Just a little bit ago (at about 7:30 PM) Sobel’s Obscure Brewery out of Jeannette PA, has made the difficult decision — that they will be putting their brewery up for sale. They are currently located at 500 Clay Ave, Jeannette, PA 15644, and have listed their property and business as up for sale. The father and daughter duo have painstakingly agonized over the decision but made their announcement today (tonight).

Sobel’s Obscure Brewery Announcement via Instagram

Their Announcement

Sobel’s Obscure Brewery took to their social media to make the announcement, today – June 25th, 2026 – around 7 – 7:30 PM.

Their announcement:

oday, we’re sharing some bittersweet news with our community.

After 10 incredible years, our family has made the decision to officially place the brewery up for sale.

Ten years ago, this journey began with a passion for craft beer. What followed was a decade of growth, from brewing and distributing our beer, to a pop-up beer garden, and eventually opening the taproom four years ago.

This was never meant to be just about beer. It was about building a place where people could gather, support one another, and create lasting memories. Thanks to all of you, that’s exactly what it became.

From our S.O.B. Society mug club, to trivia nights, Concert & Food Truck Thursdays, and local musicians and food vendors who helped bring this space to life every weekend, we are endlessly grateful for this community.

Jeannette has been such an important part of our story. Watching the city continue to grow and revitalize has been incredible, and we’re proud to have played a small part in that journey.

While this has always been our family’s business, the decision to sell comes down to one thing: Dave is ready to retire after a lifetime of hard work. He has more than earned it.

We are NOT closing. We will remain open and operating throughout this process, and we don’t know what the timeline looks like.

We’ve chosen to offer the brewery as a complete turnkey business because we believe in what we’ve built and want to see it continue in Jeannette. Our hope is that someone carries it forward and keeps this space alive for the community.

To our incredible brewer and bartenders — thank you. You’ve become family, and none of this would exist without you.

To everyone who has stopped in, supported events, joined the mug club, laughed with us, or shared a beer—thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

And hey… if you know someone looking for a late-1800s department store turned brewery in downtown Jeannette, we’d love an introduction. We hope someone continues what we’ve built and carries it forward.

With heartfelt gratitude,�Dave & Jackie

– Sobel’s Obscure Brewery (Instagram Post)

Sobel’s Obscure Brewery

Known for their Facebook and social media posts with the father and daughter who run the company (Dave and Jackie) with their dad jokes and great media posts, the brewery has had a faithful following over the years, even expanding to grow into the larger current venue that they own. As of right now there is no end – sight for the brewery, as they are looking to sell, and in the meantime stay open. Hopefully they are able to find a good, respectful buyer, but until that happens, the brewery will still be operating.

For More Information on Sobel’s Obscure Brewery

The following comes via Untappd. Sobel’s Obscure Brewery is a micro brewery from Jeannette, PA . They have 82 unique beers and over 15,000 ratings, with a global average rating of 3.56 (as of 6.25.26). Their Untappd description reads: “Like many other brewers, we started out with a passion for drinking beer. Which grew into a passion for home-brewing and creating new, exciting, and oftentimes obscure recipes. Born out of our garage, we set out to create exciting new and different recipes. After gifting some brews to our friends and family, and being awarded at competitions, we decided to give it a try on the big stage! Founded officially in 2012, Sobel’s Obscure Brewery is a family endeavor run by David Sobel and his two children, Gordon and Jackie. Always ready for fun and laughter, we endeavored to create not only a great product, but a quirky brand that would spur consumers to try us and follow our progress! Get to know our beer gnomes! Keep on the lookout for the funny antics they get up to! Download our app (coming soon!) and play some games! 

You can find them on the following social media platforms:

• Sobel’s Obscure Brewery – Official Website
• Sobel’s Obscure Brewery – Facebook
• Sobel’s Obscure Brewery – Instagram
• Sobel’s Obscure Brewery – Twitter
• Sobel’s Obscure Brewery –Untappd

Looks like things are going to get Funky in Elizabethtown again…. This time with a bit of Inspiration. No, Funk Brewing is not coming back to their old location. But – Inspiration Brewing Company – headed by Brian Mills, is coming to the old Funk Brewing taproom spot. Located at 28 S Market St, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 – which is the main way through Elizabethtown, the location was originally the Funk Brewing Taproom and then became the Pine Creek Spirits location until they also left leaving the space vacant until now.

First hints popped up with Inspiration Brewing announcing that they had some “Funky News” with the backdrop being an image (slightly blurred) of the Funk taproom.

