Overview: In a move that has sent shockwaves through the craft beer industry, Icicle Brewing Company has changed hands to Shelley and Eric Desmarais of CLS Farms, a fifth-generation family-owned hop farm. The new owners promise to preserve the brewery’s culture and independence while expanding its reach.
The Full Story
Founded in 2010 by Pamela and Oliver Brulotte, Icicle Brewing Company has established itself as an award-winning independent craft brewery and brewpub located in Leavenworth, Washington. The company is guided by its mission of inspiring connection and joy through exceptional products and meaningful experiences that respect the world and enrich communities.
The transition comes at a time when the industry has been grappling with challenges such as consolidation, competition from larger breweries, and growing demand for sustainable practices. Despite these obstacles, Icicle Brewing has achieved five consecutive years of double-digit growth in distribution while earning six World Beer Cup medals over the past four years.
The new owners are second cousins to Oliver Brulotte and have a deep understanding of the brewery’s values and operations. They plan to build on this foundation by expanding innovation, quality, community engagement, and long-term sustainability initiatives.
Production & Profile
Icicle Brewing Company is known for its commitment to using high-quality ingredients sourced from local farmers whenever possible. The company prides itself on creating a unique brewing environment that fosters creativity and collaboration among its team members.
The brewery’s flagship beer, Icicle IPA, has gained a loyal following in the Pacific Northwest for its crisp hop flavor profile and subtle nuances of citrus notes. However, the company is also experimenting with new recipes and techniques to stay ahead of changing consumer preferences.
Brand & Industry History
The history of Icicle Brewing Company dates back to 2010 when Pamela and Oliver Brulotte founded the brewery in Leavenworth, Washington. Over time, the company has developed a strong reputation for producing high-quality beers that showcase its commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
CLS Farms, the new majority owner of Icicle Brewing Company, is also a family-owned farm with deep roots in Washington agriculture and hop production. The partnership between CLS Farms and Icicle Brewing represents an opportunity for both parties to share knowledge, resources, and expertise while driving growth and innovation.
What This Means
The new ownership structure of Icicle Brewing Company raises questions about the future direction of the brewery in terms of production capacity expansion plans or product diversification strategies. However, according to CEO Joel Martinez and Vice Presidents Jason Leal and Chris Danforth, there is no intention to alter the core values that have made Icicle Brewing successful.
Instead, they plan to leverage their experience working with CLS Farms on various projects while maintaining a focus on sustainability practices such as reducing waste in brewing processes or sourcing materials locally whenever possible. The ultimate goal remains preserving independence and fostering meaningful relationships within the industry.
Consumer Takeaway
The change of ownership at Icicle Brewing Company signals an exciting new chapter for both the brewery’s employees, customers, distributors, retail partners, and wider community. With its commitment to sustainability practices and a strong focus on preserving family values while driving growth through innovation.
This transition can serve as an inspiration for other breweries seeking long-term success by fostering connections with local farmers and engaging in meaningful initiatives that address environmental concerns or social causes.
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