'The beer industry needs your support': B.C. brewery shares heartfelt goodbye after 27 years | Daily Hive

It’s no secret that it’s been a tough couple of years for folks in the food and beverage industry. Restaurants, cafes, and breweries all over B.C. and beyond have been struggling to keep their doors open, with many having to inevitably close for good.

Joining the list of closing businesses, popular B.C. brewery Lighthouse Brewing Co. has shared the news that it will be closing its doors in a heartfelt video, with many going on to say how much they’ll miss the brewery.

A heartfelt goodbye

“After 27 years of brewing in Victoria, we’ve come to the heavy-hearted decision that we have to close the brewery,” said Lighthouse Brewing co-owner Ben Thomas in a video posted to the brewery’s Instagram.

Lighthouse Brewing, located on Vancouver Island, is best known for its Shipwreck IPA, Race Rocks Amber Ale, and Company Lager. The brewery first got its start back in 1998.

“The impacts on the business and on me personally over this time have been significant. But we wouldn’t have made it for 27 years without your support. So thank you to our partners at every pub, restaurant, beer festival, and community event that supported local breweries like Lighthouse and gave countless people the chance to try our beer,” added Thomas, also going on to thank staff.

Many fans and breweries took to the comments of the post to share their love for the brewery.

“All the best to you and the rest of the lighthouse crew. An OG brand that helped pave the way for the rest of us. Race Rocks was a gateway beer that got some of us here drinking craft beer way back when,” wrote Whistle Buoy Brewing.

“Light House Brewing has been a beacon in the industry and a source of fun experimentation — for you surely — but also for many of us as we saw craft beer blow up here on the island and everywhere. We loved being on the journey with you and hope you find joy in your next chapter. Thanks for your dedication to the craft!” added an Instagram user.

“So well spoken. What a hard message to share. Thinking about you all as you navigate this,” added The Tin Whistle Brewing Co.

“Being part of the craft beer community in Victoria and B.C. overall has been amazing. When we started in 1998, there were only about 20 breweries in B.C. Now there are local breweries on every corner of the province, and it’s been awesome being a part of that collective,” added Thomas in the video. “But the beer industry needs your support now more than ever, so please go out and support your local brewery.”

You might also like:

The future of Lighthouse Brewing’s craft beers

However, Lighthouse Brewing’s signature beers aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Phillips Brewing Co announced that Lighthouse Brewing has sold its brands and IP to them, ensuring its much-loved beers — including the aforementioned Shirwreck IPA, Race Rocks, Amber Ale, and Company Lager — will “continue to have a home and remain locally made in Victoria.”

“After 27 years of serving the craft beer community here on Vancouver Island, it was important for us to find a craft brewery who could continue the legacy of the Lighthouse brands,” said Thomas in a press release. “Phillips is a recognized and respected leader in the B.C. craft beer industry and will be able to continue investing behind Lighthouse and uniquely position the beers amongst their own portfolio of brands going forward.”

Phillips shared that the ongoing impacts of the COVID pandemic, rising inflation, supply chain challenges, high provincial taxation rates, new tariffs, and continued rising production costs led to the closure of Ligthouse Brewing.

“After several years of navigating economic challenges, the recent BCGEU strike this past fall impacted Lighthouse’s ability to continue operations and was the final straw that has led to shutting down the brewery and sadly saying goodbye to its people,” wrote Phillips.

“Phillips believes in the power of our local Vancouver Island community, and this is yet another example of finding a unique way to ensure the pioneering Lighthouse portfolio of beers continues to live on. We are honoured to add Lighthouse’s beers to our broader portfolio and appreciate their trust in us to steer and shape the brand’s continued success along with their time-honoured traditions moving forward,” said Jim Lister, president of Phillips Brewing.

Phillips also added that it’s business as usual for fans and retailers of Lighthouse craft beers, as the brewery will immediately begin to do all the brewing, packaging, marketing, and selling of Lighthouse brands moving forward.

Still hungry? Discover Dished Vancouver on TikTok