PRESS RELEASE / December 18, 2024 (Cambridge, MA) – Castle Island Brewing Company, a mainstay of the Massachusetts craft beer scene, is excited to announce the acquisition of the intellectual property rights for Cambridge Brewing Company (CBC). This partnership ensures the preservation and growth of one of New England’s longest-standing craft breweries, which has been an integral part of Kendall Square and the craft beer community for 35 years.
The deal, finalized this week, marks a significant milestone for both breweries. Phil Bannatyne, the retiring owner of Cambridge Brewing Company, sought to secure the future of his iconic brand and approached Castle Island Brewing with the opportunity.
“Cambridge Brewing Company has been a labor of love, and it’s incredibly important to me and Brewmaster Will Meyers that the brand continues to thrive,” said Bannatyne. “Castle Island shares our values and passion for craft beer, and I know they’ll honor CBC’s legacy while bringing it to even more fans.”
“We’re humbled and honored to continue the incredible legacy of Cambridge Brewing Company,” said Adam Romanow, Founder and CEO of Castle Island Brewing. “Phil, Will and the team have built a brand that’s synonymous with innovation, quality, and – most importantly – community. Our goal is to preserve what makes CBC special and continue to bring their outstanding beverages to beer drinkers in the state.”
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Norwood, Castle Island has built a strong reputation for making quality, approachable beer, anchored by brands like Keeper IPA and Hi-Def Double IPA. The company began offering contract brewing services during the pandemic and partnered with CBC as a contract client earlier this year. This collaboration paved the way for a deeper connection between the two breweries, and Bannatyne, recognizing their shared values and passion, approached Castle Island about potential interest in acquiring the CBC brand.
Castle Island has purchased the brand and intellectual property rights to keep such beers as Cambridge Amber and Flower Child IPA, among others, flowing from the taps. The beloved Kendall Square brewpub will close on December 20th as announced on CBC’s social media channels this past August.
Castle Island Brewing plans to maintain CBC’s identity and traditions while slowly expanding its presence. Beer enthusiasts can expect to find Cambridge Brewing Company products on tap at area bars and restaurants, Castle Island’s taprooms in Norwood and South Boston, and eventually in retail stores across Greater Boston.
For more information about Castle Island Brewing Company and Cambridge Brewing Company, visit www.castleislandbeer.com.
About Castle Island Brewing Company
Castle Island Brewing Co. is an award-winning brewery with locations in both Norwood, MA and South Boston, MA. Dedicated to the idea that beer should be fun, approachable and excellent, Castle Island is best known for their flagship Keeper IPA, and produces up to 100 different styles annually. You can find Castle Island beer throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island in cans and on draft. For more information, visit castleislandbeer.com or find them on social media @castleislandbeer.
About Cambridge Brewing Company
Founded in 1989, Cambridge Brewing Company is one of the oldest and most influential craft breweries in the Boston area. Known for its creativity, innovation and commitment to community, CBC has been a cornerstone of Kendall Square’s vibrant food and drink scene for over three decades.
