Dow Scoggins

In 2025, the United States continues to push the absolute limits of what beer can be, brewing some of the strongest, most complex, and most sought-after high-alcohol beers on the planet. From Samuel Adams Utopias hitting an astonishing 30% ABV (sipped like fine Cognac) to a new wave of 18–27% barrel-aged imperial stouts, barleywines, and wild ales coming out of California, Colorado, Illinois, and beyond, American craft brewers are blending extreme fermentation techniques, rare spirits barrels, and years of patient aging to create liquid legends that blur the line between beer and spirits. Whether you’re chasing the annual Black Tuesday drop, hunting limited Colorado barrel-aged monsters, or finally tracking down a bottle of Utopias, these are the biggest, boldest, and booziest beers being poured in the USA right now.
This list will be updated as more beers are discovered .

Top 25+ Strongest Beers in the USA – 2025 Edition

1. Samuel Adams Utopias 2025 – 30.0% ABV The undisputed king of American beer. A blend of batches aged up to 30 years in bourbon, Cognac, Armagnac, Madeira, ruby Port, and sherry barrels. Maple syrup, vanilla, dark fruit, cigar box, and warming alcohol. Sip it from a snifter like fine whiskey. Released every two years at ~$240/25.4 oz bottle.
   Website: samueladams.com/utopias
   Address: 30 Germania St, Boston, MA 02130
2. The Bruery Chocolate Rain 2025 – 27.0% ABV Bourbon + rye + ruby Port barrel-aged imperial stout loaded with TCHO cocoa nibs. Fudge brownie batter, cherry cordials, toasted oak, and a velvet body that coats the glass. One of the most decadent dessert beers on the planet.
   Website: thebruery.com/chocolate-rain
   Address: 717 Dunn Way, Placentia, CA 92870
3. The Bruery Grey Monday 2025 – 25.5% ABV Black Tuesday base aged in bourbon and rye barrels with hazelnuts. Huge waves of Frangelico-like hazelnut, dark chocolate, espresso, and sweet bourbon heat. A cult classic every February.
   Website: thebruery.com/chocolate-rain
   Address: 717 Dunn Way, Placentia, CA 92870
4. The Bruery Black Tuesday 2025 – 24.5% ABV The beer that started the high-ABV imperial stout arms race. Pure bourbon-barrel character, dark chocolate, vanilla bean, molasses, and a chewy, warming finish. Still one of the most sought-after bottles in America.
   Website: thebruery.com/chocolate-rain
   Address: 717 Dunn Way, Placentia, CA 92870
5. The Bruery Mocha Wednesday 2025 – 19.5% ABV Black Tuesday with massive cold-brew coffee and cacao nibs added before barrel aging. Think grown-up mocha frappé with a bourbon kick. Dangerously drinkable for the strength.
   Website: thebruery.com/mocha-wednesday
   Address: 717 Dunn Way, Placentia, CA 92870
6. Avery Rumpkin 2025 – 18.6% ABV Rum-barrel-aged pumpkin ale that actually tastes like pumpkin pie in a glass: baking spices, brown sugar, and serious Caribbean rum heat. Released every fall in Boulder—line up early.
   Website: averybrewing.com/beer/rumpkin
   Address: 4910 Nautilus Ct N, Boulder, CO 80301
7. Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout 2025 – 17.5% ABV The beer that made barrel-aged stouts mainstream. Rich fudge, vanilla, coconut from the bourbon barrels, and a silky body. The “standard” version is still world-class.
   Website: gooseisland.com/bourbon-county-brand-stout
   Address: 1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612
8. The Lost Abbey The Beast Grand Cru 2025 – 17.0% ABV Massive Belgian-style quadrupel aged in French oak. Raisins, plums, caramel, and brandy-like warmth. A rare West-Coast take on a Trappist classic.
   Website: lostabbey.com/beer/the-beast-grand-cru
   Address: 1347 Keystone Way Ste C, Vista, CA 92081
9. Scratch Brewing Leviathan 2025 – 16.8% ABV Illinois foraged barleywine with wild sumac, hickory bark, and local honey. Earthy, tannic, and wildly complex—one of the most unique high-ABV beers being made today.
   Website: scratchbeer.com/leviathan
   Address: 264 Thompson Rd, Ava, IL 62907
10. The Bruery Uncle Jacob 2025 – 16.5% ABV Belgian-inspired strong ale aged in bourbon barrels. Figs, dates, toffee, and oak. Sweet but balanced by the barrel character.
    Website: thebruery.com/uncle-jacob
    Address: 717 Dunn Way, Placentia, CA 92870
11. Parish Brewing Serpentsouth 2025 – 16.2% ABV Louisiana’s answer to Bourbon County: double bourbon barrel-aged stout with cinnamon and vanilla. Southern hospitality in a 12 oz bottle.
    Website: parishbeer.com/serpentsouth
    Address: 229 Jared Dr, Broussard, LA 70518
