Brookston Beer Bulletin

Jay R. Brooks on Beer

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Left Hand & Dry Dock Breweries Merge

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Left Hand Brewing, of Longmont, Colorado, and Dry Dock Brewing, of Aurora, Colorado announced today that they were entering into a ‘partnership.’ Here’s more details from the press release:

As part of the transaction, Dry Dock’s two owners will acquire equity in Indian Peaks Brewing Company, the parent company of Left Hand Brewing Company and now Dry Dock Brewing Company. Dry Dock will immediately move all brewing production and packaging to Left Hand’s Longmont facility and will continue to operate its Aurora taproom.

“This partnership is the realization of the vision we shared during our recent Wefunder raise,” said Eric Wallace, Founder and CEO of Left Hand Brewing. “We’re building an independent craft beer platform rooted in community, collaboration, and ownership. This partnership with Dry Dock is the first real step in bringing that to life.”

Kevin DeLange, Founder of Dry Dock Brewing Company, will play an active role within the combined organization, joining Left Hand’s sales team to help expand Dry Dock’s reach within Left Hand’s national distribution network, with a focus on the popular Apricot series.

“After building the Dry Dock brand for 20 years, it was important to find a partner who shares our commitment to quality, independence, and community,” said DeLange. “We’ve known Eric Wallace and Chris Lennert for years through our work with the Colorado Brewers Guild, and they’ve always supported the industry both locally and nationally. There are significant opportunities to grow Dry Dock with Left Hand’s extensive distributor network. Together we have the opportunity to bring Dry Dock’s beers to more fans than ever before.”

Through its recent Wefunder campaign, Left Hand also expanded ownership to its wider community – building on its foundation as an employee- and veteran-owned brewery – and making meaningful progress toward its goal of becoming partially community-owned.

“We’re in active discussions with other beverage companies to join us,” said Wallace. “With the capacity, systems, and expertise we’ve developed, we’re in a strong position to support like-minded producers and work together to strengthen the future of independent craft, both here in Colorado and beyond.”

Great Divide Acquired By Wilding Brands

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I got a press release this morning announcing that Great Divide Brewing has been acquired by Wilding Brands, which is a local business group consisting of several Colorado business, including Denver Beer Co., Funkwerks, and others.

Though few details were released, here’s the gist of the press release:

Wilding Brands, (https://wildingbrands.com), an innovative, local, founder-owned family of craft beverage brands, and Great Divide Brewing Company (https://greatdivide.com), the renowned Colorado craft brewery founded in 1994 and known for its bold character beers, today announce that Great Divide is joining the Wilding family. The acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for Wilding Brands as it continues brewing world-class craft beverages while expanding opportunities for growth.

Great Divide has played a pivotal role in shaping Colorado’s craft beer industry, earning national recognition for its award-winning lineup including the legendary Yeti Imperial Stout, Titan IPA, and Colette Farmhouse Ale. Under Wilding Brands’ ownership, Great Divide will maintain its commitment to quality and innovation, ensuring that fans continue to enjoy the craft beverages they love.

Formed in 2024 in a true merger between Stem Ciders, Denver Beer Co. and Funkwerks, Wilding Brands is led by Colorado craft beverage innovators and founders Eric Foster, Brad Lincoln, and Charlie Berger, who started his career on the bottling line at Great Divide before founding Denver Beer Co. 

“We’re honored to welcome Great Divide into the family,” said Charlie Berger, Chief Development Officer, Wilding Brands. “At the end of the day, it’s all about the craft and quality of the product, and Great Divide has a rich history and a well-earned reputation for brewing some of the best beers in Colorado and arguably the country. Our goal is to honor that legacy while bringing new energy and resources to help the brand grow and continue to be a foundation of the Colorado craft beer story.”

“The dedication to evolving the business and a passion for Colorado make Wilding and Great Divide a perfect match. I couldn’t be happier knowing that Eric, Charlie, and Brad will be carrying the torch forward,” said Brian Dunn, Founder of Great Divide. “I’ve seen a lot of change in the craft beer industry over the years, and Wilding is building with a clear vision. This is exciting news for Colorado and the industry.”

The acquisition includes Great Divide’s wholesale business and any future brick-and-mortar locations. There will be no changes to the Great Divide Colorado outpost locations in Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Belmar, DEN Concourse C, or the Tap Room and Barrel Bar locations in Denver. Production brewing will move to Wilding’s Canworks facility in Denver’s Sunnyside neighborhood, and the acquisition retains and creates many employment opportunities in the Wilding Brands organization. Customers can continue to expect to see their favorite Great Divide beers on shelves and on tap, with exciting new offerings in the future.

Me and Great Divide founder Brian Dunn at GABF last year.

I’m certainly glad for Great Divide founder Brian Dunn, who’s been a friend for several decades. It’s been great to watch Great Divide grow over the years and I spent many a happy afternoon drinking at the brewery, especially his annual media brunches that were legendary for beer journalists of a certain age. Cheers to a 30+ years run.

