Surly Brewing Co, located in Bloomington, Minnesota, has been a pioneering force in the craft beer industry since its inception in 2005. With a focus on quality, creativity, and pushing the boundaries of traditional beer styles, Surly has built a loyal following and garnered numerous accolades over the years.
The brewery was founded by Omar Ansari, who was inspired by a trip to Belgium where he discovered the rich tradition and diversity of Belgian beer. Determined to bring that same level of craftsmanship and innovation to the American beer scene, Ansari set out to create his own brewery.
From the beginning, Surly Brewing Co has been known for its bold and flavorful beers. Their flagship beer, Surly Furious, is a hop-forward American IPA that has become a favorite among beer enthusiasts. Other popular offerings include Todd the Axe Man, an India Pale Ale with citrus and tropical fruit notes, and Darkness, an imperial stout with rich chocolate and coffee flavors.
One of the defining characteristics of Surly Brewing Co is their commitment to quality. They use only the finest ingredients and employ meticulous brewing techniques to ensure that every batch of beer meets their high standards. This dedication to quality has earned them a reputation as one of the top craft breweries in the country.
In addition to their commitment to quality, Surly Brewing Co is also known for their innovative approach to beer. They are constantly experimenting with new ingredients and techniques to create unique and exciting flavors. This spirit of innovation is exemplified in their barrel-aged program, where they age beers in a variety of barrels, including whiskey, wine, and bourbon, to add complexity and depth to their brews.
Surly Brewing Co has also made a name for themselves with their commitment to sustainability. They have implemented numerous environmentally friendly practices, such as recycling and reusing water, utilizing solar power, and donating their spent grain to local farmers for animal feed. This dedication to sustainability has earned them recognition and awards for their efforts.
Despite their success, Surly Brewing Co has faced challenges along the way. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, has had a significant impact on their operations. The closure of their Beer Hall and Garden, a popular gathering place for beer lovers, has resulted in a significant drop in revenue, leading to the difficult decision to close indefinitely.
However, Surly Brewing Co remains optimistic about the future. They have a talented and innovative brewing team in place, and they are confident that they will be able to navigate these challenging times and continue to produce exceptional beer.
Surly Brewing Co has made a lasting impact on the craft beer industry with their commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. Despite the challenges they face, they remain a beacon of creativity and excellence in the brewing world. As beer enthusiasts, we can look forward to what the future holds for this pioneering brewery.
Why Is Surly Brewery Closing?
Surly Brewery made the difficult decision to close its Beer Hall and Garden indefinitely on November 2, 2020. The closure was primarily driven by a significant 82% decline in revenue, which was directly attributed to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The brewery expressed deep regret and described the decision as “gut-wrenching” in a statement.
Here are the key reasons behind Surly Brewery's closure:
1. Revenue Decline: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on businesses worldwide, and Surly Brewery was no exception. The brewery experienced a sharp decline in revenue, which can be attributed to various factors related to the pandemic.
2. Impact on Hospitality Industry: The pandemic has severely affected the hospitality industry, including breweries, bars, and restaurants. Surly Brewery's Beer Hall and Garden relied heavily on in-person dining and social gatherings, which were significantly limited due to restrictions and safety measures imposed to curb the spread of the virus.
3. Reduced Capacity: To comply with social distancing guidelines, Surly Brewery had to reduce its capacity, resulting in fewer customers being able to visit the Beer Hall and Garden. This limitation directly impacted the brewery's revenue potential.
4. Uncertain Future: The unpredictable nature of the pandemic and the uncertainty surrounding its duration and impact made it challenging for Surly Brewery to plan for the future. With no clear timeline for a return to normalcy, the decision to close indefinitely was seen as a necessary step to mitigate further financial losses.
It's important to note that the closure of Surly Brewery's Beer Hall and Garden is a temporary measure, as the brewery remains committed to continuing its beer production and distribution operations. The focus will likely shift towards alternative revenue streams, such as off-premise sales and online orders, until the conditions allow for the safe reopening of the Beer Hall and Garden.
Who Is Surly Owned By?
Surly Bikes is a privately owned company that is not publicly traded on the stock market. The parent company of Surly Bikes is Quality Bicycle Products (QBP), which is also a private company. QBP is a distributor of bicycle parts and accessories, and it owns several brands in addition to Surly Bikes. Surly Bikes is headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota, United States. It specializes in manufacturing and selling bicycles and bicycle parts. Surly Bikes is known for its durable and versatile bikes that are designed for various terrains and riding styles.
Conclusion
Surly Brewing Co. has made a significant impact on the craft beer industry since its inception in 2005. With a commitment to pushing boundaries and creating innovative and high-quality brews, Surly quickly gained a loyal following of beer enthusiasts. The brewery's flagship beer, Surly Furious, became an iconic representation of the brand's bold and flavorful offerings.
Over the years, Surly continued to expand its operations and reach, opening a destination Beer Hall and Garden that became a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. The brewery's dedication to sustainability and community involvement further solidified its reputation as a leader in the craft beer scene.
However, like many businesses in the hospitality industry, Surly faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure of its Beer Hall and Garden due to a drastic drop in revenue was undoubtedly a difficult decision for the company. Nonetheless, Surly Brewing Co. remains optimistic about the future and continues to produce its renowned beers.
The resignation of Todd Haug, the Head of Brewing Operations, was a notable development for Surly. Haug's departure marked the end of an era, as he had played a crucial role in shaping Surly's brewing process and reputation. Despite his departure, the brewery expressed confidence in its co-lead brewers and the brewing team's ability to carry on the legacy and maintain the high standards of quality set by Haug.
Moving forward, Surly Brewing Co. will undoubtedly face new challenges and opportunities. With a strong foundation, a loyal customer base, and a commitment to innovation, the brewery is well-positioned to navigate the ever-changing craft beer landscape. Beer enthusiasts can look forward to future releases and exciting developments from Surly as it continues to push boundaries and create exceptional brews.