12. Firestone Walker Parabola 2025 – 16.0% ABV Pure bourbon barrel-aged Russian imperial stout. Baker’s chocolate, espresso, and toasted oak. One of the cleanest, most elegant examples of the style.
    Website: firestonebeer.com/beer/parabola
    Address: 1400 Ramada Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446
13. Sierra Nevada Narwhal Barrel-Aged 2025 – 15.5% ABV Widely available bourbon barrel-aged version of their flagship imperial stout. Dark chocolate, roast, and smooth bourbon—best bang-for-buck on this list.
    Website: sierranevada.com/beer/barrel-aged-narwhal
    Address: 1075 E 20th St, Chico, CA 95928
14. River North Brewery Vicennial VI: Imperial Stout 2025 – 15.0% ABV Denver’s anniversary monster. Deep roast, molasses, and layers of bourbon barrel character. Only available at the brewery—worth the trip.
    Website: rivernorthbrewery.com/vicennial
    Address: 6021 Washington St, Denver, CO 80216
15. Deschutes The Abyss 2025 – 15.0% ABV Blend of bourbon, new American oak, and wine barrels with blackstrap molasses, licorice, and cherry bark. Inky black and insanely complex.
    Website: deschutesbrewery.com/beer/the-abyss
    Address: 901 SW Simpson Ave, Bend, OR 97702
16. Russian River Beatification 2025 – 15.0% ABV 100% spontaneous wild ale aged in foeders. Funky, tart, and surprisingly strong for a sour—proof that high ABV isn’t just for stouts.
    Website: russianriverbrewing.com/beatification
    Address: 725 4th St, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
17. Dark Horse Plead the 5th 2025 – 15.0% ABV Michigan’s bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout classic. Huge roast, dark fruit, and warming alcohol. Still crushes after all these years.
    Website: darkhorsebrewery.com/plead-the-5th
    Address: 511 S Kalamazoo Ave, Marshall, MI 49068
18. Great Divide Bourbon Barrel-Aged Yeti 2025 – 14.8% ABV Denver’s iconic Yeti gets the bourbon treatment—coffee, chocolate, piney hops, and oak. A Colorado heavyweight.
    Website: greatdivide.com/beer/barrel-aged-yeti
    Address: 2201 Arapahoe St, Denver, CO 80205
19. Verboten Grow Old With You – Grand Reserve 2025 – 14.8% ABV Loveland’s triple-oak (bourbon, Cognac, rum) English-style barleywine/old ale hybrid. Toffee, vanilla, dried fruit, and spirit-soaked warmth.
    Website: verbotenbrewing.com/grow-old-with-you
    Address: 127 E 5th St, Loveland, CO 80537
20. Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA 2025 – 14.5% ABV Continuously hopped for two full hours. Candy-sweet malt barely balances the massive hop bitterness and boozy punch. The original extreme IPA.
    Website: dogfish.com/120-minute-ipa
    Address: 6 Cannery Village Center, Milton, DE 19968
21. Third Eye Brewing Kelly’s Private Stash 2025 – 14.0% ABV Ohio’s barrel-aged English barleywine powerhouse, a silver medalist at FOBAB 2025. Blended from top barrels like Weller Full Proof and Antique 107 for rich caramel, toffee, dark fruit, and oaky bourbon spice. A complex sipper that warms from the inside out.
    Website: thirdeyebrewingco.com/kellys-private-stash
    Address: 11276 Chester Rd, Sharonville, OH 45246
22. Verboten Wasting Time 2025 – 14.0% ABV Bourbon barrel-aged English barleywine. Sticky caramel, toffee, dark fruit, and a long, warming finish. Northern Colorado’s hidden gem.
    Website: verbotenbrewing.com/wasting-time
    Address: 127 E 5th St, Loveland, CO 80537
23. Verboten Others In Darkness – Barrel-Aged 2025 – 14.0% ABV Cognac and bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout. Roast, dark chocolate, red wine-like fruit, and luxurious barrel character.
    Website: verbotenbrewing.com/others-in-darkness
    Address: 127 E 5th St, Loveland, CO 80537
24. Side Project Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout 2025 – 14.0% ABV St. Louis foeder-aged stout with Madagascar vanilla and coconut. Velvety, rich, and one of the most refined high-ABV stouts in the country.
    Website: sideprojectbrewing.com/releases
    Address: 7458 Manchester Rd, Maplewood, MO 63143
25. River North Dark Sorceress (Vicennial V) 2025 – 14.0% ABV Whiskey barrel-aged Belgian quad. Plum, raisin, brown sugar, and oak. Denver’s answer to Westvleteren 12 on steroids.
    Website: rivernorthbrewery.com/vicennial
    Address: 6021 Washington St, Denver, CO 80216
26. Russian River 20th Anniversary Ale 2025 – 13.5% ABV Barrel-aged blend of strong Belgian-style ales. Dark fruit, spice, oak, and a kiss of Brett funk. A celebratory sipper from one of America’s best breweries.
    Website: russianriverbrewing.com/20th-anniversary-ale
    Address: 725 4th St, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

