Adding Modern Times to its portfolio in 2022, Craft ‘Ohana (formerly Maui Brewing Co.) expanded to become the 26th biggest craft brewery in America by sales volume in 2023, according to the Brewers Association Top 50 craft breweries list. The company is still making moves. In a recent strategic turn aimed at streamlining operations and reinforcing its commitment to quality, Craft ‘Ohana announced a new partnership with AleSmith Brewing, which will take over the production of Modern Times beer at its state-of-the-art facility in San Diego. This partnership marks a pivotal moment for both companies, bringing together two established brands in the craft beer industry.
AleSmith Contract Brewing
AleSmith is a classic California craft brand, founded in 1995 in the commercial district of Miramar, San Diego. Way back then the company started with a 15-bbl brew system. Today, AleSmith offers contract brewing services. Breweries can capitalize on its custom Steinecker 85-bbl brew system, complemented by a versatile 20-bbl pilot system. According to the site:
The inclusion of a high-efficiency centrifuge and fermenter tanks with capacities up to 240-bbls ensures that each batch meets the highest standards of clarity and taste.
AleSmith also boasts a canning line reaching speeds of up to 300 cans per minute. Add in its state-of-the-art lab and QA department, all those accolades, medals, history and experience, you can see the attraction. Plus, the brass seem to like each other.
From the press release:
“When we set out to find a brewing partner, two things were non-negotiable — our commitment to quality and brewing Modern Times where the brand started and is the strongest — San Diego. AleSmith delivers on both of those for us. We’re excited to work with my good friend Peter [Zien, owner and CEO of AleSmith Brewing] and his team” said Garrett W. Marrero, Co-founder and CEO of Craft ‘Ohana.
Brandon Richards, President of AleSmith, shared his excitement about the partnership with Craft ‘Ohana. “Our deep-rooted relationship with Craft ‘Ohana makes this collaboration particularly special. We’re honored to brew for the renowned Modern Times brand, and this aligns seamlessly with our goal of expanding our production to support other notable brands.”
What About Modern Times’ Facility?
Starting soon, all production of Modern Times beer will transition to AleSmith’s award-winning brewery in San Diego. It’s still the same city where the Modern Times brand first took root. Over the next 60 days, this new arrangement will mean the eventual closure of the Modern Times’ production facility. The ever-changing craft beer landscape prompted Craft ‘Ohana to re-evaluate its operations. It will focus on a more streamlined approach, making this partnership a logical step forward.
This partnership also allows Craft ‘Ohana to continue to produce Modern Times beer at a top-tier facility in its largest mainland market. AleSmith’s efficient brewery ensures that both fan-favorite core beers and limited-edition releases can continue to flow.
Maui Hard Seltzer
The partnership comes at a time when Craft ‘Ohana’s other brands, such as Maui Brewing Co. and Maui Hard Seltzer, are experiencing explosive growth — up 23 percent year-to-date on the mainland. The decision to shift Modern Times production to AleSmith enables the company to focus on its rapidly expanding portfolio while maintaining Modern Times’ presence in its home market.
As Craft ‘Ohana continues to refine its strategy, this collaboration with AleSmith underscores the importance of strong partnerships in navigating the evolving craft beer industry. Fans of Modern Times can look forward to the same high-quality brews, now produced at one of San Diego’s premier brewing facilities.
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