Hi beer fans, happy Friday!
This week there's actually big news in craft beer, as one of the very finest breweries, Firestone Walker of Paso Robles CA, announced they would "combine" with the Belgian Duvel Moortgat group.
For the last few years we've watched the major craft brewers ride the bubble and expand their facilities and production -- and borrow money or be acquired to finance that expansion. Big new breweries don't come cheap; we've also watched them raise their prices to pay those loans.
some background from the press release:
It is an agreement between two private, family-owned companies, so no financial or contractual details will be disclosed.
Founded in 1996, Firestone Walker Brewing Company has grown to become one of the largest specialty brewers in California. Firestone Walker distributes in 21 states.
The Duvel Moortgat group, founded in Belgium in 1871, is an independent brewer of authentic specialty and craft beers.
In the USA, Duvel Moortgat continues our belief in independent, family owned craft brewing and includes Boulevard Brewing Company in Kansas City MO and Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown NY. The company also imports its European craft brands including Duvel, Chouffe, Maredsous, De Koninck and Liefmans.
I wish them continued success.
I've got that Tap 79 IPA and some Murphy's stout. Time to go see if it's cold enough yet (a downside of buying at Trader Joe's.) What are you drinking? Who's brewing?