Decades-Old Craft Brewery Closes Abruptly

Breweries across the country have been struggling since the pandemic shut down businesses. And while many have managed to find their way back, others have been forced to shut down for good.

Such is the case for Oregon's Rogue Ales and Spirits, a brewery best known for its Dead Guy Ale, which, just days ago, was forced to abruptly shut down all of its operations after 37 years in business.

According to The Oregonian, Rogue closed its massive 47,000-square-foot brewery, warehouse, and restaurant. The brewery also shut down its 4,800-square-foot distillery.

What's more, Rogue shut down four pubs it owns throughout the state.

The News Came as a Shock

According to multiple reports, employees were taken completely by surprise by the sudden closure. Reports say that no employees were given a heads-up that Friday, Nov. 14, would be their last day at the brewery.

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Rogue's closure sent shock waves across the industry, particularly because it became one of the first small-brand breweries to achieve distribution in all 50 states.

This Was an Inevitable Outcome

The Oregonian reports that Rogue was forced to close its doors after the company fell behind in rent and back taxes.

The outlet reports that Rogue owed more than $500,000 in rent and some $30,000 in back taxes.

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Rogue was also no stranger to controversy.

As noted by Tasting Table, Rogue caught a ton of flak when it posted a controversial job listing, which stated that the brewery will "work your behind off."

As for the salary in a job listing soliciting an IT manager, Rogue stated that "this is not a $50+k position" and that "if you need that kind of money, PLEASE don't apply, as that'll waste a lot of time. You will not convince us."

Interestingly, the job listing also noted that Rogue does "not plan, budget, forecast, or waste time on getting bigger."

Craft Breweries Struggling

The move comes amidst a wave of craft brewery closings and consolidations across the country as the United States' craft beer boom runs out of gas. Some experts have called the closure of Rogue the biggest craft beer company bust since Anchor Brewing—at the time the country's oldest craft beer outfit—closed in 2023 after 127 years in business. Rogue first opened in 1988. According to the brand's website, it offered its products in all 50 states as well as 50 countries across the globe.

A New York Times report from earlier this year revealed that craft beer sales had fallen by four percent in 2024. More brewery closings than openings had occurred over each of the previous 18 months, for the first time in 20 years. And some major beer companies have even begun selling off smaller brands purchased during the craft beer boom.