Inspiration Brewing’s “Funky News Coming Soon” announcement (photo courtesy of Inspiration Brewing Company)

Inspiration Brewing Company Expanding to Elizabethtown, PA

The original brewery – the old Pour Man’s Brewing spot – in Ephrata isn’t going anywhere and will still be open. (You can read about our attending the soft opening at Inspiration Brewing Company.) This will be their second location. The current spot in Ephrata is located at 284 S Reading Rd. Ephrata, PA 17522. (You can see a map showing travel from Inspiration Brewing’s main location in Ephrata to their new taproom in Elizabethtown here: Inspiration to Inspiration.)

A few days ago Inspiration Brewing posted the vague news post:

“Funky News Coming Soon! Inspiration Brewing” with the backdrop being the Funk Brewery’s taproom building blurred.

We’re just going to leave this right here for you.

#inspirationbrewingco #craftbeer #breweriesinpa #craftbrewery #findyourinspiration #secondlocation

-Inspiration Brewing Company – Facebook Post (June 2nd)

They have now revealed the information, that they are taking over the original Elizabethtown Funk Brewing’s Taproom. Their announcement June 4th:

Welcome! Follow along as we work to open our new location in Elizabethtown.

– Inspiration Brewing Elizabethtown Brewpub – Facebook Post (June 4th)

On their original and main Facebook page, they also posted this on June 4th:

Well, @followers, we have some news. We are getting ready to open our second location! We will be working hard over the next few months to get the doors open. In the meantime, you can follow the page for the new Elizabethtown location here: https://www.facebook.com/ibcetownpub

As for our original taproom, that isn’t going anywhere. We love that location, but also wanted to bring our vision of a full food menu to life. The second location will give us that ability. We hope that you follow along on this journey and look forward to it as much as we are.

-Inspiration Brewing – Facebook Post (June 4th)

A Brewed Up Building

The future home of the Inspiration Brewing Company Elizabethtown Brewpub (photo courtesy of Inspiration Brewing Company)

The 28 S Market Street building has seen some beer in it’s day. It was the Funk Brewing Company’s Taproom for a while, even sustaining a fire in 2022. (Funk Brewing Taproom on Fire) (Funk Brewery Fire Update) Then in February of 2024 Funk Brewing shuttered it as their taproom and it became the Pine Creek Spirits.  Pine Creek Spirits stayed on in the building until they too closed their doors in June of 2025. It has since stayed vacant. (Nearly one full year until Inspiration Brewing Company’s announcement.)

Inspiration Brewing had their grand opening in Ephrata, in March of 2025. (Grand Opening of Inspiration Brewing Company) They took over the original spot of Pour Man’s Brewing who had moved to downtown Ephrata. Pour Man’s had just previously acquired St. Boniface Brewing expanding their brewing capacity, and needed much bigger space and a much bigger restaurant than the current (and now Inspiration) location.

See other articles on Funk Brewing:

• Beer Review: Royal Rumble 
• Beer Review: Griddle

See also:

• A History of Pour Man’s Brewing
• A History of St. Boniface Brewing
• Pour Man’s Brewing Releases Crisp and Crushable Variety Pack

For More Information on Inspiration Brewing Company

Inspiration Brewing logo

For more information on Inspiration Brewing, the following comes via Untappd. Inspiration Brewing is listed as a Brew Pub from Ephrata, PA. With 15 uique beers and over 2,200 ratings, with a global average rating of 3.84 (as of 6.9.26). Their Untappd description formerly read: “Coming soon to Lancaster County, PA
#findyourinspiration .” Now currently reads: “Ephrata, PA #findyourinspiration ”

You can find them at these social media platforms:

• Inspiration Brewing – Official website
• Inspiration Brewing – Facebook
• Inspiration Brewing – Instagram
• Inspiration Brewing – Untappd

For a beer that once proudly claimed “the beer that made Milwaukee famous,” the idea of Schlitz disappearing feels almost surreal. Yet with news of its discontinuation, one of America’s most iconic brewing names quietly exits the stage—less with a bang and more with a nostalgic sigh. (source: WGN – Schlitz Beer Discontinued after 177 Years)

Schlitz Beer Discontinued After 177 Years

A Giant of Its Time

Schlitz wasn’t just another macro lager. At its peak in the mid-20th century, it was the American beer. By the 1950s and 60s, Schlitz had climbed to the top of the U.S. beer market, thanks to aggressive marketing, wide distribution, and a reputation for consistency.

For many drinkers, it was the default—what you grabbed at a ballgame, a backyard cookout, or after a long shift. It represented a kind of blue-collar reliability that defined American beer before the craft revolution rewrote the script.

