Redhook Brewery, a longtime pioneer in the American craft beer scene, has announced the closure of its experimental Brewlab location in Seattle, reflecting ongoing challenges in the craft beer industry and recent corporate changes.
Founded in 1981 in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood by Paul Shipman and Gordon Bowker, Redhook quickly established itself as one of the country’s earliest craft breweries. Drawing inspiration from European beer traditions, the brewery gained prominence with its Redhook ESB (Extra Special Bitter), a flagship ale that helped shape the American interpretation of British-style beers.
The brand expanded in the 1990s with a second facility in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to address growing demand on the East Coast. Going public in 1995, Redhook later partnered strategically with Anheuser-Busch, which acquired a minority stake and broadened the brewery’s national distribution.
In 2008, Redhook merged with Widmer Brothers Brewing, forming the Craft Brewers Alliance (later renamed Craft Brew Alliance) after adding Kona Brewing to its portfolio. Anheuser-Busch InBev eventually became the majority stakeholder and, by 2020, took full ownership of Redhook.
In 2017, under the funding and guidance of Anheuser-Busch, Redhook launched Brewlab, a small-batch experimental brewery in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Brewlab was designed as a creative hub for brewing innovation, producing over 100 unique small-batch beers annually, with the potential to expand successful recipes to broader markets. Head Brewer Nick Crandall led the initiative, which featured an 8-barrel system, a rotating selection of 16 craft beers on tap, and artisan food crafted by Executive Chef Adam Stevens. The space also showcased a custom mural by Grammy-nominated Sub Pop art director Sasha Barr.
However, the optimism surrounding craft beer’s growth began to wane. On August 7, 2023, Canadian cannabis and consumer products company Tilray Brands announced the acquisition of eight beer and beverage brands from Anheuser-Busch, including Redhook, in an $85 million all-cash deal. The acquisition, completed by October 2, 2023, positioned Tilray among the top five craft brewers in the United States, controlling roughly 5% of the market.
Facing slowing craft beer sales and softness in its core cannabis business, Tilray has embarked on a consolidation strategy to reduce costs. As part of this effort, the company announced on June 13, 2025, the closure of Redhook Brewlab.
A statement from Tilray regarding the closure read, “Redhook Taproom, formerly known as Redhook Brewlab, will be closing its doors as we search for a new location. Over the years, the Taproom has been a haven for craft beer enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of unique brews in a welcoming atmosphere.” The company reaffirmed its commitment to the Seattle market, noting, “Redhook has deep roots in Seattle, and our legacy here continues to inspire everything we do. We remain fully committed to delivering exceptional craft beer experiences to our loyal fans.”
The closure of Brewlab underscores the evolving landscape of the craft beer industry, where market pressures and corporate realignments are reshaping the future of long-established brands.
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