world
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Boston Beer Company acquires Dogfish Head Brewery B
oston Beer Company, the business behind Sam
and I have stood shoulder to shoulder in some of the
Adams, is acquiring Delaware-based Dogfish Head
defining efforts in Craft brewing including the creation of
Brewery in a $300m deal. The transaction is expected to close late in the second quarter of 2019, subject to customary closing conditions. Sam Calagione, founder and brewer of Dogfish Head,
the Brewers Association, the craft beer definition, the craft brewer seal and the creation of the Savor food and beer event. “This combination is the right fit as both Boston
and his family are to receive approximately 406,000
Beer and Dogfish Head have a passion for brewing and
shares of Boston Beer stock based on a share price of
innovation, we share the same values and we will learn a
$314.60.
lot from each other as we continue to invest in the high-
The Delaware brewery’s shareholders will also receive
end beer category.
$173 million in cash, most all of which is for the benefit of
“I am very happy that Sam will join the Board of
Dogfish Head's financial investors, with the exception of
Directors at Boston Beer. He is a tremendous friend,
certain transaction-related expenses.
innovator and brewer, and I could not be more excited to
Through the move, Calagione will join Boston Beer's Board of Directors at the start of next year.
work together with him for many years to come." Calagione said: "Not only are Dogfish Head and Boston
The combined company will be led by Boston Beer
Beer two original American breweries, but Jim Koch and
CEO, Dave Burwick, who called the deal “a formidable
I worked hard with other leading craft brewery founders
combination of brands, incredible brewing talent, and
and the Brewers Association to develop and champion
leaders” that remain 100 percent focused and committed
what defines independent American brewers.
to the long-term health of our breweries and growing the beer industry. "We believe we are creating the most dynamic and
"This merger better positions Dogfish Head and our co-workers to continue growing within this definition for many years to come. In fact, Mariah and I believe so
diverse American-owned platform for craft beer and
much in the future of our merged companies that we are
beyond," added Jim Koch, founder and Chairman of The
all in, and personally we're reinvesting nearly all of the
Boston Beer Company.
proceeds back into the combined entity. We're also proud
He said: “Dogfish Head has a proud history as a craft
to announce that we intend to devote a percentage of
beer pioneer with a brand that is beloved by American
the Boston Beer stock that we receive to establishing a
consumers and highly respected by the industry. Sam
foundation and funding various local charitable programs."
Goose Island appoints new brewmaster
build on the work done by the company’s previous
G
oose Island has appointed Keith Gabbett as its fifthever brewmaster.
Born in Warsaw, Indiana, Gabbett moved to Chicago in
1999. Gabbett is a Chicago-trained brewer who has been
Asked about the future, he said he was excited to brewmasters. He added: “I know I have a lot to bring to the table and I’m excited to work with the team to build on the rock solid foundation we have at Goose. “Beer is about community and reaching people where they’re at. That means keeping everything on the table
part of the Goose team for a decade, most recently
and listening to people whether they’re brewers or fans or
holding the position of head brewer, overseeing its Barrel,
anyone else.
Brewing and Cellar program. He has also had a direct hand in sourcing and managing the hops the brewery uses for all its beers. Gabbett started brewing more than 15 years ago, first
"There’s always been a great, unique culture at Goose Island that sets us apart. Protecting that and helping it continue to grow is mission #1.” Gabbett takes overthe position from Jared Jankoski,
at home and then professionally in 2007 after receiving
who departed the brewery earlier this year in order to
his diploma in Brewing Technology from the Siebel
become the brewmaster of Octopi Brewing in Madison,
Institute of Technology.
Wisconsin.
brewersjournal.info
June 2019
15