Some familiar names on the Bend, OR beer scene are combining forces
Five craft beverage companies in Central Oregon have combined forces to face the future. Cascade Lakes Brewing, Crux Fermentation Project, GoodLife Brewing, Silver Moon Brewing, and Tumalo Cider are now part of one entity: the Oregon Beverage Collective.
Breaking news the other day solidified the arrangement. Cascade Lakes Brewing announced that it was merging with Crux Fermentation. Essentially, the Rhine family, which owns Cascade Lakes Brewing, acquired Crux. Under new ownership, Crux will continue to operate as an independent company within the Collective. Financial details were not reported. The other members of the Collective remain independently owned.
The formation of the Oregon Beverage Collective is intended to increase operational efficiency by combining administrative, production, and distribution operations. Reportedly, the Collective intends to retain as many employees as possible and continue operating the affected neighborhood pubs and taprooms.
For beer drinkers in the Seattle area and across Washington, Crux Fermentation Project is perhaps the most recognizable name in the Oregon Beverage Collective. Not only is it an uncommon and memorable name, but Crux has established itself in the territory with some efficiency. Crux was founded in Bend by Larry Sidor and Paul Evers in 2012. The two will step aside as the family that owns Cascade Lakes Brewing takes over operations at the Crux facility.
Joining forces to face the future
The current challenges facing the craft beer industry are well-documented. Combining forces, whether through mergers or the formation of collectives, is not unheard of these days as everyone works to find a viable path forward. Crux Fermentation Project’s production facility — brewing and canning — will take on production for some of the other Collective brands.
Andy Rhine, one of the owners of Cascade Lakes Brewing, will serve as president of the Oregon Beverage Collective. Steve Augustyn, owner of Silver Moon Brewing, will serve as the CEO.
“After 25 years, it seems as if we’ve lived every role in the brewing world, and that gives us a unique lens on what works—and what doesn’t,” Augustyn told The New School. “This coalition is a chance to share those lessons, amplify our strengths, and keep pushing the boundaries of what Oregon beer can be.”
Andy Rhine added, “With our production facility in Redmond, we’ve felt the pressure of rising costs firsthand. This partnership allows us to continue operations while staying true to our mission. Beer and alternative beverages are key to growth and sustainability, and we’re excited to explore new possibilities together.”
The news was originally reported by The New School.
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