    Fun Beer Facts, Breweries and More: Click Here

Looking for the strongest beers in the world in 2025 this Holiday Season? These are the top 10 highest-ABV beers ever commercially produced — extreme brews that blur the line between beer and spirits. From Scottish freeze-concentrated monsters topping 67% ABV to legendary American barrel-aged giants, this list features the current world record holder (Brewmeister Snake Venom at 67.5%), cult classics like Samuel Adams Utopias, and rare eisbocks that sparked the famous “beer strength wars” between BrewDog and Schorschbräu. Perfect for beer geeks searching for the most alcoholic beer, highest ABV beer, or simply the strongest beer money can buy. Sip slowly — these are meant to be savored like fine whisky, not chugged!

1) Brewmeister Snake Venom – 67.5% ABV
Currently the strongest beer in the world, Brewmeister Snake Venom from Scotland is a fortified barley wine that pushes the limits of brewing. At a staggering 67.5% ABV, this freeze-distilled monster delivers intense warming alcohol, dark fruit, caramel, and a viscous, spirit-like mouthfeel. Warning: Brewmeister recommends sipping it like a whisky — this is NOT a session beer.
Address: Fife Street, Keith, Moray AB55 5AL, Scotland
Website: https://www.brewmeister.co.uk/

2) Brewmeister Armageddon – 65% ABV
The slightly “weaker” sibling of Snake Venom, Brewmeister Armageddon still clocks in at an insane 65% ABV. Brewed with crystal malt, wheat, flaked oats, and freeze-concentrated multiple times (eisbock style), it offers massive toffee, raisin, and boozy heat. One of the most alcoholic beers ever commercially produced.
Address: Fife Street, Keith, Moray AB55 5AL, Scotland
Website: https://www.brewmeister.co.uk/

3) Koelschip Start the Future – 60% ABV
This legendary Dutch extreme beer from Brouwerij ‘t Koelschip holds the title of one of the strongest beers ever made at 60% ABV. Produced using fractional freezing (eisbock method), Start the Future is incredibly rare, intensely alcoholic, and sought after by collectors of high-ABV beers worldwide.
Address: Grace Kellystraat 21, 1328 NW Almere, Netherlands
Website: https://www.brouwerijhetkoelschip.nl/

4) Schorschbräu Schorschbock 57 – 57.8% / 57% ABV
German brewery Schorschbräu fired back in the famous “strength war” with BrewDog by releasing Schorschbock 57%. The 57.8% version was a direct challenge to BrewDog, while the 57% pure version followed. This eisbock-style doppelbock is dark, rich, and overwhelmingly strong — one of the highest ABV beers legally called “beer” in Germany.
Address: Oberer Markt 1, 91710 Gunzenhausen, Germany
Website: https://www.schorschbraeu.de/

5) BrewDog Tactical Nuclear Penguin – 55% ABV
A pioneer in the extreme beer movement, BrewDog’s Tactical Nuclear Penguin was once the world’s strongest beer at 55% ABV (though later versions were 32%). Achieved through 16 months of freeze concentration, it tastes like a blend of imperial stout and whisky — dark chocolate, espresso, and massive alcohol warmth.
Address: Badlands, Woodend Road, Ellon AB41 8GZ, Scotland
Website: https://brewdog.com/

6) Schorschbräu Schorschbock 43 – 43% ABV
Another entry from Germany’s Schorschbräu, the Schorschbock 43% is a dark, malty eisbock that was briefly the world’s strongest beer before the arms race continued. Rich with prune, molasses, and intense alcoholic heat, it’s a cult classic among high-ABV beer hunters.
Address: Oberer Markt 1, 91710 Gunzenhausen, Germany
Website: https://www.schorschbraeu.de/

