The past 12 months represent one of the most dynamically news-packed years for the San Diego County brewing industry that I’ve seen in my 18 years of covering this beat. There were highs and lows, twists and turns, openings and closings, and so much more. Through it all, San Diego Beer News’ readers were incredibly engaged. As is our tradition, we are closing out the year by counting down the 25 news stories that resonated most with all of you (minus stories about beer-competition results and popular features such as our beer-centric travel pieces, Portrait of a Brewer and Praising the Bar).
15. Thorn Brewing brand acquired by local outfit
Thursday, September 26
When the parent company of Latitude 33 Brewing‘s parent company announced it had acquired the brand rights for Barrio Logan-based Thorn Brewing, the development was misunderstood by many who mistakenly believed Thorn had sold their business outright. That was not the case, however, as Thorn continues to maintain independent operation of its brewery as well as a pair of taprooms under its founding entity, TSB2 LLC.
14. Mission Brewing growing footprint via Rough Draft acquisition
Friday, June 21
Looking to increase its footprint and reach throughout San Diego County, the East Village’s 23-year-old suds stalwart, Mission Brewing, purchased 12-year-old Rough Draft Brewing, inheriting assets that included its 6,000-square-foot Miramar brewery as well as its tasting rooms on the top level of Del Mar Highlands’ SkyDeck collective, and the Mesa Nueva student-housing complex within UC San Diego’s La Jolla campus.
13. Major acquisitions for Mason Ale Works group
Wednesday, July 24
Nine months after taking over management of Vista-based Eppig Brewing, the parent company of Mason Ale Works announced a flurry of new arrivals to its brand portfolio. Those roster additions were highlighted by award-winning and recently shuttered Second Chance Beer Co., but also including two-year-old contract-brewed concern Shoots Beer, 11-year-old spirits brand Old Harbor Distilling and growing non-alcoholic interest Swell Soda.
12. A tale of two closures
Thursday, January 4
Less than a week into 2024, the futures for two brewing companies became crystal clear, with the owner of Grantville combination nano-brewery and coffee roastery One Season Brewing deciding it was time to pull the plug. Meanwhile, the founder of Rip Current Brewing, which had sold its HQ to Oceanside’s Craft Coast Beer & Tacos in December, announced the impending closure of the company’s North Park tasting room come the end of January.
11. Local brewery owners retiring, closing business
Wednesday, October 30
After eight years of brewing up beer and putting on epic concerts for a devoted customer base, the married couple behind family-run Escondido business, Jacked Up Brewery, decided the time was right for them to retire. They said the decision was difficult, but it was the right one. Their announcement included an invitation for their patrons to spend the next month enjoying the brewery en route to a blowout farewell party at the end of November.
Click here to see which of this year’s news stories ranked 16-20