(Taps run dry in the US)

The beer biz never sleeps at American Craft Beer. And here’s just some of what’s been happening in the beer world while you were enjoying the weekend.

US Brewery Closures Escalate in First Half of 2025

The first half of 2025 has been a rough ride for America’s craft beer scene. According to new industry data, brewery closures have hit a record pace, outpacing openings for the first time in over a decade—and the trend shows no sign of slowing down.

Over 250 breweries shut their doors between January and June, with many citing rising costs, slowing taproom traffic, and fierce retail competition as the main culprits. Even long-standing neighborhood staples haven’t been immune, as smaller operations without deep pockets continue to struggle in a crowded market.

“This isn’t just a correction—it’s a reckoning,” said one West Coast brewer who recently announced plans to shutter after nearly eight years in business. “Costs are up, sales are down, and shelf space is tighter than ever.”

The numbers don’t lie. According to the Brewers Association, more breweries closed in the first half of 2025 than opened—a reversal from the boom years of the 2010s, when new taprooms seemed to pop up on every corner.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. Some experts see this shakeout as a long-overdue realignment. “The bubble had to burst at some point,” said Brewers Association CEO Bart Watson. “We’re likely to end 2025 with fewer breweries, but the ones that survive will be stronger and more sustainable.”

Still, for beer fans who’ve grown attached to their local spots, the closures sting. And for the industry at large, it’s a wake-up call that the “build it and they will come” era is officially over.

Words to Drink By

“24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case. Coincidence?” – Stephen Wright American stand-up comedian, actor, and writer

(Courtesy Firestone Walker)

805 Beer Launches “Summer of Cerveza”

On May 12^th 805 Beer its “Summer of Cerveza” campaign, a celebration of  805 Cerveza—its lime-infused, beach-inspired lager brewed for laid-back living. Centered on the rallying cry “Real Lime. Real Refreshing,” the campaign kicks off with a high-energy spot capturing the spirit of surfing, skating, fishing, music, Hispanic culture, and the “805 way of life.”

The multi-platform push spans ESPN, Hulu, Meta, World Surf League (WSL) broadcasts, national out-of-home placements, global brand partnerships, and 805 Films storytelling, all anchored by a diverse crew of athletes, artists, and creators who define the “805 way of life.”

As the Official Craft Beer of Surfing through its partnership with the World Surf League, 805 Beer will also anchor the summer scene at the US Open of Surfing and Trestles Pro—bringing fans into the fold with 805 Cold Beer Surf Clubs, live podcasts, film premieres, music, parties, and cultural moments that live well beyond the beach.

“We’re incredibly proud of what 805 has become, and even more excited about where it’s going,” said Nick Firestone, CEO of Firestone Walker Brewing Company. “This beer was born in the heart of California, and it’s always been a reflection of the people and the places that make this state special.”

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