Beer In Ads #4927: Spring Is Here

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Last year I decided to concentrate on Bock ads. Bock, of course, originated in Germany, in the town of Einbeck. Because many 19th century American breweries were founded by German immigrants, they offered a bock at certain times of the year, be it Spring, Easter, Lent, Christmas, or what have you. In a sense they were some of the first seasonal beers. “The style was later adopted in Bavaria by Munich brewers in the 17th century. Due to their Bavarian accent, citizens of Munich pronounced ‘Einbeck’ as ‘ein Bock’ (a billy goat), and thus the beer became known as ‘Bock.’ A goat often appears on bottle labels.” And presumably because they were special releases, many breweries went all out promoting them with beautiful artwork on posters and other advertising.

Tuesday’s ad is for Acme Bock Beer and was published April 1, 1935. The brewery was the Acme Brewing Co. of San Francisco, California, which was originally founded in 1907, though they also opened a location in the Los Angeles area. Today the brand is opened by North Coast Brewing. This ad ran in the Sacramento Bee of Sacramento, California, and shows what appears to be.a midsummer dance with several women and goats frolicking with the tagline” “Spring is here, Acme Bock Beer thrills every beer lover!”

Beer In Ads #4926: If You Like Your Beer Hearty …

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Last year I decided to concentrate on Bock ads. Bock, of course, originated in Germany, in the town of Einbeck. Because many 19th century American breweries were founded by German immigrants, they offered a bock at certain times of the year, be it Spring, Easter, Lent, Christmas, or what have you. In a sense they were some of the first seasonal beers. “The style was later adopted in Bavaria by Munich brewers in the 17th century. Due to their Bavarian accent, citizens of Munich pronounced ‘Einbeck’ as ‘ein Bock’ (a billy goat), and thus the beer became known as ‘Bock.’ A goat often appears on bottle labels.” And presumably because they were special releases, many breweries went all out promoting them with beautiful artwork on posters and other advertising.

Monday’s ad is for FrankenMuth Bock Beer and was published March 31, 1965 in the Grand Rapids Press, of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The ad was for the International Breweries Inc., of Findlay, Ohio, and had this delightful headline: ‘If you like beer hearty … you’re in for the heartiest treat of your life … FrankenMuth Bock Beer.”

Beer In Ads #4925: Now In Season — Coors Genuine Bock Beer

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Last year I decided to concentrate on Bock ads. Bock, of course, originated in Germany, in the town of Einbeck. Because many 19th century American breweries were founded by German immigrants, they offered a bock at certain times of the year, be it Spring, Easter, Lent, Christmas, or what have you. In a sense they were some of the first seasonal beers. “The style was later adopted in Bavaria by Munich brewers in the 17th century. Due to their Bavarian accent, citizens of Munich pronounced ‘Einbeck’ as ‘ein Bock’ (a billy goat), and thus the beer became known as ‘Bock.’ A goat often appears on bottle labels.” And presumably because they were special releases, many breweries went all out promoting them with beautiful artwork on posters and other advertising.

Sunday’s ad is for Coors Genuine Bock Beer and was published March 30, 1934 in the Waco Times Herald, of Waco, Texas. The ad was for the Coors Brewing, of Golden, Colorado, and it’s apparently their first release of Bock post-prohibition.

Beer In Ads #4924: Poth’s Bock Beer

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Last year I decided to concentrate on Bock ads. Bock, of course, originated in Germany, in the town of Einbeck. Because many 19th century American breweries were founded by German immigrants, they offered a bock at certain times of the year, be it Spring, Easter, Lent, Christmas, or what have you. In a sense they were some of the first seasonal beers. “The style was later adopted in Bavaria by Munich brewers in the 17th century. Due to their Bavarian accent, citizens of Munich pronounced ‘Einbeck’ as ‘ein Bock’ (a billy goat), and thus the beer became known as ‘Bock.’ A goat often appears on bottle labels.” And presumably because they were special releases, many breweries went all out promoting them with beautiful artwork on posters and other advertising.

Saturday’s ad is for Poth’s Bock Beer and was published March 29, 1907 in the Philadelphia Inquirer, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The ad was for the F.A. Poth & Sons Brewery, also of Philadelphia, and it’s an interesting advertising approach told in a story involving a waiter and restaurant patron having a conversation about bock beer.

Beer In Ads #4923: The Fable Of Bock Beer

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Last year I decided to concentrate on Bock ads. Bock, of course, originated in Germany, in the town of Einbeck. Because many 19th century American breweries were founded by German immigrants, they offered a bock at certain times of the year, be it Spring, Easter, Lent, Christmas, or what have you. In a sense they were some of the first seasonal beers. “The style was later adopted in Bavaria by Munich brewers in the 17th century. Due to their Bavarian accent, citizens of Munich pronounced ‘Einbeck’ as ‘ein Bock’ (a billy goat), and thus the beer became known as ‘Bock.’ A goat often appears on bottle labels.” And presumably because they were special releases, many breweries went all out promoting them with beautiful artwork on posters and other advertising.

