Bell's Brewery has been acquired by Lion, an Australian brewer that also owns New Belgium Brewing based in Colorado. This news was announced by Bell's Brewery founder, Larry Bell, who also revealed his retirement from the company. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I find this acquisition quite intriguing and it raises several interesting points to consider.
Firstly, the fact that Lion already owns New Belgium Brewing is worth noting. This means that Lion now has a strong presence in both the Australian and American craft beer markets. It also suggests that Lion sees value in expanding its portfolio and reaching a wider audience by acquiring established and respected breweries.
From a personal standpoint, I have sampled beers from both Bell's Brewery and New Belgium Brewing and have always been impressed by their quality and craftsmanship. Bell's Brewery, in particular, has a stellar reputation in the industry, known for its iconic Two Hearted Ale and Oberon Ale. It will be interesting to see how Lion's ownership will impact the future direction of Bell's Brewery and whether they will maintain the same level of excellence.
The acquisition of Bell's Brewery by Lion also highlights the continuing trend of consolidation within the craft beer industry. Over the past decade, we have seen numerous small and independent breweries being bought out by larger corporations. While this can provide financial stability and resources for the acquired breweries, it also raises concerns about the potential loss of creativity and independence that often characterizes the craft beer movement.
On the positive side, Lion's ownership of Bell's Brewery could potentially lead to increased distribution and availability of their beers. It is not uncommon for small breweries to struggle with distribution and reach, so having the backing of a larger company like Lion can help Bell's Brewery expand its reach and introduce its beers to new markets. This could be a win-win situation for both Lion and Bell's Brewery.
However, it is important to acknowledge that there may be some apprehension among craft beer enthusiasts about the acquisition. There is often a sense of loyalty and connection to independent breweries, and the fear is that the acquisition by a larger company could result in a shift towards more mainstream and less innovative beers. This concern is not unfounded, as we have seen cases where the quality and uniqueness of beers have suffered after being acquired by larger corporations.
The acquisition of Bell's Brewery by Lion, the Australian brewer that also owns New Belgium Brewing, is a significant development in the craft beer industry. It raises questions about the future direction of Bell's Brewery and the potential impact on the craft beer movement as a whole. Only time will tell how this acquisition plays out and whether it will be a successful partnership that benefits both Lion and Bell's Brewery.