Jan 16, 2025
New Belgium Brewing resumed brewing at its Asheville, North
Carolina-based production facility this week for the first time
since Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on the region and shut down
the brewery’s operations.
It was a significant stoppage for the company as the Asheville
brewery accounted for around 40% of New Belgium’s total output. In
the wake of the hurricane, the brewery was flooded with around 20
inches of storm water.
More than three months after being knocked offline, Voodoo Ranger
Juice Force will be the first beer going into the tanks in
Asheville, with packaged products expected to follow in
March.
New Belgium CEO Shaun Belongie joins the Brewbound Podcast to
discuss the comeback in Asheville, the company’s still-unfolding
contingency plans and the road ahead.
Belongie also shares New Belgium’s 2025 plans, including the
introduction of “Mini Ripper” cans of higher ABV Voodoo Ranger
Force offerings; LightStrike hard refreshers; and Bell’s Oberon
Light. He also explores going into year eight of Voodoo Ranger, the
opportunities for Bell’s, building brands outside of the craft beer
bubble and taking over sales, marketing and production of Kirin
Ichiban.
Plus, the Brewbound team talks Zoe’s trip to the Beer Summit, 2024
off-premise scans and Tilray Brands’ Project 420.