7) Samuel Adams Utopias – 30% ABV
Released every two years, Samuel Adams Utopias is America’s strongest commercially available beer at around 28% ABV (varies by batch). Aged in a variety of spirit barrels (bourbon, cognac, rum), this uncarbonated, sherry-like ale offers complex flavors of vanilla, maple, dark fruit, and warming alcohol. A true collector’s item.
Address: 30 Germania Street, Boston, MA 02130, USA
Website: https://www.samueladams.com/

8) The Bruery Chocolate Rain 2025 – 27.0% ABV Bourbon + rye + ruby Port barrel-aged imperial stout loaded with TCHO cocoa nibs. Fudge brownie batter, cherry cordials, toasted oak, and a velvet body that coats the glass. One of the most decadent dessert beers on the planet.
Website: thebruery.com/chocolate-rain
Address: 717 Dunn Way, Placentia, CA 92870

9) The Bruery Grey Monday 2025 – 25.5% ABV Black Tuesday base aged in bourbon and rye barrels with hazelnuts. Huge waves of Frangelico-like hazelnut, dark chocolate, espresso, and sweet bourbon heat. A cult classic every February.
Website: thebruery.com/chocolate-rain
Address: 717 Dunn Way, Placentia, CA 92870

10) The Bruery Black Tuesday 2025 – 24.5% ABV The beer that started the high-ABV imperial stout arms race. Pure bourbon-barrel character, dark chocolate, vanilla bean, molasses, and a chewy, warming finish. Still one of the most sought-after bottles in America.
Website: thebruery.com/chocolate-rain
Address: 717 Dunn Way, Placentia, CA 92870

Fun Beer Facts, Breweries and More: Click Here

Celebrate the Buckeye State’s craft beer prowess this Thanksgiving with a lineup of local brews that honor the holiday’s rich, savory traditions. Ohio’s 400+ breweries deliver everything from crisp lagers to barrel-aged heavyweights, perfectly tuned to cut through turkey’s richness, echo cranberry tang, and cozy up to pumpkin pie. This guide focuses on accessible, highly rated options from Northeast and Central Ohio powerhouses—many available statewide via stores like Total Wine or direct from taprooms. We’ve kept it seasonal where possible, drawing from 2025 releases for freshness.

Before Dinner (Appetizers & Mingling)

Kick off with light, effervescent sippers to whet the appetite without filling up. These handle cheese boards, deviled eggs, or shrimp cocktail with zesty finesse.

• Style: Farmhouse Ale or Session IPA (crisp, herbal, low ABV for easy mingling)
  • Rhinegeist Brewery – Truth IPA (Cincinnati) – Tropical citrus hops with a dry finish; brightens briny apps like oysters.
  • Fat Head’s Brewery – Head Hunter IPA (Middleburg Heights) – Piney and balanced; a GABF gold medalist that stands up to smoked salmon.
  • Great Lakes Brewing Co. – Dortmunder Gold (Cleveland) – Golden lager with noble hops; malty yet refreshing for nut mixes.
• Alternative easy grab: Urban Artifact’s Key Arts (fruit-forward Berliner Weisse from Cincinnati) for a tart twist on crudités.

First Course (Soup or Salad – e.g., butternut squash soup, roasted beet salad, cranberry-walnut salad)

Opt for gentle acidity and subtle fruit to mirror autumn’s harvest vibes, cleansing the palate for heavier courses.

• Style: Wheat Beer or Light Sour (fruity, effervescent, low bitterness)
  • Braxton Brewing Co. – Vinny (Covington) – Italian-style wheat with citrus notes; echoes beet salad’s earthiness.
  • MadTree Brewing – Psychadelic Crossroads (Cincinnati) – Hazy pale ale with peach undertones; pairs with squash soup’s creaminess.
  • Land-Grant Brewing – Stiff-Arm IPA (Columbus) – Sessionable and hoppy; cuts through walnut crunch without overwhelming.

Main Course – The Turkey & All the Classic Sides

(roast turkey, gravy, herb stuffing, candied yams, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce)

Ohio’s malty ambers and porters shine here, balancing the bird’s savoriness while harmonizing with gravy’s umami and stuffing’s herbs. Go for balanced ABVs (5-7%) to keep things flowing.

1. Great Lakes Brewing Co. – Oktoberfest (Cleveland) – Crisp Märzen lager with toasty malt; a USA TODAY 10Best fall pick that refreshes amid rich sides.
2. Jackie O’s Brewery – Mystic Mama IPA (Athens) – Herbal and citrus-forward; cuts gravy fat and amps sage in stuffing.
3. Thirsty Dog Brewing – Old Leghumper Porter (Akron) – Roasty chocolate notes; loves turkey’s brine and green beans’ crispness.
4. Warped Wing Brewing – Gamma Bomb IPA (Dayton) – Bold yet balanced hops; bridges yams’ sweetness and cranberry tartness.