The Long Decline

The fall of Schlitz has been studied almost as much as its rise. A series of cost-cutting decisions in the 1970s—most notably changes to brewing processes intended to speed up production—damaged the beer’s flavor and reputation. Loyal drinkers noticed, and they didn’t forgive easily.

Add in increased competition from Budweiser, Miller, and Coors, and Schlitz quickly lost ground. By the 1980s, it had fallen from the top spot to an afterthought, eventually being sold off and folded into larger brewing portfolios.

A Brand That Never Quite Came Back

Over the years, Schlitz made attempts at revival. Retro branding, “original formula” releases, and nostalgia-driven marketing campaigns all tried to tap into its former glory. For a while, it even found a niche among craft-curious drinkers interested in “heritage” lagers.

But in an era dominated by hazy IPAs, pastry stouts, and hyper-local brewery taprooms, Schlitz struggled to find a lasting identity. It was too old-school for trend-driven craft drinkers, yet no longer dominant enough to compete with modern macro giants.

Why This Matters

Schlitz disappearing isn’t just about one beer—it’s a reflection of how dramatically the beer landscape has changed.

• Drinkers now prioritize flavor diversity and local identity over national dominance.

• Craft breweries have reshaped expectations around freshness, experimentation, and storytelling.

• Legacy brands without strong differentiation are increasingly squeezed out.

In a way, Schlitz becomes a cautionary tale. Brewing shortcuts, loss of quality, and failure to adapt can erase even the biggest names.

A Toast to History

For craft beer enthusiasts, Schlitz may not have been a go-to pour. But its place in brewing history is undeniable. It helped define what American beer looked like for decades—and its rise and fall paved the way for the diversity we enjoy today.

If anything, its disappearance is a reminder: today’s giants are never guaranteed tomorrow.

So whether you ever cracked one open or just recognize the name from vintage signs and bar memorabilia, Schlitz deserves at least a final nod.

Raise a glass—preferably something local—and toast to the beer that once made Milwaukee famous.

Just yesterday we reported on Idiom Brewing in Frederick, MD shutting down, and now we have news that The Brewer’s Art has abruptly shut down in the outskirts of Baltimore, MD (“technically considered Mt. Vernon”).  Located at 1106 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201, yet another brewery closing in 2026, and another in Maryland, and still also another that Amy and I had visited.

The Brewer’s Art bar (photo courtesy of The Brewer’s Art website’s gallery)

Abrupt Closure

If you’ve ever ducked down the stairs into The Brewer’s Art’s basement bar — that low-ceilinged space where the wood got a little sticky by last call and the taps were always ready for another round — this one might sting a bit. After three decades in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood, The Brewer’s Art has quietly closed its doors for good.

Opened back in 1996, it was more than just a brewpub. Upstairs, you’d flirt with a pint of Resurrection or Beazly between bites of duck-fat rosemary fries; downstairs, regulars found their corners and their folks. It was the sort of place you didn’t just go to drink — you went to belong

But earlier this week, staff got word in a way very few of us would have guessed: a text. Owner Volker Stewart told employees the business couldn’t continue — finances had taken a turn, strains that had been growing worse in recent months finally left them without a path forward. The doors were to stay closed, and payroll stopped with the last shift.

That abruptness has left a lot of folks reeling — not just the 20 or so people who worked there, but the community that somehow folded this spot into its own story. On Mount Vernon sidewalks and online forums alike, you see those memories surface: first legal pints, Friday night happy hours, quiet conversations over a hazy flight. Some are holding onto the hope the beer might live on somewhere else; others are just mourning the loss of a place that felt like home.

What happens next — whether the recipes get poured again under a new roof, or whether Resurrection quietly becomes a memory in fridges and growlers across town — isn’t yet clear. But for now, The Brewer’s Art is a name you’ll only bring up in stories and inside jokes and toasts.

Cheers to the years it was.

For More Information on The Brewer’s Art

The following comes via Untappd.

(Note: It is already listed as out of business, so the stats for number of unique beers has been removed.)

The Brewer’s Art is a brew pub located in Baltimore, MD. With (blanked out) unique beers and over 101,000 ratings, with a unique average rating of 3.64 globally (as of 2.2.26). Their Untappd description reads: House brewed beers and innovative cuisine in a 1901 mansion.

You can follow them at these social media platforms:

• The Brewer’s Art – Official Website
• The Brewer’s Art – Facebook
• The Brewer’s Art – Instagram
• The Brewer’s Art – Twitter
• The Brewer’s Art – Untappd

Their Facebook was last updated on January 29th, with no word of the closure (updated – as of 2.3.26, their Facebook page still hasn’t been updated).

