Green Flash acquires fellow San Diego-based Alpine Beer Co.

Acquisitions and consolidation continue to evolve the craft brewing industry. Earlier this week, Green Flash Brewing Co. founders Mike and Lisa Hinkley and Alpine Beer Co. founders Pat and Val McIlhenney announced that their breweries will join forces, teaming up to share resources, knowledge and experience. Both the McIlhenneys and the Hinkleys view the affiliation as mutually beneficial and are committed to supporting each other for the success of both breweries.

Each company will remain independently operated and maintain its distinct brand and culture. Pat will remain Alpine’s president and brewmaster to oversee all operations of Alpine Beer Co. while also ensuring Alpine beers continue to meet his unwavering standard of quality, whether brewed at the Alpine or Green Flash facilities. The most notable change will transpire over the next several years, as Alpine beer will become available to their legions of fans from across the country that have only experienced the greatness of Alpine beers while visiting California.

In a “handshake agreement,” Green Flash began brewing Alpine beer in November 2013 at its San Diego facility with the goal of helping longtime friends at Alpine raise capital to expand their production capacity. Green Flash has been producing three of Alpine’s brews (Nelson, Hoppy Birthday and Duet), increasing Alpine annual production from 1,500 to 3,000 barrels (bbls).

The experience of brewing together has been a successful learning experience for both breweries. Green Flash Brewmaster Chuck Silva divulged: “It was both intriguing and challenging to meld our philosophies while we worked together to scale up Pat’s recipes to be brewed in larger quantities. We worked together to stay true to the original beer and were very happy with the ultimate results. Working with a close friend is a real treat, but for me, brewing with Pat and making Alpine beers, is yet another highlight of my brewing career in San Diego.”

The successful arrangement they have shared over the past year was the impetus for the breweries to take their relationship to the next level. Each views the partnership as an organic evolution that will benefit both of their operations in many ways.

“Our team was thrilled to be able to brew the awesome beer from Alpine when we began teaming up,” said Mike Hinkley of Green Flash. “The excitement of our brewers is what prompted me to think about additional ways we could work together and help each other. We perceive this solid new partnership as an incredible opportunity to continue to explore our craft while benefiting from the passion and experience of Pat McIlhenney.”

“After working with Green Flash for the past year, I have come to truly trust and deeply respect the entire Green Flash operation — Chuck and all of their brewers are meticulous, yet easygoing, and I am comfortable working with the team,” said Pat McIlhenney of Alpine Beer Co. “There are many benefits in teaming up with Green Flash as a partner. Not only are they committed to producing high-quality beer, the company culture and mom and pop roots of Green Flash are very similar to our own.”

Alpine employees 20 people and is distributed exclusively in California with the ability to produce a maximum of 1,500 bbls from its San Diego County brewhouse, with most of this beer sold directly from its on-site pub. Brewing capacity limitations have made it impossible for Pat and his team to support the overwhelming demand for their exceptional products. As partners, Alpine will be able to tap into the growing Green Flash team of talented brewers, their production capacity, access to capital and human resources in operations and administration.

Mike Hinkley added, “I am hopeful that the culmination of the next few years will be that, together, we build a new production facility in Alpine. Maybe we will even brew some Green Flash ale in Alpine.”

“I know there is strength in unity, which will allow both of our breweries to secure even higher quality ingredients – we will be a great force as a team,” McIlhenney said. “However, the most important advantage is how this partnership will help improve the quality of life for my employees. For the first time, Alpine will be able to offer our team an excellent company benefits package including affordable health care, 401K plans and other perks made possible by this exciting partnership.”

In 2015, Green Flash will begin bottling select Alpine brews in 22-ounce bottles, adding to the three current draft offerings. Collaborative brews are already in conversations, so consumers can expect these to appear in their tasting rooms and at the best craft beer bars in Southern California. The two brewmasters are already talking about how they can work together at Green Flash’s Cellar 3, a special barrel-aged beer packaging facility that is currently under construction, and will include a cork-finish bottling line.

“I consulted Pat and borrowed some of his ideas when I made our 10th anniversary Flanders-style ale, which was a great success and will be recreated at Cellar 3,” Silva said. “I am always on the look-out for ideas. With Pat and me on the same team, you can count on us to push the envelope even further.”