The Sweet Potato / Yam Dish & Cranberry Sauce

These sides demand beers with caramel depth or gentle tartness to match the sticky-sweet and puckery contrast.

• Style: Amber Ale or Fruited Sour
  • Mt. Carmel Brewing – Amber Lager (Cincinnati) – Toffee malt backbone; hugs candied yams’ spice.
  • Hoof Hearted Brewing – Cinderella IPA (Coshocton) – Juicy with melon hints; the acidity nods to cranberry’s zing.
  • Phoenix Brewing Co. – Oktoberfest (Mansfield) – Malty and sweet; another USA TODAY fall standout for yam pairing.

Dessert Course

(pumpkin pie, pecan pie, apple crisp, etc.)

Lean into spiced warmth for pie’s nostalgia—Ohio’s pumpkin ales are medal-worthy standouts this year.

1. Pumpkin Pie
   • Third Eye Brewing Co. – Gourd Darn It! (Hamilton) – Cinnamon-nutmeg spiced ale with real pumpkin; top-ranked for 2025, tastes like pie in a glass.
   • Hoppin’ Frog Brewery – Frog’s Hollow Double Pumpkin Ale (Akron) – 8.4% ABV with ginger-allspice kick; GABF gold legacy for cozy slices.
   • Land-Grant Brewing – Patch Pumpkin Ale (Columbus) – Balanced spices, not cloying; Reddit-favorite for pie harmony.
2. Pecan Pie
   • Great Lakes Brewing Co. – Edmund Fitzgerald Porter (Cleveland) – Coffee-chocolate roast; the nutty depth elevates sticky pecans.
   • Wolf’s Ridge Brewing – Dundee Dirty Blonde (Columbus) – Buttery malt; subtle sweetness without overpowering.
3. Apple Crisp / Apple Pie
   • MadTree Brewing – Pumpcan (Cincinnati) – Pumpkin brown ale collab; apple-pie spice vibes with a toasty finish.
   • Saucy Brew Works – Gluten Free Apple Ale (Bowling Green) – Crisp fruit notes; light for late-night crisps.

After Dinner (By the Fire / Football / Board Games)

Wind down with bold, warming sippers—Ohio’s 2025 barrel-aged stouts deliver velvety depth for digesting and debating that Lions game.

• Style: Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout (rich, oaky, high ABV for savoring)
  • Great Lakes Brewing Co. – Barrel Aged Blackout Stout (Cleveland) – Bourbon-barrel vanilla and roast; 2025 return with mocha variant for extra indulgence.
  • Braxton Brewing Co. – Dark Charge Imperial Stout (Covington) – 2025 variants like bourbon-aged or coffee-infused; decade-celebrating depth.
  • Black Abbey Brewing – Barrel-Aged Stout (Dayton) – Whiskey-barrel coffee-chocolate; 10-month age for fireside smoothness.
  • Third Eye Brewing Co. – Dow’s 65th Birthday Blend (Hamilton) – FOBAB gold imperial stout; oak, plum, and rum whispers for a triumphant close.

Quick TL;DR Thanksgiving Ohio Beer Flight

1. Pre-dinner → Rhinegeist Truth IPA
2. Appetizers/Soup → Braxton Vinny
3. Turkey & Sides → Great Lakes Oktoberfest
4. Sweet potatoes/Cranberry → Mt. Carmel Amber Lager
5. Pumpkin Pie → Third Eye Gourd Darn It!
6. Pecan Pie → Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald
7. Nightcap → Braxton Dark Charge

From Cleveland’s lakefront legends to Cincy’s urban innovators, Ohio beers make this feast feel like home. Grab ’em fresh—many taprooms host Thanksgiving week events. Cheers to gratitude, gravy, and great locals! 🦃🍻

Fun Beer Facts, Breweries and More: Click Here

Seattle’s pioneering craft brewery, Pike Brewing, announced on November 19, 2025, that it will permanently close its historic Pike Pub and adjacent Pike Fish Bar locations near Pike Place Market on November 30, 2025, marking the end of an era for one of the city’s most beloved beer institutions after more than 35 years.

While the flagship pub — a two-level brewpub renowned for its extensive beer memorabilia museum and role in defining Seattle’s craft beer scene — shutters its doors, Pike Brewing emphasized that beer production and distribution will continue uninterrupted. The brand’s popular lineup, including flagship beers like Kilt Lifter Scotch Ale, Space Needle IPA, and Post Alley Pils, will remain available across the Pacific Northwest. Additionally, the Pike Taproom Summit inside the Seattle Convention Center will stay open.

