Left Hand and Dry Dock breweries merge to create a craft beer collaboration

In Colorado, a significant shift occurred when two well-established breweries, Left Hand Brewing Company and Dry Dock Brewing Company, decided to join forces. This partnership formed under the auspices of Left Hand's parent company, Indian Peaks Brewing Company, has profound implications for both breweries and the craft beer community in which they operate. Left Hand, renowned for over 30 years for its Milk Stout Nitro, has been a staple in the craft beer scene, and Dry Dock, founded in 2005, was the first craft brewery in Aurora. Together, they aim to create a more robust independent craft beer platform that emphasizes community involvement and collaboration. The decision for Dry Dock to buy into Indian Peaks Brewing Company represents a strategic move to ensure growth while maintaining the unique identities of both brands. Under this agreement, all brewing and packaging operations for Dry Dock will be consolidated into Left Hand’s facility located in Longmont, Colorado. This consolidation is not merely a financial transaction; it is a vision shared by both companies to strengthen their market presence and to streamline operations to remain competitive in the evolving craft beer market. One of the highlights of this merger is the commitment to community engagement. Eric Wallace, the founder and CEO of Left Hand Brewing, articulated the philosophy driving this partnership by stating the vision of building an independent craft beer platform rooted in community, collaboration, and ownership. This approach not only aims to enhance their operational efficiency but also to become partly owned by the local community, which can deepen customer loyalty and support. Furthermore, Dry Dock will continue to operate its own taproom in Aurora, ensuring that they maintain a direct relationship with their patrons while benefiting from Left Hand's infrastructure. The brewing landscape in Colorado has been characterized by a spirit of collaboration among local breweries, and this partnership is a testament to that ethos. By combining resources and expertise, Left Hand and Dry Dock demonstrate a commitment not just to their businesses but to fostering a vibrant craft beer culture in Colorado. As trends in the craft beer industry evolve, partnerships like this may very well shape the future landscape, allowing smaller independent breweries to thrive amid larger commercial entities. The collaboration underscores the idea that the craft brewing community can adapt and innovate, allowing breweries to remain relevant while enjoying mutual benefits from shared operations.