Aslin Beer Co. (Alexandria, VA) and Torch & Crown (New York, NY) have merged to form the Driven Collective, a hospitality-first craft beer platform that intends to leverage the former’s production capacity, the latter’s NYC distribution arm and the media and culture of both breweries’ home markets. 

Brewbound Insiders are getting all the details on the merger, plus a refresher on the state of platforms in craft beer. 

Insiders are also getting the scoop on these stories in the Brewbound Insider Newsletter and at Brewbound.com:

• Tito’s Vodka’s first acquisition;
• An update on a class-action lawsuit against Sazerac;
• Central Standard’s entry into the THC-infused beverage space;
• Big Grove’s Omaha taproom opening date;
• Outlaw’s move into Memphis
• And Heineken’s lack of interest in mainstream U.S. beer.

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

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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. 

Tito’s Handmade Vodka has struck a deal to acquire a majority stake in LALO Tequila, a fast-growing tequila brand often dubbed the “Tito’s of tequila.”

The transaction is expected to close in the “near future.” Financial terms were not disclosed.

The deal marks Tito’s first strategic acquisition. LALO co-founder “Lalo” González will continue to steward the brand’s production.

Insiders can read more about Tito’s first deal.

Sazerac is facing legal heat again for selling malt-based versions of Fireball and Parrot Bay that allegedly misled consumers who believed they were spirits-based products.

U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas ruled on September 18 that a class-action lawsuit accusing the whiskey giant of deceiving customers with malt-based spinoffs of the 2 brands can proceed.

Insiders can read more about the lawsuit.

Are THC-infused beverages the next stage of evolution for craft distillers? The leaders of one Milwaukee distillery believe so.

Central Standard is among the first craft distilleries to release a THC-infused line. Last week, the company debuted Delta Dawn, a 12 oz. can with 10 mg of THC in 2 flavors, Door County Cherry Lemonade and Fruit Punch.

Insiders can read more about Central Standard’s entry into THC-infused beverages, including comments by co-founder Pat McQuillan on the company’s innovation strategy.

Craft outperformed the overall beer category in convenience stores to close the summer selling season.

In the L4W ending September 7, dollar sales of craft beer increased 1.5% in c-stores, compared with total beer’s 1.9% decline in the channel, according to the latest monthly report from market research firm Circana. Craft c-store volume, measured in case sales, remained negative for the period (-0.9%), as did craft’s YTD metrics (dollars -0.5%, volume -2.5%).

C-store dollar sales growth is a bit of good news for the challenged segment, while declines in dollars (-6.7% YTD, -7,1% L4W) and volume (-7.9% YTD, -8.5% L4W) in the all-important grocery channel are accelerating. 

Insiders can read more about sales, volume and pricing trends for more craft brands in the top 30, as well as top craft vendors.

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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