Iron Hill Brewery, a nearly 30-year-old brewpub chain in 5 states, has permanently closed all 16 remaining locations and plans to file for bankruptcy, 2 weeks after shuttering 3 locations in an attempt to shore up the company. 

Brewbound Insiders are hearing from an affected worker and learning about the overnight message that announced the news internally. 

In today’s Brewbound Insider Newsletter and on Brewbound.com, Insiders are also reading about:

• Delta Beverage’s marketing campaign seeking to end stigmas around cannabis use;
• The termination of a Wicked Weed employee due to social media posts;
• And how likely consumers are to try new bev-alc brands and categories after watching a movie or TV show.

Insiders also have access to the Brewbound Newsletter Archive, including previous newsletter-exclusive Insider content.

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Or, be in the know on all food and beverage news from Brewbound, BevNET and NOSH with Insider All Access.

NBWA's 88th Annual Convention & Trade Show (Oct. 12-15 in Las Vegas) is where beer and beverage professionals discover the products, technology and ideas that will define the industry's future. It's not too late to book your spot and set your company up for success! Learn more

Mid-Atlantic brewpub chain Iron Hill Brewery abruptly closed its 16 remaining locations overnight, weeks after it shuttered 3 in a move that a spokesperson at the time said was “to position Iron Hill for long-term success.” 

The message employees received informing them of Iron Hill’s closure via Restaurant365 cited “ongoing financial challenges,” with plans to file for bankruptcy and “secure new sources of funding.” The company appears not to have filed a bankruptcy petition in federal court or WARN notices in any state where it operates. 

Iron Hill operated in 5 states: DE, GA, NJ, PA and SC. 

Insiders can read more about working conditions at Iron Hill and review the chain’s production data, as well as stats about the brewpub sector.

AleSmith is celebrating its 30th anniversary with momentum behind new products – in and out of beer – and a growing contract brewing business. 

In this episode of the Brewbound Podcast, AleSmith president Brandon Richards shares how the San Diego craft brewery has evolved to meet drinkers’ needs with new products while fortifying its business by brewing for others. 

Richards explains how the Party Tricks IPA line and addition of Sun Path fruited lager line have driven growth for the company. AleSmith is also expanding its flagship Speedway Stout brand with its first spirit-based offering with Speedway Espresso Martini, and adding a 2nd spirit-based RTD line with Hoptails, a hard hop water cocktail.

Richards also gives insights into what AleSmith is looking for in a contract partner, what he believes the brewery offers its clients and how much volume the company has earmarked for co-packing in 2026. AleSmith expects to double its contract volume in 2025, with plans for more in 2026.

Before the interview, the Brewbound team breaks down the biggest industry headlines, including Charlie Sheen’s NA beer, Molson Coors’ new CEO, investors’ lawsuit against Island Brands and Boston Beer’s winning pick for The Summer I Turned Pretty.

Listen here or on your preferred podcast platform.

Hemp-derived THC seltzer brand Delta Beverages recently unveiled a new visual identity and a marketing campaign that seek to “humanize” the brand while eliminating the stigma often associated with cannabis use.

Delta VP of marketing Gabriela McCoy added: “The No. 1 goal of [this rebrand] is to give this first generation of THC drinkers a memorable experience.”

Insiders can read more here.

Aslin Beer Co. (Alexandria, VA), the country’s 3rd-largest taproom brewer by volume, and Torch & Crown Brewing (New York, NY) have merged to form the Driven Collective. 

The platform will combine Aslin’s production capacity and Torch & Crown’s NYC distribution arm to “unlock smarter growth, fuel creativity and prove that craft still has room to run,” according to a press release.

Driven Collective CEO Andrew Kelley: “This isn’t about trimming fat or chasing efficiency. It’s about putting the pedal down with purpose. We’re combining great brewing, NYC hustle in distribution, East Coast reach and a shared drive to keep pushing boundaries. Driven is where creative brands come to grow fast and with intention.”

Insiders can read more about the new platform, Aslin’s new THC- and CBD-infused NA beer and brush up on how platforms and mergers are changing the craft landscape.

The application is now open for the Brewbound Live Pitch Slam, the leading business pitch competition for emerging beer, beyond beer, and adult beverage brands. The competition will take place during Brewbound Live 2025, held in Marina del Rey, December 10 & 11.

This year, the Pitch Slam gets a high-impact makeover: a new 1-day format, a tighter slate of finalists, and an intentional spotlight on innovation across RTDs, NA, cannabis, and beer categories.

The Brewbound Live Pitch Slam is open to early-stage adult beverage brands across beer, hard seltzer, hard cider, hard kombucha, RTD cocktails, THC-infused beverages and more. Whether you’re pre-launch with a product ready to sample or already in market for less than two years, we’re looking for disruptive brands with innovative concepts and the potential to scale. All applicants should be focused on the U.S. market and capable of providing packaged samples.

Why Apply?

• Stage Time: Pitch in front of hundreds of beverage alcohol industry decision-makers including strategics, distributors, and investors.
• Strategic Visibility: Get your brand in front of top-tier media, buyers, and potential partners, all in one room.
• Expert Feedback: Hear from seasoned judges with deep operational, retail, and investment experience.
• Access: Finalists unlock access to 1:1 meetings, networking, and breakout sessions designed to accelerate growth.

The deadline to apply is Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Space is limited. Apply Now >>

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Want to share news or tips? ✉️ Submit a press release or reach out to news@brewbound.com.

Interested in other beverage coverage? 👀 Check out the BevNET Daily Briefing covering the broader beverage industry, including energy drinks, cannabis and other non-alcoholic beverages. Want to stick to the hard stuff? Subscribe to our Spirits Newsletter (published every 2 weeks). 

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