Stone Brewing, the iconic San Diego-based craft brewery known for its bold IPAs and unapologetic “Arrogant Bastard” attitude, is changing hands once again. On April 21, 2026, it was announced that Firestone Walker Brewing Company and Duvel Moortgat USA have reached an agreement to acquire Stone Brewing from Sapporo USA. The deal, with no sale price disclosed, is expected to close in summer 2026.
This marks the second major ownership transition for Stone in just four years. In 2022, Japanese brewing giant Sapporo acquired Stone for approximately $165 million, integrating it into Sapporo USA operations and using its facilities to produce Sapporo beers domestically.
Background: From Craft Pioneer to Corporate Ownership
Founded in 1996 by Greg Koch and Steve Wagner in San Marcos, California (later moving operations to Escondido), Stone Brewing quickly became a cornerstone of the American craft beer movement. With flagship beers like Stone IPA and Arrogant Bastard, the brewery championed bold, hop-forward flavors and built a reputation for independence. At its peak as an independent operation, Stone ranked among the largest craft brewers in the U.S., operating major facilities in Escondido, California, and Richmond, Virginia, along with taprooms and the popular World Bistro & Gardens at Liberty Station in San Diego.
The 2022 sale to Sapporo surprised many in the industry, given Koch’s vocal defense of craft independence. Koch and Wagner stepped away following the deal, though the brand continued under new leadership. Sapporo invested in expansions, aiming to double production capacity and shift Sapporo beer manufacturing to U.S. soil. However, challenges followed: Stone ceased all international exports starting in 2025, trimmed its U.S. portfolio, and Sapporo recorded a significant impairment charge on the acquisition in early 2025.
Details of the Duvel/Firestone Walker Deal
Under the new agreement:
Firestone Walker Brewing Company (itself majority-owned by Duvel Moortgat since 2015) will take ownership of the Stone brand, several California retail locations (including taprooms and the Liberty Station beer garden), and handle distribution in the western U.S., Texas, and national accounts.
Duvel Moortgat USA will distribute Stone beers east of the Rocky Mountains through its network, which includes Boulevard Brewing Co. in Kansas City, Missouri.
Stone’s beers will no longer be produced at its current large-scale facilities in the same way. Production is shifting to Firestone Walker’s Paso Robles, California brewery and Duvel’s Boulevard facility in Missouri. The sizable Richmond, Virginia brewery will transition into a dedicated Sapporo USA production hub, ending Stone’s manufacturing presence there.
The parties plan to retain a “significant number” of Stone employees in hospitality, sales, and marketing roles, with production positions to be evaluated during the transition. Stone’s branding and “ethos” are expected to continue, with leadership expressing confidence in synergies between the companies’ craft-focused histories and go-to-market strategies. One executive noted the “big overarching Duvel global business” as a strong growth opportunity for Stone.
What This Means for Stone and Craft Beer
This acquisition reflects ongoing consolidation in the craft beer industry, where smaller (or mid-sized) independents often find stability under larger portfolios that provide distribution muscle, capital, and operational efficiencies. Firestone Walker and Duvel Moortgat bring their own respected craft credentials—Firestone Walker is celebrated for its IPAs and barrel-aged programs, while Duvel Moortgat is a family-owned Belgian brewer with a global lineup including Duvel, Boulevard, and others.
For fans, the core Stone beers like Stone IPA are likely to remain available, now backed by stronger distribution networks. However, the shift away from San Diego-centric production may spark nostalgia or debate among locals who viewed Stone as a pillar of the region’s craft scene. The move also highlights how breweries navigate economic pressures: post-pandemic challenges, changing consumer tastes, and the need for scale in a competitive market.
Stone’s journey—from fierce independent to Sapporo subsidiary, now to the Duvel/Firestone Walker family—illustrates the evolving realities of the craft beer world.
As the deal closes this summer, craft beer enthusiasts will be watching closely to see how Stone’s bold flavors and rebellious spirit translate under its new owners. One thing is certain: the Arrogant Bastard isn’t going anywhere quietly.
More about Firestone Walker
Firestone Walker Brewing Company, the award-winning California craft brewery founded in 1996 by brothers-in-law Adam Firestone and David Walker, has earned a reputation for brewing some of the finest beers in America from its home base in Paso Robles. What began as a passionate side project in a humble shed on the family vineyard has grown into a beloved craft icon known for its bold yet balanced lineup—including the iconic oak-fermented Double Barrel Ale (DBA), the hop-forward Union Jack IPA, the crisp Pivo Pils, and the hazy favorite Mind Haze. Under the guidance of legendary Brewmaster Matt Brynildson, Firestone Walker blends traditional techniques with relentless innovation, consistently earning top honors at the Great American Beer Festival, World Beer Cup, and international competitions. Now part of the Duvel Moortgat family since 2015, the brewery remains fiercely committed to quality, community, and the endless pursuit of better beer.
More about Duvel Moortgat
Duvel Moortgat, the renowned fourth-generation family-owned Belgian brewery founded in 1871 in Breendonk, Belgium, is a global leader in high-quality specialty beers. Best known for its iconic golden ale Duvel — a devilishly drinkable Belgian strong pale ale with a legendary reputation for elegance and strength — the company has built an impressive family of authentic craft breweries. With 13 breweries worldwide and over 20 distinctive brands, including Achouffe, Liefmans, Vedett, and leading American craft names like Boulevard Brewing Co., Firestone Walker, and Ommegang, Duvel Moortgat combines centuries of Belgian brewing tradition with a passionate commitment to innovation and quality. In the U.S., Duvel Moortgat USA serves as a dynamic hub for its growing portfolio, dedicated to bringing exceptional specialty beers to American craft enthusiasts while preserving each brewery’s unique character and independent spirit.