Sources

• Brewer’s Association of Maryland
• The Banner
• CityBiz
• Reddit – Brewer’s Art Closing
• WMAR2 News

Idiom’s Final Days
(photo supplied by Idiom Brewing Company’s Facebook page)

Well, unfortunately, another favorite brewery (favorite of mine anyway) is closing. We previously wrote about Idiom here – Idiom Brewing’s Owner is Stepping Down – Michael Clements Bids Farewell to Idiom Brewing – but now it looks like its completely official and the count down to the final days are on. Seems like more and more of the favorite breweries my ex-girlfriend and I loved to visit are closing up shop. (Alementary, Big Bottom Brewing, Rocket Frog, Tattered Flag, Mellow Mink, Cox, etc.) But I suppose its like they say, all good things must come to an end.

Another light is dimming in the Mid-Atlantic craft beer landscape.

Idiom Brewing Co. has announced it will permanently close its doors on February 15, 2026, bringing an end to a seven-year run in downtown Frederick, Maryland. The news was shared directly by owner and head brewer Mike Clements in a heartfelt message posted to the brewery’s Facebook page — the kind of post that has become far too familiar in recent years.

Idiom opened with a simple but powerful mission: craft great beer and even better conversation. For seven years, they did exactly that, becoming a fixture in Frederick’s brewing identity and a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

But as Clements noted, the brewing industry is currently facing what many have described as a “perfect storm.” Rising ingredient costs, increased competition, shifting consumer habits, distribution challenges, and overall economic pressure have pushed even well-loved, well-run breweries to the brink. Idiom, despite best efforts to weather those forces, has reached the end of its road.

Located at 340 E Patrick St #104, Frederick, MD 21701 , be sure to stop in before they close.

A Community-Focused Farewell

Rather than quietly fading out, Idiom is choosing to go the way it came in — surrounded by friends.

The brewery will remain open through February 15, 2026, giving the community time to say goodbye, share stories, and help kick the remaining kegs. It’s a gesture that feels very on-brand for Idiom: transparent, communal, and rooted in gratitude rather than bitterness.

In his message, Clements made a point to center the people who made Idiom what it was:

• The staff, past and present, described as “the soul of Idiom”

• The guests, who brought their milestones, weekends, and lives into the taproom

• Frederick itself, whose brewing legacy Idiom proudly became part of

That sense of mutual ownership — where a brewery belongs as much to its patrons as its founders — is something you can’t manufacture. It has to be earned, pint by pint.

Visit Idiom Before They Close (photo courtesy of Idiom Brewing)

Another Data Point in a Troubling Trend

Idiom’s closure isn’t happening in isolation.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen an accelerating number of brewery closures across the country — including highly regarded, award-winning, and community-supported operations. This isn’t a story about bad beer or bad intentions. It’s a story about margins getting thinner, risks getting higher, and sustainability becoming harder to achieve in a market that once felt endlessly expandable.

Frederick, long celebrated as one of Maryland’s strongest beer towns, now joins a growing list of cities forced to reckon with what “craft beer maturity” really looks like. Not every brewery that deserves to survive will.

And that’s the part that hurts the most.

Final Pints, Final Thanks

If you’ve ever spent an afternoon at Idiom — laughing with friends, meeting strangers, celebrating something big or hiding from something heavy — the next few weeks matter.

Show up.
Tip well.
Thank the staff.
Raise a glass.

Because while the doors may be closing, the impact Idiom Brewing Co. had on Frederick’s beer scene — and on the people who passed through its taproom — won’t disappear with the last pour.

From all of us at The Beer Thrillers, we wish Mike, the Idiom team, and everyone connected to the brewery nothing but the best in whatever comes next.

Announcement

It is with an incredibly heavy heart that we announce Idiom Brewing Co. will be closing its doors for good.

Seven years ago, we opened with a simple mission: to craft great beer and even better conversation. Since then, you’ve shared your milestones, your weekends, and your lives with us. But as many of you know, the brewing industry has faced a “perfect storm” lately, and despite our best efforts to weather it, we’ve reached the end of our road.

We want to go out the way we came in, surrounded by friends. We’ll be open through 2/15/2026, and we’d love to see you one last time. Come help us kick the kegs, share a story, and say goodbye to the taproom we’ve called home.

To our staff, past and present: You are and have been the soul of Idiom. Thank you for every pint poured and every smile shared. To our friends and guests: Thank you for making us a part of your lives and the Frederick brewing legacy.

