Redhook Brewlab in Seattle is slated to close permanently. Here’s why
“Redhook Taproom, formerly known as Redhook Brewlab and located on E. Pike Street, will be closing its doors as we search for a new location,” said a statement from the company. “Over the years, the Taproom has been a haven for craft beer enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of unique brews in a welcoming atmosphere.” There was no mention of a timeline for the closure.
“Redhook has deep roots in Seattle, and our legacy here continues to inspire everything we do,” the statement continued. “We remain fully committed to delivering exceptional craft beer experiences to our loyal fans.”
Although some folks will likely attribute the closing to any number of reasons, shutting down Redhook Brewlab/Taproom has nothing to do with the so-called “death of downtown” or “Capitol Hill getting overrun by homeless junkies.” It has nothing to do with the vivid imaginings of outsiders or agenda-driven national media outlets. This is a business decision and is not surprising given some of the other recent business decisions made by Tilray Brands, Redhook’s parent company.
Tilray is a big company that owns many breweries, including Redhook. We’ve recently witnessed several moves to reorganize and consolidate operations. Tilray refers to is as Project 420. It is a plan that has seen Tilray introduce several measures to streamline and optimize its brewing operations.
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In recent months Tilray ceased operations at one of its large-scale breweries: Revolver Brewing in Texas. It also shut down operations at Hop Valley Brewing in Eugene. Before that, Tilray shut down the entire innovations brewing program at 10 Barrel Brewing in Bend. The closing of the brewery formerly known as Redhook Brewlab is not shocking. If it should come to pass that Redhook actually does reopen somewhere in Seattle, as the statement from Tilray suggests, that would be shocking.
Tilray is described as a global cannabis-lifestyle and consumer packaged goods company. In 2023 Tilray paid Anheuser-Busch $85 million for a collection of breweries that included Redhook Brewery, Widmer Brothers Brewery, 10 Barrel Brewing, Blue Point Brewing, Breckenridge Brewery, and others. In 2024, it bought four more brands from Molson Coors, including Hop Valley Brewing.
