade association’s membership and an evolution of its marquee event. The craft brewing industry has now recorded three consecutive years of declines as craft brewers fight for relevance in a crowded total beverage marketplace.

The 2026 Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) is just days away. This year’s CBC may be shorter than previous incarnations, but it’s still a packed three days of education, networking and deal seeking. Beyond the main stage presentation, there are plenty of education sessions that should be on your radar. Here are 10 sessions that caught our attention.

Philadelphia’s Evil Genius Beer Co. has acquired the 21st Amendment (21A) brand, reviving its offerings after the 25-year-old San Francisco brewery shut down last year.

Over the last two years, 1,072 craft breweries have shuttered, while 817 new breweries opened. Speaking to Brewbound following Tuesday’s release of the Brewers Association’s (BA) Industry Production Report, staff economist Matt Gacioch zeroed in on the brewery opening number.

Brooklyn Brewery’s non-alcoholic beer line is getting a rebrand and dropping the Special Effects moniker used since the line’s 2019 launch. Moving forward, the NA beer brand family will be Brooklyn Brewery Non-Alcoholic.

New Belgium Brewing’s portfolio is craft’s top share gainer through Q1, CEO Shaun Belongie shared recently. The Kirin-owned New Belgium craft portfolio, which includes New Belgium’s offerings (Voodoo Ranger, Fat Tire and more), and Bell’s Brewery (Two Hearted, Oberon and more) snagged share by growing volume 3.2% year-to-date.

Molson Coors-aligned Baker Distributing acquired fellow Vermont blue/silver network house Calmont Beverage last month, according to a memo to suppliers obtained by Brewbound.