Please come out during our final weeks to show your support to the staff members you have gotten to know and love over the years.

It’s been an honor and a privilege.

Mike Clements

Owner / Head Brewer

– Idiom Brewing Company (Facebook Post)

In shocking news, just moments ago (at 8:00 PM), ZeroDay Brewing announced that they will be closing their taproom on 3rd street in Harrisburg, PA. Located at 925 N. 3rd Street, Harrisburg, PA, United States, Pennsylvania, they stated that the taproom will be closing, but their brewery production will continue, and they will still maintain their outposts at the Broad Street Market and MidTown Cinema.

ZeroDay’s Announcement – Moving Forward with Gratitude

The Announcement

Just moments ago, at 8:00 PM on December 3rd, 2025, ZeroDay Brewing posted the following on their social media accounts:

Zeroday Brewing Company has made the very difficult decision to close the Zeroday Taproom on 3rd Street. Our final day of service will be Sunday, December 28, 2025.

Our brewing facility remains fully operational, and our Outposts at the @broadstreetmarket and @midtowncinema will continue serving the craft beer you know and love.

We are incredibly grateful for the community that gathered in our Taproom, for the celebrations, collaborations, concerts, dinners, and conversations that made the space so special. Thank you to our extraordinary staff and to every guest who walked through our doors.

Zeroday began with a belief that everyone deserves a moment to pause and find their own “zeroday.” That belief continues. We look forward to welcoming you at the Broad Street Market, Midtown Cinema, and events around town — and to sharing more moments with you at the Taproom through December 28.

#zerodaybrewing #ZerodayTaproom #findyourzerøday #craftbeer #supportlocal

– ZeroDay Brewing Facebook Post

For More Information on ZeroDay Brewing

The following comes via Untappd.

• ZeroDay Brewing – Official Website
• ZeroDay Brewing – Facebook
• ZeroDay Brewing – Instagram
• ZeroDay Brewing – Untappd

A beloved vegan restaurant and a craft beer brewery in Harrisburg is closing their doors after an eleven year run. Their final day will be on November 29th, 2025. Their Harrisburg location is at 614 N 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA 17101. They also have a location in Carlisle and a vendor stand in Hershey.

The Vegetable Hunter’s social media announcement

The Announcement

After 11½ years of plant-based magic, mayhem, miracles, and memories, we’re closing our doors.
We’ve seen it all- the beautiful, the hilarious, the unforgettable.
Every guest, every employee, every amazing and wonderfully weird moment has left a mark on this little vegan corner of the world.

Tomorrow, 11/29/25, is our last day.
Come through, grab a bite, tip the crew, soak in the vibe.

A new restaurant will be taking over soon, not fully vegan, but offering plenty of vegan love to keep the option open and the spirit alive.

Thank you for being part of our journey.
Stay kind. Stay wild. Stay plant-powered.
K & J
The Vegetable Hunter

– The Vegetable Hunter (Instagram Post)

One of many Central PA (and national) breweries closing. The Vegetable Hunter was much more than just a craft brewery however. They were the premiere vegan restaurant in the Harrisburg, Carlisle, and Hershey areas of Central PA and received much celebrated attention for their foods, as well as their beers. They will be missed both from the brewery scene as well as from the restaurant scene. Especially in Harrisburg.

For More Information on The Vegetable Hunter

The following comes via Untappd.

The Vegetable Hunter is a nano brewery from Harrisburg, PA. They have 182 unique beers and over 4,100 ratings with a global average rating of 3.7 (as of 11.28.25). Their Untappd description reads: “Boutique brewery located in Harrisburg, PA. We handcraft each batch of beer onsite, 1 BBL at a time. It’s small batch brewing using fresh and unexpected ingredients. The beer recipes are crafted to complement the seasonal food featured in our restaurant. We utilize PA grown malts, hops, fruits, herbs and vegetables as much as possible. Our beer lineup is constantly changing, but you can always expect to see approachable, hop-forward ales and rustic row house ales (Saison, Grisette, etc.).”

You can follow them at these social media platforms:

• The Vegetable Hunter – Official Website
• The Vegetable Hunter – Facebook
• The Vegetable Hunter – Twitter
• The Vegetable Hunter – Instagram
• The Vegetable Hunter – Untappd

It’s sobering when one of the craft-beer world’s landmark names draws the curtain early. After 37 years, Rogue Ales & Spirits has stunned the industry and its loyal followers by shutting down its Newport, Oregon, production operations and all associated restaurant/taproom venues seemingly overnight. The move marks a dramatic fall for a company that helped define the Pacific Northwest craft-beer boom—and underscores the harsh remains of a beer market in contraction.

