In today’s full newsletter, Insiders are getting details on an impairment charge taken by Sapporo Holdings on its Stone Brewing business, and how some investment partners are reacting to the move (Hint: They’re not too happy). 

Insiders are also:

• Checking out how 1 distillery is tackling bourbon oversupply concerns;
• Diving into headlines from the Brewers Association and Constellation Brands;
• Reading about consumer concerns over the potential impact of impending tariffs; 
• And learning about a packaging expansion for Paskenta Mad River Brewery’s flagship. 

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

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Sapporo Holdings has taken a more than $91.5 million (JPY 13.9 billion) impairment charge on the goodwill of its Stone Brewing business, which the Japanese brewing giant acquired nearly three years ago for $165 million.

The impairment charge, announced on January 30, was met with criticism from 3D Investment Partners, a Singapore-based investment fund manager, which Reuters reported is the largest individual investor in Sapporo.

Brewbound Insiders can go deeper into the story, with commentary from 3D and Sapporo-Stone CEO Zachary Keeling, and recent moves the brewing company has made in the U.S., including layoffs and reorganization.

RTD cocktails may be one way through the bourbon glut, according to Bardstown Bourbon president Pete Marino.

The contract distiller is now getting crafty as it aims to tackle a challenge for the industry: an oversupply of bourbon.

“When you have periods like this, you have to get really creative,” said Marino at Wine and Spirits Daily’s meeting in January.

Industry veterans have warned that the bourbon boom has peaked, weighed down now by an oversupply, coupled with high interest rates which encourage "de-inventorying" at both distribution and retail levels.

Insiders can read more, including details on Bardstown’s strategy and initial RTD iterations, and the latest scan data for the spirits segment.

Brewbound’s annual awards are back for 2025! These awards honor bev-alc companies for their achievements and impact over the past year, recognizing standout industry leaders, trendsetters, breakout brands, change-makers, and rising entrepreneurs. 

Submitting a nomination ensures that the person, company, or product you nominate will be considered for the selected category.

You can submit as many nominations as you like, whether for your own company/product or one you believe deserves recognition. Feel free to select multiple categories for each nomination. Agencies submitting on behalf of clients should submit one nomination per client. All nominations will be published on Brewbound.com.

The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, October 24. The awards ceremony will be held in Marina del Rey, CA, on the first day of Brewbound Live 2025, happening December 10 + 11, 2025.

<< Submit your nominations here >>

For nominations related to RTD cocktails and NA spirit brands, please visit the BevNET Spirits Awards submission page.

2025 marks a milestone year for Lawson’s Finest Liquids and its flagship Sip of Sunshine IPA. How will the Vermont craft brewery celebrate a decade of Sip of Sunshine IPA? CEO Adeline Druart shares details on the latest Brewbound Podcast. 

Druart, who took over as CEO in June 2023, shares the keys to keeping Sip growing, including a commitment to cold-chain distribution. She also discusses the crossover of her previous life in dairy, with the addition of cheese to Lawson’s taproom. 

Listen here or on your preferred podcasting platform.