(Courtesy 21st Amendment Brewing)

The closure of a heritage craft brewer like 2ist Amendment speaks volumes as to the state of the craft beer biz in 2025. And unfortunately, it’s not good… We’ve that, “Words to Drink By” and more…

21st Amendment Brewery To Close After 25 Years In Biz

The closure of a heritage craft brewer like 2ist Amendment speaks volumes as to the state of the craft beer biz in 2025. And unfortunately, it’s not good.

As of September 4, 2025, 21st Amendment Brewery is winding down its operations and closing its taprooms after 25 years in business. Founders Shaun O’Sullivan and Nico Freccia are seeking a buyer for the brand.

Key details about the closure:

• Final date: The official date for the closure of taprooms was not specified in the initial reporting, but the announcement came on September 4, 2025.
• Reason: In an Instagram post Founder Shaun O’Sullivan explained that he was some much-needed time off, then exploring future opportunities..
• Potential sale: O’Sullivan and Freccia have brought in a new CEO as part of a partnership to attract potential buyers for the brand.
• Seeking a buyer: While the taprooms will close and operations will wind down, there is hope that a buyer will acquire the brand and continue the legacy.
• Employee impact: In late August 2025, O’Sullivan’s social media post mentioned exploring future opportunities after stepping away, while news reports indicated the search for a buyer is underway.

Founded in 2000, 21st Amendment Brewery became one of the Bay Area’s most popular breweries, known for its canned craft beers like Hell or High Watermelon Wheat. The brewery played a key role in the craft beer movement, particularly in packaging beer in cans.

Words to Drink By

“Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted” – Aldous Huxley, English writer and philosopher

Brewmaster Wyatt Wilson / Courtesy Pinnacle Brewing

Pinnacle Brewing Wins “Beer of the Year

On August 12^th Pinnacle Brewing’s Novo 11° Czech Dark Lager was named “USA Beer of the Year” in the Czech Lager category, at the USA Beer Ratings Competition held in San Francisco, California.  A family-owned business, led by Brewmaster Wyatt Wilson. Scottsdale, AZ-based Pinnacle Brewing, with its motto, “Beer Reinspired,” pays homage to regional traditions while giving license to new interpretations of classic styles.

The USA Beer Ratings Awards are judged based on Quality, Value, and Packaging by a panel of industry experts who blind taste the competitors, then consider the packaging separately. The objective is to determine which beers have the highest customer appeal. The judge’s tasting notes for Novo 11° are “Dark golden brown with a sweet nutty aroma, this brew reveals layered notes of toasted barley, oat, and coffee that finish clean and pleasantly complex.”

Novo 11° is one of five Pinnacle Brewing Company beers to achieve a Gold Medal at this year’s competition. The other four are:

• Surveillance Pigeon – Cold Double IPA
• Springtoberfest – Maibock
• Druid, Where’s My Car? – English Extra Stout
• Tori – Japanese Rice Lager

“Pinnacle Brewing is committed to producing classic, true-to-style beers with a contemporary twist based on my experiences in Europe.” said Brewmaster Wyatt Wilson, “I have a special love for Czech lagers, as I think that they are the best beers on the planet. So Novo 11° getting this kind of recognition is especially rewarding.”

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