“The traditional pub model became increasingly difficult to sustain, and we reached a point where we had to make a tough, but necessary, decision,” said CEO Matt Lincecum. “The Pike Pub helped define what a Seattle craft brewery could be. As Pike Brewing looks ahead, we’re focusing on what we do best: brewing exceptional beer and delivering it to friends and fans across the Pacific Northwest.”

Owned by the Seattle Hospitality Group (which acquired Pike in 2021 and Fremont Brewing in 2024, and also holds interests in Kenmore Air and Ethan Stowell Restaurants), Pike shifted production to a new facility in SoDo in late 2023 — a move founder Charles Finkel described at the time as “not made lightly.” The company closed its Ballard taproom the following year. In 2024, Copperworks Distilling purchased Pike’s former brewhouse on Post Alley, with plans for a new cocktail bar nearby.

The future of the original 1415 First Avenue space, owned by Unico Properties since 2013, remains uncertain.

A Brief History of Pike Brewing Company

Founded on October 17, 1989, by craft beer pioneers Charles and Rose Ann Finkel, Pike Brewing Company (originally Pike Place Brewery) emerged as one of Seattle’s earliest microbreweries and a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest’s craft beer revolution. The Finkels, already renowned for establishing Merchant du Vin in 1978—the nation’s first specialty beer importer, introducing Americans to iconic European brands like Ayinger, Samuel Smith, and Lindemans—drew inspiration from their global travels and passion for full-flavored ales and lagers. They opened in the historic LaSalle Hotel building beneath Pike Place Market, equipping a state-of-the-art four-barrel brewhouse with a custom copper kettle from Seattle’s Alaska Copper Works.

From day one, Pike Brewing championed bold, character-driven beers that stood apart in an era dominated by mass-produced lagers. Flagship offerings like Pike Pale Ale (the brewery’s first brew), Naughty Nellie Golden Artisan Ale, Pike XXXXX Extra Stout, and later icons such as Kilt Lifter Ruby Ale and Space Needle IPA quickly earned acclaim, supplying Seattle’s restaurants, bars, and hotels while educating consumers on the joys of craft beer. The brewery’s iconic labels, designed by Charles Finkel—a celebrated graphic artist known as the “Art Director of Beer”—became instantly recognizable.

In 1996, Pike relocated to its longtime home at 1415 First Avenue, expanding to a 30-barrel gravity-flow steam brewhouse and opening The Pike Pub, a two-level destination featuring local, sustainable pub fare and the world-famous Microbrewery Museum. Curated by Charles Finkel, this one-of-a-kind collection showcases over 9,000 years of brewing history through rare artifacts, signage, and memorabilia.

After selling the company in 1997 (along with The Pike Pub and Liberty Malt Supply), the Finkels repurchased Pike Brewing in 2006, reaffirming their commitment to independent craft brewing. Over the decades, Pike earned countless awards, fostered emerging brewers, and supported community causes through collaboration beers and events like Chocofest, benefiting organizations such as the Pike Place Market Foundation, Planned Parenthood, and environmental groups.

Acquired by the Seattle Hospitality Group in 2021, Pike Brewing adapted to a changing industry by relocating production to a modern SoDo facility in late 2023—a move founder Charles Finkel described as “not made lightly.” The company expanded its footprint with the Pike Taproom Summit at the Seattle Convention Center and continued innovating with seasonal releases and partnerships.

For more than 35 years, Pike Brewing has embodied Seattle’s innovative spirit, helping define what a craft brewery could be: a gathering place for community, creativity, and exceptional beer. As the company looks to the future, it remains dedicated to brewing bold, memorable beers distributed across the Pacific Northwest, honoring the legacy of Charles and Rose Ann Finkel while embracing new chapters ahead.

For Brewing fun facts, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.

Craft beer enthusiasts, mark your calendars! For the first time in its legendary 30+ year history, Goose Island’s Bourbon County Brand Original Stout – the beer that pioneered the entire bourbon barrel-aged stout category – will hit shelves in sleek 10-ounce bottle 4-packs starting Black Friday, November 28, 2025.

This game-changing packaging update makes the iconic imperial stout more accessible than ever, perfect for side-by-side tastings with the full 2025 lineup, sharing with friends, or savoring a single pour without committing to a full bomber. The recipe remains untouched: a massive imperial stout aged an average of 12 months in a premium blend of freshly emptied barrels from Buffalo Trace, Heaven Hill, Four Roses, and Wild Turkey. Expect those signature rich notes of fudge, vanilla, cherry, toasted almond, and caramelized sugar in a velvety, decadent body.

