As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with a detailed answer to your question about when Monster Beverage bought Cigar City.
Monster Beverage announced its acquisition of the CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective, which includes popular breweries like Cigar City, Oskar Blues, and Wild Basin, in 2022. This deal was valued at $330 million, marking a significant move for the energy drink company into the craft beer and hard seltzer market.
For craft beer enthusiasts, this news may come as a surprise, as Monster Beverage is primarily known for its energy drinks rather than its involvement in the brewing industry. However, this acquisition highlights the growing popularity and profitability of the craft beer market, as more mainstream companies recognize the value in acquiring established craft breweries.
Cigar City is a highly regarded brewery based in Tampa, Florida, known for its innovative and flavorful beers. The brewery was founded in 2009 by Joey Redner and has gained a loyal following over the years. Their flagship beer, Jai Alai IPA, has become an iconic brew in the craft beer world.
I personally had the opportunity to visit Cigar City a few years ago and was impressed by the quality and creativity of their beer offerings. The taproom had a vibrant atmosphere, and it was clear that the brewery had a strong connection with the local community. It is always interesting to see how breweries evolve and grow, and this acquisition by Monster Beverage certainly adds a new chapter to Cigar City's story.
Monster Beverage bought Cigar City and other breweries in the CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective in 2022. This move signifies the company's entry into the craft beer and hard seltzer market and highlights the increasing popularity of these beverages. It will be intriguing to see how Monster Beverage integrates these breweries into their portfolio and what new developments and innovations arise as a result.