The number of independent breweries in the UK fell by 5.5% last year with around 100 closing their doors in 2024. We’ve that concerning news, “Words to Drink By” and more.

UK Craft Breweries In Survival Mode

On April 28, the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA- think Brewers Association but with a British Accent), published a report indicating that UK’s independent breweries are facing “heavy headwinds” with nearly half 0f them making “survival” their main goal.

The report, which took into account both industry insight and consumer polling provided a mixed assessment on the state of independent brewing in 2025. The good news is that independent brewery production climbed 10% last year. The bad news is 46% of independent brewers in the United Kingdom say their main priority is survival.

The number of independent breweries  in the UK fell by 5.5% last year with around 100 closing their doors in 2025 and others merging to better survive.

Words to Drink By

“Live music sucks on TV. We all know that, and anybody who’s tried to turn it into a business has lost their shirt”  – Bob Lefsetz, Music industry writer and media analyst

India Pale Ales Dominate California Competition

On April 25, The 2025 Brewers Cup of California announced the state’s best beers in an awards ceremony in Sacramento, California. This year’s competition received 1,360 entries from 203 craft breweries across California, with Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards going to the top three beers in 64 style categories.

Not surprisingly  Hazy IPAs and American IPAs dominated the 2025 competition and we’ve this year’s winners in those categories for you.

Hazy India Pale Ale

• Gold: Eureka Brewing Company – “Just a Phaze”
• Silver: Ambitious Ales – “Professional Human Being”
• Bronze: TapRoom Brewing Company – “North Park Haze

American IPAs

• Gold: Topa Topa Brewing Co. – “We Love L.A.”
• Silver: Trademark Brewing – “Codebreaker”
• Bronze: Auburn Alehouse – “Cross Rut IPA”

The Brewers Cup of California is organized by the Sacramento Area Brewers Guild with support from the Bay Area, Central Coast, Inland Empire, Los Angeles County, Orange County and San Diego brewers guilds.

A full list of the 2025 winners is available HERE.

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