The closure or impending closure of seven small breweries in Portland, Oregon in just the last month is yet another sign of stress in the craft beer industry. The beer-centric city went through a series of closures last winter, and this second round of closures could be a bellwether for the industry as a whole.
Each brewery is addressing the closure differently. Pono Brewing’s Brew Lab will continue to “operate on a limited capacity” until business improves or they find an investor, or close for good. Another cross town brewery, Brewery 26 was officially put up for sale after its head brewer and partner left the operation.
In nearby Hillsboro, south of the downtown, Ambacht Brewing has ceased all operations and closed. The brewing equipment is listed here on ProBrewer.
Conspirator Beverage, a 20 bbl production brewery that did contract brewing for other local brands closed suddenly and with little notice, leaving those contracted brands without a production facility.
See the full story here at The New School