Craft Beer Closures Surge in 2025: Rogue Ales Shuts Down, Bankruptcies Rise Amid Shifting Trends
Rogue Ales Abruptly Closes After 37 Years
Rogue Ales & Spirits, renowned for **Dead Guy Ale**, shut down all operations on Friday due to financial strain. (Beer Street Journal, December 2025, https://beerstreetjournal.com). The sudden closure sends shockwaves through the beer industry, marking the end of a 37-year legacy for the Oregon-based craft pioneer. (Beer Street Journal, December 2025, https://beerstreetjournal.com).
Truth Beer Company Bids Farewell in Lancaster
Lancaster’s **Truth Beer Company** will close its brewery after over three years, with the final day set for Monday, December 22. (Breweries in PA, December 2025, https://breweriesinpa.com/lancasters-truth-beer-company-to-close-after-over-3-years-in-business/). Originally opening in Akron in 2022, the brewery expanded to Lancaster in 2024 before consolidating operations there. (Breweries in PA, December 2025, https://breweriesinpa.com/lancasters-truth-beer-company-to-close-after-over-3-years-in-business/). The space has been sold to friends planning a new concept, offering a glimmer of continuity for the location. (Breweries in PA, December 2025, https://breweriesinpa.com/lancasters-truth-beer-company-to-close-after-over-3-years-in-business/).
Wave of Bankruptcies Claims Seven Iconic Breweries
Roughly **seven well-known breweries** filed for bankruptcy in 2025, including Bosque Brewing Co. and Bootlegger’s Brewery, amid post-pandemic pressures and debt. (WhatNow, 2025, https://whatnow.com/news/trending/iconic-breweries-we-lost-to-bankruptcy-in-2025/). A midyear report from the Brewers Association notes closings outpacing openings, with craft brewery numbers dropping 1% to 9,269 by June 2025. (Brewers Association, 2025, https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/2025-midyear-report/); (WhatNow, 2025, https://whatnow.com/news/trending/iconic-breweries-we-lost-to-bankruptcy-in-2025/).
Brüeprint Brewing Company filed for Chapter 7 liquidation in April, burdened by $1.78 million in liabilities. (WhatNow, 2025, https://whatnow.com/news/trending/iconic-breweries-we-lost-to-bankruptcy-in-2025/). Bosque Brewing shuttered taprooms in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, while Bootlegger’s Brewery, distributing to over 2,500 outlets since 2008, submitted a reorganization plan. (WhatNow, 2025, https://whatnow.com/news/trending/iconic-breweries-we-lost-to-bankruptcy-in-2025/).
Market Trends: Non-Alcoholic Surge and IPA Fatigue
**Non-alcoholic beer** volumes exploded by 33.7% on-premise year-over-year, with non-alcoholic IPAs and stouts up over 170% and 130%, respectively. (CGA by NIQ, 2025, https://www.craftbrewingbusiness.com/featured/navigating-the-u-s-on-premise-consumer-in-2025-key-insights-for-craft-brewers/). A third of consumers plan healthier choices, including 25% moderating alcohol, boosting demand for low- and no-ABV options. (CGA by NIQ, 2025, https://www.craftbrewingbusiness.com/featured/navigating-the-u-s-on-premise-consumer-in-2025-key-insights-for-craft-brewers/).
Ales, led by IPAs at 33.8% of revenue, face slowdowns due to consumer fatigue shifting to lighter styles. (IBISWorld, 2025, https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/industry/craft-beer-production/4302/). Craft beer production grew at a 1.8% CAGR from 2020-2025, with forecasts at 1.6% through 2030 via direct-to-consumer channels. (IBISWorld, 2025, https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/industry/craft-beer-production/4302/).
Consolidation and Consumer Shifts Reshape the Landscape
Craft volumes declined 1-2% in 2024, with distributors trimming offerings and larger players acquiring smaller ones. (OhBev, 2025, https://www.ohbev.com/blog/beer-market-forecasts-and-trends). Premiumization rises, with 20% of consumers seeking higher-quality brews, while taprooms diversify with family-friendly experiences and RTDs. (CGA by NIQ, 2025, https://www.craftbrewingbusiness.com/featured/navigating-the-u-s-on-premise-consumer-in-2025-key-insights-for-craft-brewers/).
M&A activity slowed significantly in 2025, compounding challenges from inflation, tariffs, and competition. (Beer Business Daily, December 19, 2025, https://beernet.com); (Brewers Association, 2025, https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/the-2025-year-in-beer/). Despite headwinds, successes persist in innovation and on-premise draft, which holds 52.3% of volumes with an 8.1% distribution rise. (Hop Culture, 2025, https://www.hopculture.com/top-craft-beer-trends-2025/).