Just this past week we reported on Hell in a Bucket Brewing closing and West Connection Beer Vault closing.

Rogue Ales was a Top 50 Brewery (production size) for the country. Their production facility was located at 2320 SE Marine Science Dr, Newport, OR 97365 (which Google already lists as ‘Temporarily Closed’ just six hours after the announcement).

Rogue Ales Nation (photo courtesy of Rogue Ales and Spirits)

What Went Down

On Friday morning, the team at the Port of Newport was informed that Rogue would be vacating its 47,000-square-foot facility in South Beach—home to its brewery, warehouse, and flagship pub. Immediately thereafter, closure signs appeared at Rogue’s locations in Astoria, West Salem and Southeast Portland.
The financial troublescape is stark: Rogue reportedly owed roughly $545,000 in back rent to the Port of Newport, plus more than $30,000 in local taxes. That kind of liability postures a brewery once ambitious enough to distribute nationally in peril.

A Legacy in the Rear-View Mirror

Founded in Ashland, Oregon in 1988, Rogue rapidly became a cornerstone of the craft-beer revolution. Its Newport relocation in 1989 placed it on the coast, with a workhorse production facility and multiple pub outposts. For decades, it rode the craft-wave, achieving national distribution and resonating with beer lovers beyond Oregon’s borders.

Yet the past few years haven’t been kind. The craft beer sector is grappling with declining sales, rising overheads, labor and supply-chain costs—and even for stalwarts like Rogue, the pressure has mounted. For example, while Oregon’s craft segment shrank by roughly 4 percent in 2024, Rogue’s sales reportedly dropped by around 18 percent. The company tried to pivot—closing its distilling operations and seeking new lease terms—but the pace and scale of contraction appears to have overwhelmed the effort.

Why This Matters for The Craft Beer Community

• Symbolic loss: Rogue was part of the “first wave” of craft breweries. Its collapse suggests even established brands are not immune in the current climate.

• Distribution ripple effects: As Rogue supplied a wide area, the closure may shake taprooms, liquor stores and beer-buyers who stocked its lines.

• Local job impacts: Sources say about 60 people worked at the Newport facility—now abruptly a “closed” asset. *

• Regional identity hit: What gets lost when a longtime brand disappears? Part of Oregon’s beer narrative just took a sharp turn.

• (Source: The Washington Beer Blog)

What Went Wrong (and Key Takeaways for Breweries)

1. High fixed costs + big production footprint: Rogue’s 47,000 sq ft plant meant large overhead; when sales dip, those fixed costs bite hard.

2. National ambitions amid contraction: Expanding into national channels might spread brand reach—but it also widens exposure to macro‐headwinds. As distribution pressures mount, staying nimble locally may be smarter.

3. Market contraction is real: With declining craft-beer consumption and more players in the field, even successful breweries face margin compression.

4. Lease and tax liabilities escalate quickly: Back rent and tax bills piled up—what may have been manageable when growth was strong becomes untenable when growth halts.

5. Employee risk & abrupt closures: Reports say staff were notified via the company scheduling app and given no severance. Breweries must manage crisis planning—not just for operations but for people.

The Final Pour

As I sit here reflecting on this closure from Pennsylvania, I can’t help but feel a tinge of melancholy. Rogue’s story has been part of the craft beer tapestry, and it’s painful to see the lights go out—not just for the brand but for the people who poured their passion into it, the communities it touched, and the beer culture it helped shape.

For “The Beer Thrillers,” this is both a cautionary tale and a teachable moment. The beer industry isn’t immune to disruption, even for those with legacy. For you, the beer lover, brewer, or blog-writer: let this be fuel—not just for reflection, but for action. Stay aware of your overheads, lean into local, monitor your distribution strategy—and most of all, stay agile.

Raise a pint to Rogue Ales & Spirits—their journey ends today, but the lessons echo onward. May future breweries learn from the rise and the fall. Rogue Ales was certainly one of the early craft breweries I got a taste of in the 2000s, along with Bell’s, Founders, Stone, and the other industry giants of the time. The craft beer bubble bursting and its effects and impacts are certainly being felt across the entire industry in all the different aspects of it, from small to big and from big to small.

Cheers.

For More Information on Rogue Ales

The following comes via Untappd.

