Finestkind Brewing (owner of the Smuttynose brand) acquires Brooklyn’s Five Boroughs Brewing

Five Boroughs Brewing Co. is a Brooklyn brewery and taproom in the heart of Sunset Park, bringing New Yorkers together with great craft beer. That outstanding indie beer and that “five boroughs” location has attracted a buyer — Finestkind Brewing LLC — the owner of Smuttynose Brewing Co., which just announced the acquisition of Five Boroughs Brewing Co.

Finestkind Brewing noted in this press release that the buy gives the owner of Smuttynose instant access to resources in the New York market and an expanded presence in the tri-state area. Over the next few months, Five Boroughs’ production will transition to Finestkind Brewing’s facility in Hampton, New Hampshire. The Five Boroughs’ taproom in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, which apparently has three brewhouses, will continue to operate as an innovation hub for the brewery, supporting new projects, including small-batch beers for select accounts. From that same press release:

“We’re thrilled to partner with Smuttynose Brewing Co.,” said Blake Tomnitz, cofounder and CEO of Five Boroughs Brewing Co. “Smuttynose is a craft beer pioneer, and we share their commitment to high-quality craft beers. Under their leadership, we’re confident in the brand’s continued growth, reaching even more craft beer consumers across the tri-state area and beyond.”

Five Boroughs Brewing Co. was established in 2017 by Blake Tomnitz, Kevin O’Donnell and Kian Oveissi, and today has four core beers brewed year-round – its IPA, Pilsner, Gose and Hoppy Lager — but dabbles in everything from pumpkin ales to its Party Water hard seltzer brand. Five Boroughs Brewing’s taproom can seat 150 people, has a stage and a retail shop. Five Boroughs is currently available throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. From the release:

“We’ve closely monitored Five Boroughs from a distance for some time now,” said Steve Kierstead, CEO of Finestkind Brewing. “We admire their remarkable achievements in the competitive craft beer space. Through discussions with Blake, Kevin, and Kian, we are convinced of their integrity and passion for the brand, making this partnership fruitful.”

The acquisition represents a new chapter for Finestkind Brewing as it explores potential expansion into new beverage categories, including non-alcoholic options, which Five Boroughts has produced. Five Boroughs will join Smuttynose Brewing Co. and Island District Cocktails as one of Finestkind’s core beverage brands.