Goose Island President Todd Ahsmann explains the shift: “This smaller format is all about accessibility. Moving from one bottle to four gives consumers more opportunities and moments to enjoy it – whether sharing with friends, on date night, camping, or at your favorite bar.”

While the rest of the 2025 Bourbon County lineup (including exciting variants like Cherries Jubilee Stout with cognac cask finishing, Chocolate Praline Stout, and Heaven Hill collaborations) sticks to traditional 16.9oz bottles, the Original’s new 4-pack is exclusive and designed to elevate everyday occasions.

Why This Matters for Beer Lovers in 2025
Easier Sharing & Tastings: At around 14-15% ABV, a full bottle can be intimidating solo – these 10oz pours are ideal for verticals or lineup flights.
More Versatile: Grab one for a cozy night in or pack for holiday gatherings.
Same Epic Quality: No changes to the barrel blend or brewing process – just smarter packaging for modern drinkers.

Availability is limited (as always with Bourbon County Stout), so check your local bottle shops, Goose Island’s locator tool, or apps like Untappd for drops near you. Pro tip: Lines start early on Black Friday, and some stores offer pre-orders!

Whether you’re a longtime BCBS collector or new to barrel-aged stouts, the 2025 Original in 4-packs is poised to be the most drinker-friendly release yet. Raise a (smaller) glass to innovation – cheers to Black Friday 2025!

For the latest on allocations and events, visit gooseisland.com or follow @gooseisland on social media. Drink responsibly!
Legally the name is Bourbon County Brand Original Stout, but for simplicity this writer will use a shorter version, Bourbon County Stout.

More about Goose Island Beer Company
Goose Island Beer Company was born in 1988 when John Hall, a traveling executive tired of mediocre American beer, opened a small brewpub in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Inspired by European beer culture he’d experienced on business trips, Hall named the place after a nearby island in the Chicago River and quickly earned a reputation for brewing bold, flavorful ales at a time when light lager dominated the U.S. market. The Clybourn Avenue brewpub became a craft-beer beacon, and in 1995 Goose Island expanded with a production brewery in Fulton Market. Four years later they built a second, larger facility on the same street that included a dedicated barrel-aging warehouse—a decision that would change beer history forever. Despite being acquired by Anheuser-Busch in 2011 (a move that sparked debate in the craft community), Goose Island retained creative control over its recipes and has continued to grow as one of America’s most influential breweries.

The true legend, however, begins in the mid-1990s when brewmaster Greg Hall (John’s son) scored four used Jim Beam barrels from Booker Noe himself. In 1995 (though long misremembered as 1992), Greg filled them with an enormous Russian imperial stout and let Chicago’s extreme temperature swings work their magic on the beer for about 100 days. The result—Bourbon County Brand Stout—was unveiled as the brewery’s 1,000th batch and instantly stunned drinkers with layers of vanilla, coconut, caramel, and bourbon drawn from the oak. First served only on draft at the pub, it later appeared in wax-dipped 12-ounce bottles and, starting around 2006, became an annual Black Friday release that turned the day after Thanksgiving into craft beer’s biggest holiday. Over three decades, Bourbon County Stout has spawned countless variants, inspired thousands of barrel-aged beers worldwide, and cemented its place as the undisputed godfather of American barrel-aged stouts.

November 17(Newport, Oregon) – In the misty coastal town of Newport, Oregon, where the Pacific Ocean crashes against rugged cliffs and the scent of salt mingles with hops, a chapter of American craft beer history slammed shut last Friday. Rogue Ales & Spirits, the pioneering brewery that helped define the microbrew revolution, abruptly ceased all operations on November 14, 2025. What began as a scrappy venture in 1988 ended not with a final toast, but with locked doors, unpaid bills, and a stunned community left holding empty pint glasses.

The news hit like a rogue wave. Employees arrived at work to find “Closed Until Further Notice” signs plastered across locations from the flagship Newport headquarters to brewpubs in Portland, Astoria, and the newly opened Salem Public House. Rogue’s president, Steven Garrett, informed the Port of Newport that morning of the immediate shutdown, leaving a skeleton crew to pack up the remnants of a 47,000-square-foot facility that once buzzed with the alchemy of fermenting ales destined for shelves in all 50 states and over 50 countries.