They are listed to have 0 unique beers, because Untappd has already moved them to “closed” and has them under “This brewery is no longer in production”. (Not sure why this means they have to set them to 0 unique beers though.) They are listed as being from Newport, Oregon and a regional brewery. They have over 2.7 million check ins, and an average rating of 3.68 (as of 11.14.25). Their Untappd description reads: “Rogue Ales & Spirits was founded in Oregon in 1988 as one of America’s first microbreweries. Rogue has won more than 2,000 awards for taste, quality and packaging, and is available in all 50 states as well as 54 countries. Proudly rooted in Newport Oregon, Rogue’s beers, spirits, cocktails, seltzers and sodas are a liquid ode to Oregon and the endless inspiration that its land, its sea and its people provide. ”

You can follow them on these social media outlets:

• Rogue Ales and Spirits – Official Website
• Rogue Ales and Spirits – Facebook
• Rogue Ales and Spirits – Twitter
• Rogue Ales and Spirits – Instagram
• Rogue Ales and Spirits – Untappd

Hell in a Bucket Brewing has made the difficult decision to announce the upcoming closure of their brewery. They made the announcement just hours ago on social media. Located currently at 392 E Front St, Marietta, PA 17547, originally located in Wrightsville PA, they recently moved to the Marietta location. (They moved January of 2024.)

Hell in a Bucket Closing Announcement

Announcement

After the death of our founder and partner earlier this year, we have made the very difficult decision to close Hell in a Bucket Brewing Company. Owning and running a brewery and restaurant has been the ride of a lifetime. Thanks for being a part of it with us.

Jeff and Sarah will continue to keep the bar open on a very limited basis to continue (Saturdays and Sundays only) to sell the remaining beer and merch that we still have in stock. Come see us, raise a glass to Matt, raise a glass to the Bucket, reminisce, and take home a few 4 packs.

What a long, strange trip it’s been…indeed

• Hell in a Bucket Brewing (Facebook Post)

We would like to wish our condolences on the loss of their founder and partner. He was a wonderful man and great spirit and loved going to nearby breweries and other events. Hell in a Bucket has been a great brewery in the area and will be sad to see them go. Be sure to come out by November 30th, 2025 to see them off one last time. Cheers to a long strange trip!

Hell in a Bucket Brewery

For more information on Hell in a Bucket Brewery, we get the following from Untappd.

Hell in a Bucket Brewery is a microbrewery from Wrightsville, PA. They have 99 unique beers, and just shy of 6,200 ratings, with a global average rating of 3.75 (as of 11.11.25).  Their Untappd description reads: “Grateful Dead themed microbrewery and restaurant located in Marietta, PA.”

You can follow them on these social media pages:

• Hell in a Bucket Brewery – Official Website
• Hell in a Bucket Brewery – Facebook
• Hell in a Bucket Brewery – Instagram
• Hell in a Bucket Brewery – Untappd

Patrons took full advantage of the cheesiest day of the year at Lakefront Brewery as they celebrated their crown jewel, Wisconsin fresh, fried cheese curds.

(See article: CHEESE CURD SLINGIN’ EXPERTS, LAKEFRONT BREWERY, PREPARE TO CELEBRATE ANOTHER NATIONAL CHEESE CURD DAY)

Cheese Curd Pull Competition

On Wednesday, October 15^th, from 2pm to 9pm, Lakefront Brewery welcomed hundreds of cheese curd fanatics looking to commemorate the big day. Tying in their Curd of the Month specialty flavor offerings, 3 different specialty curds made their debut: Chicken N’ Waffle, French Onion, and Caramel Apple Cheesecake. With each flavor going head-to-head, Chicken N’ Waffle inched out French Onion by 7 orders with a total of 133 baskets. Due to their shared popularity, Lakefront is excited to announce that both flavors will be included in their 2026 Curd of the Month calendar! If you couldn’t make it down to their Beer Hall, look for those two flavors in 2026. All 12 Curd of the Month flavors for 2026 will be announced soon.

Curd Card

National Cheese Curd Day also served as the launch of Lakefront’s new Curd Card. Get 11 orders of their delicious fried cheese curds and get the 12^th one for free. Become a Curd Card-Carrying Member the next time you need your cheese curd fix at the Beer Hall.

As promised, the Cheese Curd Pull Competition was fierce. Several times throughout the day, up to 10 teams of 2 lined up and attempted to pull apart a fluffy curd to the longest length they could. Team Curd Pullers set the record with a monstrous 4-foot pull. The time to start practicing for next year is now. Winners of each competition took home two $15 gift cards to Lakefront Brewery.

