Beer Industry News, Insights, Jobs, & Events
Blake’s Beverage Finds Synergy Among House of Brands, ‘Actively Looking’ for Strategic M&A
More than two years after Blake’s Hard Cider, Austin Eastciders and Avid Cider Co. merged under the Blake’s Beverage Co. banner, the companies have found a rhythm that helped make Blake’s the “fastest growing” independent cidery in the U.S.
Sazerac Expands RTD Portfolio With Dirty Shirley
Sazerac has acquired Dirty Shirley, the ready-to-drink (RTD) vodka-spiked take on the classic Shirley Temple, the company announced Thursday.
Beer Girl’s Shark Tank Pitch Ends With Investment From Uncle Nearest’s Fawn Weaver
Another low ABV beer with an explicit target audience made an appearance on ABC’s Shark Tank and came out with an investment. Potentially. Beer Girl founder Caroline Renezeder Foulk pitched the three-year-old lager brand to a panel of investment “sharks,” and caught the attention of Uncle Nearest founder Fawn Weaver.
Carbliss Targets C-Store with New Malt Tallboy Format
Carbliss, the ready-to-drink (RTD) vodka-based cocktail that has become one of the breakout independents in its category, is rolling out a malt-based tallboy across seven Midwestern states.
Featured Jobs
Court Dismisses Uncle Nearest Bankruptcy Case, Leaving Receivership Intact
The legal battle over Uncle Nearest has taken another dramatic turn: Founder Fawn Weaver’s attempt to use bankruptcy court to wrest control of the bourbon brand from a court-appointed receiver lasted less than 48 hours before a judge threw the petition out.
From Blueberries to Boom Season: Baxter and Orono’s Maine Strategy
The latest edition of the Brewbound Podcast features Baxter Brewing president Jenn Lever and Orono Brewing co-owner Abe Furth who share how they navigate seasonal traffic booms, how they’ve found success with blueberry-flavored beers and why guild work remains important.
A-B Strikes Deal for Advance Beverage in California; Southern Glazer’s to Add Clare Rose on Long Island
A pair of big red network distribution deals were announced in the last 24 hours. Anheuser-Busch InBev has agreed to purchase the distribution rights of its brands, as well as “certain craft/NA brands,” from Advance Beverage Company in Bakersfield, California. Meanwhile, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits inked a deal for independent A-B distributor Clare Rose on Long Island.
A Pint of Gold: St. Patrick’s Day Draft Volume +35.5% YoY, per BeerBoard
St. Patrick’s Day may have fallen on a Tuesday this year, but the weekday timing didn’t stop consumers from celebrating the holiday in the on-premise, according to a report from BeerBoard.
Breakthru Beverage Launches Intoxicating Hemp Drink Distribution in Minnesota
Breakthru Beverage Group, one of the largest beverage distributors in the U.S., is jumping into the intoxicating hemp drink business.
Tilray’s BrewDog Plans: ‘Stabilize the Brand,’ Focus on 4 Midwest Markets; Total Price Estimated at £41 Million
After a three-week sprint to finalize deals to acquire BrewDog’s business on three continents, Tilray Brands’ first order of business is to “stabilize the brand,” Tilray CEO Irwin Simon told Brewbound.
Blueprint for Scale: How Mission Craft Cocktails Went From 2K to 80K Cases
The founders of Mission Craft Cocktails, the Southern California brand built on bar-strength bottled cocktails made with premium ingredients, see their company as a David in a segment of Goliaths. In their sling: a bet on economies of scale, format innovation and a purpose-driven brand.
Uncle Nearest Files for Bankruptcy to Block Sale of Assets, Sues Lender (UPDATED)
The founder of Uncle Nearest has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after the troubled bourbon company defaulted on more than $100 million in loans and went into receivership.
Press Clips: Bev-Alc Leaders Land on Inc.’s 2026 Female Founders 500; Ex-Boston Beer CEO Won’t Seek Board Re-Election
Sixteen leaders from 12 bev-alc brands (and adjacent) were named to Inc.’s 2026 Female Founders 500. Representing craft beer are Holidaily Brewing (Golden, Colorado) founder Karen Hertz, Hot Plate Brewing (Pittsfield, Massachusetts) founder Sarah Real and Talea Beer Co. (Brooklyn, New York) co-founders LeAnn Darland and Tara Hankinson.
NIQ Weekly Scans: Bev-Alc Declines Persist Thru Early March, Dragged by Liquor and Grocery
The kickoff to March brought continued declines for the bev-alc industry in NIQ-tracked off-premise channels, according to the market research firm’s latest weekly report.