(Denver, Colorado)

Colorado’s craft beer scene keeps tightening its circle, and its not that much better in Vermont.. We’ve that, “Easy Ways to Get Rich” and more…

Craft Beer Consolidation in Colorado Continues

On February 18, Left Hand Collective announced a new partnership with its longtime neighbors at Bootstrap Brewing—a move that strengthens the Collective’s growing network of independent beverage brands while keeping its focus on quality and community.

As part of the deal, Bootstrap’s owners will take an equity stake in the Collective’s parent company, Indian Peaks Brewing Company. Over time, Bootstrap will transition production to Left Hand Brewing’s larger Longmont facility. Its Longmont taproom isn’t going anywhere, though—it will continue pouring a full lineup of beers alongside the live music that’s become part of its identity.

For Left Hand founder and CEO Eric Wallace, the partnership feels like a natural next step.

“We’ve known each other since they started in Niwot,” Wallace said. “There’s always been mutual support—both in business and socially. This is really a continuation of our mission to strengthen our independent beverage platform.”

Bootstrap has built a loyal following across Colorado, especially for its lineup of hop-forward IPAs. The brewery has also carved out international reach, with distribution partnerships in markets including Japan and Sweden. Like Left Hand, Bootstrap traces its roots back to Niwot, Colorado. Now both brands will continue that shared story under the Left Hand Collective banner in Longmont.

Leslie Kaczeus, Bootstrap’s co-founder, said the alignment goes beyond production and distribution.

“We started Bootstrap to create a community gathering place—live music, great beer, bringing people together,” Kaczeus said. “That’s always been something we’ve shared with Left Hand. Giving back matters to us, and I’m confident Eric and his team will help us continue that. At the same time, tapping into Left Hand’s broader distribution network and sales team gives us real opportunity to grow.”

The Left Hand Collective’s portfolio now spans Left Hand Brewing, Dry Dock Brewing, MPH Brewing, Present Sparkling Water, Docktails, Foundry Distilling, and others—an increasingly diverse mix of beer, spirits, and beyond.

Wallace says the strategy is deliberate.

“We’re building a long-term platform where like-minded brands can thrive,” he said. “We’ll continue to pursue partnerships selectively—ones that strengthen our portfolio and create more value for our distributors.”

In a state long known for fiercely independent breweries, consolidation may be a necessary trend—but, at least in this case, it’s being framed as neighbors joining forces rather than selling out.

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(Burlington, Vermont)

Vermont Craft Breweries Decline

For almost a decade, Vermont’s craft beer scene has soared. And although “The Green Mountain State” is still renowned for its beers, with brewers such as The Alchemist, Hill Farmstead and Lawson’s Finest Liquids, that momentum has slowed.

According  to the national trade organization, the Boulder, Colorado-based Brewers Association, Vermont saw more breweries close than open by a 399-335 margin in 2024.

According to the Burlington Fre Press Vermont’s craft brewery growth peaked of 78 breweries in 2022 decreasing to 74 the following year.