Freshly Fried Curds

After their Beer Hall kitchen cranked out over 1 order of curds per minute totaling roughly 235 pounds of fried cheese curds for the day, Lakefront Brewery wants to thank the community for showing up and showing out for National Cheese Curd Day. Wisconsinites across the state would be proud.

Cheese Curd Competition

Other Lakefront Brewery Articles

• LAKEFRONT BREWERY NOW OFFICIALLY OWNS KENOSHA’S PUBLIC BREWING
• LAKEFRONT BREWERY TO HOST MAJOR INDEPENDENT WRESTLING EVENT – Brawl in the Beer Hall
• LAKEFRONT BREWERY PARTNERS WITH RIVERWEST ELEMENTARY TO RAISE IMPORTANT FUNDS FOR THEIR STUDENTS
• LAKEFRONT BREWERY WELCOMES PUPPIES TO THEIR PATIO FOR A JR’S PUPS-N-STUFF SUPPLY DRIVE
• LAKEFRONT SUPPORTS SUICIDE PREVENTION WITH A BEER AND AN EVENT
• LAKEFRONT BREWERY INCHES TOWARD AUTUMN WITH THEIR 4TH ANNUAL FALL FEST OF ALE
• LAKEFRONT RELEASES LATEST BREWERS’ RESERVE: IMPERIAL PUMPKIN ALE
• LAKEFRONT BREWERY PREPARES TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL CHEESE CURD DAY, HOLDS A CHEESE CURD PULL COMPETITION
• LAKEFRONT BREWERY UNVEILS THEIR 2024 LINEUP OF BLACK FRIDAY BEERS FOR YEAR 14
• PRIVATE DINING ON THE RIVERWALK IS BACK, BOOK YOUR HOP HOUSE AT LAKEFRONT BREWERY
• LAKEFRONT BREWERY WELCOMES LOCAL SWEDISH COMMUNITY FOR NEW YEARS EVE EVENT
• LAKEFRONT BREWERY HITS DOUBLE DIGITS WITH THEIR BEER HALL EXCLUSIVE BREWERS’ RESERVE RELEASES
• AN ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF LOVE AT LAKEFRONT BREWERY FOR VALENTINE’S DAY
• MILWAUKEE DIAPER MISSION IS BACK AT LAKEFRONT BREWERY, LOOKING TO PILE THE DIAPERS EVEN HIGHER
• LAKEFRONT BREWERY SET TO RELEASE CANS OF QUEEN BEAN, THEIR 5TH ANNUAL PINK BOOTS COLLABORATION BREW
• LAKEFRONT BREWERY AND HOFBRÄU MÜNCHEN UNITE FOR “BRÄU BUDDIES,” A LANDMARK COLLABORATION FOR BOTH BREWERIES
• LAKEFRONT BREWERY HOSTS 3RD ANNUAL PERIOD SUPPLY DRIVE, PARTNERING WITH MILWAUKEE DIAPER MISSION ON THEIR 7TH DONATION EVENT TOGETHER
• LAKEFRONT BREWERY ANNOUNCES EXPANDED OFF-SITE FOOD OFFERING, CURDS À LA CARTE
• LAKEFRONT BREWERY’S RIVERWEST STEIN GOES RETRO, READY TO PARTY LIKE IT’S 1987
• LAKEFRONT BREWERY ANNOUNCES DATE FOR 4TH ANNUAL GLUTEN-FREE MAIFEST, EMBRACING A FOCUS ON GLUTEN-FREE FOOD
• A NEW INTIMATE CONCERT SERIES, CURRENT SOUNDS, IS COMING TO LAKEFRONT BREWERY FOR PATIO SEASON
• FOR A SECOND YEAR IN A ROW, LAKEFRONT BREWERY TO HOST MAJOR WRESTLING EVENT IN THEIR BEER HALL
• LAKEFRONT BREWERY PARTNERS WITH BENNO’S CONCESSIONS AT THE WISCONSIN STATE FAIR
• LAKEFRONT BREWERY TEAMS UP WITH BADGER STATE BREWING TO DELIVER A NEW TAKE ON GREEN BAY’S GOLD PACKAGE
• CHEESE CURD SLINGIN’ EXPERTS, LAKEFRONT BREWERY, PREPARE TO CELEBRATE ANOTHER NATIONAL CHEESE CURD DAY
• LAKEFRONT BREWERY ANNOUNCES THE HALLOWEEN VERSION OF THEIR RARE BIRD ODDITIES MARKET; A NIGHTMARE AT THE BREWERY
• LAKEFRONT BREWERY FRIED UP BIG NUMBERS FOR NATIONAL CHEESE CURD DAY

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