MillerCoors Acquires Majority Stake in San Diago-Based Brewery Saint Archer

by Emily Lee on Sep 15, 2015 in Beer

That’s right, craft beer diehards: Another one bites the dust. MillerCoors, the second-largest brewer in the U.S. after Anheuser-Busch InBev, announced last Thursday its plans to buy a majority share in Saint Archer, a small San Diego-based brewing company.

It’s the second time in one week that a global beer giant has cut a deal for a small California brewery, and yet another case in a larger trend of Big Beer devouring small craft brewers.

Many will recognize Saint Archer as the humble newcomer that scored two gold medals at the 2014 San Diego International Beer Festival and another gold at the 2014 Great American Beer Festival. Founded in 2013 by a group of artists, surfers, and skateboarders, their award-winning range of ales includes Blonde Ale, IPA, White Ale, and Pale Ale.

In the press release, MillerCoors said that Saint Archer would be joining their craft division, Tenth and Blake, which includes products such as Blue Moon and Crispin Cider. As usual, the terms of the transaction were not disclosed, although the sale is expected to close within 30 days.

For MillerCoors, the deal was a no-brainer. “Saint Archer is consistent with our strategy of building our high-end portfolio while driving top-line growth,” said Scott Whitley, president and CEO of Tenth and Blake. But in fact, top-line growth more often than not equals second-rate beer. Sure, Tenth and Blake boasts some respectable products — but do we trust a company that’s also associated with Keystone Light?

By now you’re probably ready for the silver lining — and luckily, there is one. It’s said that Saint Archer will continue to brew, package, ship, and sell their current portfolio of high-quality craft brews, at least for the time being.

“We’ve always wanted to get great beer into more people’s hands,” said Saint Archer co-founder and president Josh Landan. “Joining Tenth and Blake allows us to keep doing what we love right here in San Diego, but now with more resources to innovate and grow. With Tenth and Blake’s help, we hope to one day be a national brand.”

But whether Saint Archer needs a helping hand in meeting their expansion goals remains uncertain — a question that stirs even more curiosity as to the price of the sale. Landan has said that he anticipates the brewery will sell 35,000 barrels of beer in 2015 — up more than 100 percent over 2014, making Saint Archer one of the fastest-growing breweries in California.

When it comes to the question of recognition and expansion, the better strategy might be to stay the course, and to let the beers speak for themselves. In the desperate scramble to maintain consumer interest, Big Beer is losing — and they know it. It appears their only defense is their checkbook.


Tags: Beer
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

It's officially summertime in the city, and we can't think of a better way to cool off from DC's heat and humidity than with a cold, boozy cocktail in...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen Jul 31, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

Whether you're a wino or a wine novice, DC is home to a number of wine bars perfect for casual sipping or for expanding your palate. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 29, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Patio weather has arrived! Grab your friends, stake a spot at the bar and take advantage of these outdoor spots for drinking and dining. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 14, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close