Friday’s ad is for Bock Beer for several Canadian breweries and was published March 28, 1928 in the Vancouver Sun. The ad mentions that bock will be available at Government Liquor Stores beginning on April 7, and includes bock beer from Vancouver Breweries, Westminster Brewery, Rainier Brewing Co. of Canada, Silver Spring Breweries, and Victoria-Phoenix Brewing Co. But it’s the fable that’s the most interesting part of this ad.

Beer In Ads #4922: It’s Wise To Ask For Braumeister Bock Beer

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Last year I decided to concentrate on Bock ads. Bock, of course, originated in Germany, in the town of Einbeck. Because many 19th century American breweries were founded by German immigrants, they offered a bock at certain times of the year, be it Spring, Easter, Lent, Christmas, or what have you. In a sense they were some of the first seasonal beers. “The style was later adopted in Bavaria by Munich brewers in the 17th century. Due to their Bavarian accent, citizens of Munich pronounced ‘Einbeck’ as ‘ein Bock’ (a billy goat), and thus the beer became known as ‘Bock.’ A goat often appears on bottle labels.” And presumably because they were special releases, many breweries went all out promoting them with beautiful artwork on posters and other advertising.

Thursday’s ad is for Braumeister Bock Beer and was published March 27, 1950. “Braumeister Bock Beer: The Only Genuine Milwaukee Bock Beer at the Regular Price,” which was originally published March 22, 1955 in the Saginaw News, which I believe was in Saginaw, Michigan, a medium-sized town in Eastern MIchigan located just below Saginaw Bay by Lake Huron. The brewery was the Independent Milwaukee Brewery of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which was founded in 1901 by five partners: Henry N. Bills, William Gutknecht, Charles Evers, Emil Czarnecki, and William Jung. It’s flagship brand was Braumeister. The survived Prohibition and lasted until 1962, when the G. Heileman Brewing Co. of nearby Lacrosse bought the brewery and closed it down the following year. This ad ran in the Cincinnati Post, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and includes the headline: “It’s WISE to Ask for ‘Milwaukee’s Choicest’ Bock beer” and features our intrepid genius goat, wearing glasses and mortarboard and tassel. The same ‘wise’ goat was featured in an earlier ad for Braumeister Bock and elicited several comments pondering why it was wearing eyeglasses. I think we can safely say it was to make him appear smarter.

Beer In Ads #4921: Too Good To Last

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Last year I decided to concentrate on Bock ads. Bock, of course, originated in Germany, in the town of Einbeck. Because many 19th century American breweries were founded by German immigrants, they offered a bock at certain times of the year, be it Spring, Easter, Lent, Christmas, or what have you. In a sense they were some of the first seasonal beers. “The style was later adopted in Bavaria by Munich brewers in the 17th century. Due to their Bavarian accent, citizens of Munich pronounced ‘Einbeck’ as ‘ein Bock’ (a billy goat), and thus the beer became known as ‘Bock.’ A goat often appears on bottle labels.” And presumably because they were special releases, many breweries went all out promoting them with beautiful artwork on posters and other advertising.

Wednesday’s ad is for Acme Bock Beer and was published March 26, 1936. The brewery was the Acme Brewing Co. of San Francisco, California, which was originally founded in 1907, though they also opened a location in the Los Angeles area. Today the brand is opened by North Coast Brewing. This ad ran in The Tribune, of San Luis Obispo, California, and includes the headline: “Too Good To Last” and features a woman in a fancy dress holding a glass of beer.

Goat Logo circa 1895

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I’ve been sharing bock beer ads and posters in my daily Beer in Art series and while researching and collecting ads to post came across this interesting tidbit at the Library of Congress website detailing a trademark application for the True W. Jones Brewing Co. of Manchester, New Hampshire. The brewery was founded in 1879 as the New Hampshire Brewing Co., but in 1891 changed its name to the True W. Jones Brewing Co., which it remained until it closed in 1917.

But this trademark application was approved today, March 26, 1895, for their “Jones Bock Ale.” You can see that the submitted artwork was hand drawn when examined close-up, which is pretty cool.

But perhaps even more interesting is to see the whole page application submitted by the brewery. According to the paperwork, they started using the mark November 1, 1893. It’s fun to see all the notes and signatures around the margins. Unfortunately, presumably since this was 130 years ago and the brewery’s been closed for 108 years, there’s no additional information about the beer, or for that matter about the brewery. His arguably more famous brother, Frank Jones, owned a very successful brewery (by the 1870s was the largest ale brewery in the country) in nearby Portsmouth, and in addition was a politician who the mayor of Portsmouth and later was elected to the U.S. Congress. But both appear to have been ale breweries, so I suspect they brewed an ale version of a bock to satisfy customer demand.