Bear Republic Closing?

Another one bites the dust? Sucks. Racer 5 and Hot Rod Rye we're great, and the brewpub in Healdsburg was a highlight of a trip a few years ago. Bear Republic was basically non existent here in SoCal for many years.

 

Their Visit Us page throws a 404 and Google says they are temporarily closed. Not sure if that's recent or not though.

 

You’re becoming the Columbo of beer-related internet rumors. There’s just one more thing… did you ever find out how Moonlight used their fresh hops?

 

If true, it'll be interesting if they try to keep the brand alive at Drake's. I think Bear Republic is pretty iconic, no?

Out this way, their presence has been spotty for years. Their full lineup of beers were normal shelf staples up until 2013'ish. After that, they'd show up in stores fresh (mainly Racer 5, but occasionally Red Rocket) and then disappear for 12-18 months. People bought 'em, though. The last couple times they showed up, the cans weren't so fresh and they were priced comparatively high. When there are 500 other IPAs to compete with, that didn't really fly. My last memory is of a bunch of them in the discount "create your own 6-pack" bin.

 

I mean - they got out of the pub scene by closing Healdsburg a few years back - so not really surprised by this news. They've been hanging by a thread for a while.

At least if Drakes keeps Racer 5 going, it'll live on.

 

Talked with their rep at a beer fest in SoCal years ago. He said that Disneyland was by far their biggest account down here. Anyone been to Radiator Springs lately to see if Racer 5 is still pouring there?

 

Used to be a big fan, but, about 15-ish years ago they went after Central City (local-ish to me, maybe about 30 miles away, but in a different country) over the use of the Racer in the name of a beer. Stopped pouring it at the bar I worked at, stopped buying sixers, and, although it's in no way related, not long after their presence really dropped off around here. I don't remember the last time I saw any of their stuff, but it's gotta be at least 10 years.

I used love, and drink a ton of, Hop Rod Rye. They made really good beers, but I stopped missing them a long time ago. Buh-bye.

 

I think they're still available in WA, but their local distribution really dried up. Racer 5 was always at Fred Meyer but haven't seen it there in years now.

 

Man, that’ll be a real bummer if so.

I haven’t had much of theirs in the last few years other than Racer 5, but not for lack of trying. Hop Rod, Red Rocket, and Black Bear Stout were always favorites of mine years past but have been awol on my nearby shelves for a long time. Would hate to see those lost to history.

 

Not surprised, but sadden. In my early craft days, I drank a lot of red ales and Red Rocket was one of the best. I also enjoyed their Racer X. Unfortunately, both beers were seasonal and/or distribution wasn't consistent. Overtime, they just fell out of my rotation never to return.

I always wanted to visit them in Healdsburg, but never found the excuse. I just don't get up to the North Bay other than to pickup my quarterly beer from Mad Fritz in St Helena.

 

KInda sad, if true. But another old-time brewery that had fallen off my radar. Most of my experience with them was back in the 2004-2007 period. I guess that was in their peak, when i could get their beers in almost any supermarket in Salem OR.
Last one i had from them was an outlier back in 2016. And only because i had accumulated enough points for a dirt-cheap growler at a taproom ($2). Grand-Am pale ale. Which i liked.
I still see their beers at places like Grocery Outlet. And until recently Walmart.
Seem to be in the same category ( has been) as Lost Coast.

 

Cafe Racer 15 was always a delight. Haven’t had it since 2014 though because it disappeared

 

Looks like they have a reservation system set up now
https://www.madfritz.com/visit