In a landmark move, two of Colorado's leading craft breweries have joined forces. Left Hand Brewing Company and Dry Dock Brewing Company are merging their operations to create a robust independent platform centered around community and collaboration. The partnership will see Dry Dock relocate its brewing activities to Left Hand's Longmont facility while maintaining its Aurora taproom. This strategic alliance aims to expand the reach of both brands and enhance their presence in national markets.
A Strategic Alliance Between Two Iconic Breweries
In the heart of Colorado’s thriving craft beer scene, an exciting new chapter is unfolding as Left Hand Brewing Company teams up with Dry Dock Brewing Company. This collaboration brings together two award-winning breweries known for their commitment to quality and community engagement. Under this agreement, Dry Dock’s founders will gain equity in Indian Peaks Brewing Company, the parent company overseeing both brands. All brewing and packaging operations for Dry Dock will shift to Left Hand’s state-of-the-art facility in Longmont, ensuring efficient production processes. Meanwhile, Dry Dock’s Aurora taproom will continue to serve loyal patrons.
This partnership represents more than just a business deal; it embodies a shared vision for the future of craft beer. Eric Wallace, Founder and CEO of Left Hand Brewing, expressed enthusiasm about building an independent platform rooted in collaboration and shared ownership. Kevin DeLange, Dry Dock’s founder, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of finding a partner aligned with their values of quality, independence, and community spirit. With access to Left Hand’s expansive distribution network, Dry Dock aims to introduce its popular Apricot series to a broader audience across the nation.
Furthermore, Left Hand has recently expanded its ownership model through a Wefunder campaign, inviting wider community participation. This initiative builds on the brewery’s foundation as an employee- and veteran-owned enterprise, marking significant progress toward becoming partially community-owned. Wallace remains optimistic about welcoming additional beverage companies into this growing network, leveraging their combined expertise to bolster the independent craft beer industry not only in Colorado but nationwide.
Left Hand Brewing, established in Longmont over three decades ago, has earned numerous accolades, including 31 medals from the Great American Beer Festival. Similarly, Dry Dock Brewing, founded in 2005, has made a name for itself with 28 GABF medals and eight World Beer Cup awards. Together, they represent a powerful force in the craft beer world.
From a reader's perspective, this merger highlights the evolving dynamics within the craft beer industry. It underscores the value of partnerships that prioritize mutual growth, shared values, and community involvement. By combining resources and expertise, Left Hand and Dry Dock demonstrate how collaboration can strengthen the future of independent craft brewing, offering fans more opportunities to enjoy high-quality beers while supporting local businesses. This story serves as a reminder that even in competitive industries, cooperation can lead to innovative solutions and greater success.