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(Courtesy DuClaw Brewing)
It’s a tumultuous time for the craft beer biz, what with brand acquisitions and brewery mergers, and Maryland has been ground zero of late.
Here’s the deal…
On May 22 we reported that Flying Dog Brewery Maryland’s largest craft brewing operation has been acquired by FX Matt, a large family owned brewing operation in Utica, NY that had already been contract brewing some of Flying Dog’s beers.
Over the summer Flying Dog will move all of its operations to upstate New York and permanently shut its doors in n Frederick, MD.
And now Baltimore’s heritage brewery DuClaw has been acquired by River Horse Brewing Company, based in Ewing, New Jersey, and will move its production responsibilities to the company’s facility up there.
Founded by Dave Benfield in 1996, DuClaw began as a Bel Air, MD brewpub that evolved into larger brewing operation around beers like Sweet Baby Jesus! and Sour Me Unicorn Farts, which according to the company’s website are sold in 21 states and internationally in Canada and France.
Ewing, NJ’s River Horse Brewing is a much smaller brewing company which makes its acquisition of the mid-sized DuClaw all the more interesting.
This from River Horse and DuClaw…
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Attention NJ & MD Craft Beer Lovers
New Jersey’s River Horse Brewing Company, in Ewing, NJ has acquired DuClaw Brewing Company of Baltimore, MD. The powerful combination of two beloved brands that each boast a legacy of over 25 years of great beer will ensure the continued success of these products.
While each brand will be managed separately, the efficiencies created by combining facilities and sharing production capacity and certain distribution partnerships will strengthen both entities.
Dave Benfield, Founder of DuClaw will continue to be the driving force behind the strategy, portfolio, product innovation and vibe of DuClaw and will ensure the continuity of the highest quality beer.
River Horse will be expanding capacity in its Ewing, NJ facility in order to meet the demands of DuClaw’s national distribution footprint. Stay tuned to some new innovative product releases to supplement the amazing DuClaw lineup.
“From the first day that we sat down with Dave to discuss a possible combination, we knew that this would be a wonderful partnership.” Says River Horse’s Chris Walsh. “Dave is one of the most innovative minds in brewing and is always ahead of the curve in his flavor profile formulations.”
“ Dave is thrilled to transition the production responsibilities to the team in Ewing, NJ so he can give 100% of his attention to the part of the business that he truly loves, products, strategy and sales.”
“The operations side of brewing is challenging, and at the end of the day I was spending too much of my time and energy chasing the latest mechanical, supply or logistical issue, and was taken away from driving the brand the way I wanted.” Says Benfield. “This partnership will allow me to focus on what I am best at.”
Don’t expect to see too many changes though, you should be able to get your favorite River Horse and DuClaw beers at your local store and taverns without interruption.
“It’s a time of upheaval” Brewers Association of Maryland Communications Director Jim Bauckman told the Baltimore Banner, and “Maryland is not unique.”
Craft beer is no longer in a period of “unbridled growth,” Bauckman added ““The reality is, you’re looking at two brands that are pushing 30 years old, and at some point, what does the business do?”
