American Craft Beer The Best Craft Beer, Breweries, Bars, Brewpubs, Beer Stores, And Restaurants Serving Serious Beer.
(Image generated: ChatGPT)
Known for their award-winning beers and popular IPAs like Modus Hoperandi, Ska Brewing, a pioneer in the craft beer biz, has been sold…We’ve that, “Words to Drink By” and more…
Beer Consumption In Belgium Declines
In spite of its reputation for brewing world-class beers and a heritage that inspired the American craft beer movement, beer consumption continues to decline in Belgium.
Although not as steep as the 6% decrease in 2023, beer consumption fell by 2.1% in 2024 according to an annual report the Belgian Brewers Association.
Yahoo News reports that “the drop is part of an ongoing downward trend, with consumption in the country falling by almost 20% in the last 10 years. The association cites “persistent pressure on purchasing power, reduced competitiveness, high costs and an unstable geopolitical context,” as the reason for the decreased consumption.
The Belgian Brewers Association also noted a change in drinking habits, and growing health concerns as significant issues adding to beer’s decline in that country…”Belgians are drinking less alcohol overall, and so, less beer.”
Words to Drink By
“Solo artists are generally totally insane. Elton John? Slightly eccentric. George Michael? He’s mad as custard.”- Noel Gallagher English musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist & primary songwriter, for Oasis
Ska Brewing Sold
Ska Brewing, a craft beer staple in Durango, Colorado since 1995, has been sold to two local families, the Arianos and the Wests, in May 2025, marking the end of an era for the brewery’s founders. The sale, first reported by The Durango Herald, comes as the company celebrates its 30th anniversary. Co-founder Dave Thibodeau will remain with the brewery, alongside executive Steve Breezley, who steps into the CEO role.
The new owners, including Bob Ariano of A&L Coors Distribution, bring deep ties to Durango and the beer industry. Thibodeau emphasized that the brewery’s operations and culture will stay intact, dispelling rumors of a Coors takeover.
“There are no personnel changes, no culture changes. This isn’t private equity or some outside company,” he told The Durango Herald. The sale alleviates $5 million in debt from unfulfilled expansion plans, allowing Ska to focus on its Southwest Colorado roots while exploring distribution growth in areas like Alamosa.
Known for their award-winning beers and popular IPAs like Modus Hoperandi, Ska Brewing has been a pioneer in the craft beer biz. The transition reflects continuing challenges in the craft beer industry, with consumer tastes migrating away from beer and economic pressures prompting sales of other legacy breweries like Great Divide and Dry Dock according to the Denver Post.
Despite the change, Thibodeau assures fans, “Ska’s not going anywhere.”
