In news that shouldn’t come as a surprise, but is disappointing all the same, DC’s Bruery Store will close at the end of April when their five-year lease is up.
“The concept of creating a central location for fans along the East Coast to get their hands on our beer has been several years in planning,” Bruery founder and then-CEO Patrick Rue told us in a 2018 press release. “But it’s more than just beer. The Bruery Store at Union Market is a marker and invitation to the community to come enjoy a more intimate experience with our brand. I couldn’t be prouder to open our doors on the East Coast and welcome new fans as we celebrate our brewery’s 10th year.”
That more intimate experience never materialized. The Bruery sought retail partners for their space, in particular bars or restaurants, with no success, nor were they able to offer tastings. “Our goal since its inception was to turn this space into a Tasting Room; however, the space wasn’t as conducive as we would like for a true tasting room experience,” wrote CEO Barry Holmes in a press release late last week that announced the closing.
Beyond annual events like their Black Tuesday imperial stout releases, The Bruery Store generated buzz and foot traffic by bringing in out of market beers from near, such as Triple Crossing and The Veil, and far, like Moonraker, but the pandemic put an end to that and the store’s retail operations went from five days a week in 2018 to two by 2023. With the Union Market store closing, The Bruery will move to more direct-to-consumer shipping, expanding to 47 states and DC. Bruery Society members received a separate email with instructions on how to pick up future beer allotments and purchases at a location down the street from Hellbender. This email also notes that Bruery Store general manager Ethen Adams will stay with the brewery in a marketing capacity.
Rumor has it The Bruery is not done with the DC-area, however. They may be looking at either Alexandria or Arlington for a tasting room, with retail and distribution components as well. We’ll monitor this situation and keep you updated.
May 1: With direct-to-consumer shipping now available, The Bruery has sent out a press release, excerpted below.
Craft beer fans in 47 states + DC, will be able to enjoy The Bruery’s beers delivered straight to their doorstep. The Bruery’s expanded shipping option includes nearly everything on their website, with more products added monthly, including fan-favorite beers such as Or Xata, Mischief, Offshoot’s Relax, and Black Tuesday (when it launches in October), access to the 2023 Private Barrel Program, and so much more.
The Bruery, known for its one of a kind Society Memberships, recently launched the Reserve Society Select Membership to coincide with national shipping. Reserve Society Select includes access to dozens of society-exclusive beers throughout 2023, periodic archive sales, invitations to member-only events (including The Bruery’s 15th Anniversary Invitational), and a 15% discount on all additional beer and merch purchases throughout the year. With this exclusive membership, new members will gain access to over $470 worth of fan-favorite beer, a complimentary $50 value welcome gift, and complimentary shipping.
Visit www.thebruery.com to learn more and take advantage of this exciting new offering!