A Legacy Forged in Rebellion
Rogue’s story is as bold and unfiltered as its flagship Dead Guy Ale. Founded in Ashland, Oregon, by University of Oregon alumni Jack Joyce and Bob Woodell, the brewery started as a defiant response to the bland lagers dominating the American beer landscape. Relocating to Newport in 1989, Rogue quickly became synonymous with innovation under the guidance of legendary brewmaster John Maier. Maier’s recipes—think Shakespeare Stout, Hazelnut Brown Nectar, and the malty Dead Guy Ale—garnered over 2,000 awards, turning Rogue into Oregon’s second-largest craft brewery at its peak and a national powerhouse.

The brewery’s ethos was pure punk rock: self-reliance, eccentricity, and a touch of irreverence. They even brewed “Beard Beer” using yeast harvested from Maier’s famously unkempt facial hair. Rogue expanded into spirits and, in a nod to shifting tastes, launched THC-infused seltzers in June 2025—flavors like Blackberry Cucumber and Pineapple Guava aimed at a younger, sober-curious crowd. At its height, Rogue wasn’t just a brewery; it was a lifestyle brand, with pubs that doubled as community hubs and beers that evoked the wild spirit of the Oregon coast.

The Slow Ferment of Decline
But even the strongest brews can sour. Rogue’s closure wasn’t a bolt from the blue; it was the bitter culmination of years of industry headwinds. Craft beer sales have been flatlining since the pandemic, squeezed by inflation, shifting consumer preferences toward low- and no-alcohol options, and fierce competition from Big Beer conglomerates snapping up independents. According to the Brewers Association, six of Oregon’s 10 largest craft breweries saw sales dips in 2024, with Rogue suffering an 18% plunge—one of the steepest.

Financial red flags had been waving for months. In August 2025, Rogue outsourced its national sales to U.S. Beverage LLC, a desperate pivot to stem bleeding margins. Yet debts mounted: $545,000 in back rent to the Port of Newport, plus up to $30,000 in unpaid taxes to Lincoln County, including interest. The Port had been negotiating payment plans, but the brewery’s 37-year tenancy ended in eviction-like fashion. “We’ve been working with them on debt for a while,” Port Executive Director Don Mann told local reporters, his tone laced with regret.

The craft sector’s woes are emblematic of broader economic tremors. Post-COVID, on-premise sales at bars and restaurants—Rogue’s lifeblood—never fully rebounded. Younger drinkers are sipping hard seltzers and mocktails over hazy IPAs, and grocery aisles are flooded with cheap imports. Rogue, once the 50th largest U.S. craft brewer, had already retrenched: closing its Pearl District pub in 2020, a tasting room in Independence in 2021, and listing its Astoria property for sale last summer. The Salem pub’s spring 2025 debut now feels like a final, futile flourish.

A Community Left High and Dry
The human toll is raw. Former employees, blindsided by the shutdown, took to social media to vent frustration and grief. “Pours one out for Dead Guy,” tweeted Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer, a craft beer enthusiast, capturing the collective mourning. In Portland’s Southeast neighborhood, bar manager Sean Berryhill echoed the sentiment to KATU News: “It’s like taking down a large giant… but the way they handled it with employees? That’s not okay.” Retail partners like Belmont Station’s Ryan Jax called it “disheartening,” though he downplayed supply chain ripples given Rogue’s wide distribution.
Newport, where Rogue employed dozens and anchored the local economy, feels the sting deepest. The South Beach brewery overlooked Yaquina Bay, a picturesque sentinel between the marina and the iconic bridge. Now, it’s a ghost facility, its massive tanks silent. Local outlets like the Lincoln Chronicle broke the story, revealing how Rogue officials ghosted interview requests after an initial October overture. As one X user lamented, “The past 6 years have been devastating on the alcohol and food industries. Sad.”

Rogue joins a grim roll call of fallen Oregon icons: BridgePort and Portland Brewing, casualties of the founding era’s consolidation. Is this the “dead guy” for craft beer’s golden age? Perhaps. But whispers of potential buyers for the Newport site offer faint hope—could Rogue’s recipes rise from the ashes under new ownership?

Raising a Glass to What Was
As November rains lash the Oregon coast, it’s worth reflecting on Rogue’s indelible mark. They didn’t just brew beer; they bottled rebellion, proving that a small outfit could challenge empires and win. Dead Guy Ale remains a rite of passage for beer novices, a malt-forward reminder of flavor’s triumph over fizz. In pubs from Portland to points unknown, patrons will long clink glasses to Rogue’s memory.
For now, though, the taps run dry. If you’re lucky enough to have a bottle stashed away, crack it open tonight. To Rogue: may your rogue spirit ferment on, wherever the next pour leads.

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