Ballast Point Ownership Dispute, BrewDog Buyback Bid, and The Lost Abbey Expansion Lead Craft Beer News

Ballast Point Brewing faces an ownership dispute that could affect brewery operations, while BrewDog co-founder James Watt has reportedly submitted another offer to buy back the company. The latest Craft Beer Republic episode also covers The Lost Abbey's fifth taproom, an unusual cicada beer, and new legal trouble for former NFL quarterback Tony Romo.

Greg and Flex also review Lawson's Finest Liquids Sip of Sunshine and North Coast Brewing Scrimshaw Pilsner, two established craft beers with very different approaches to hops, malt, and drinkability.

Ballast Point Ownership Dispute Threatens Brewery Operations

Ballast Point Brewing is involved in an ownership fight centered on roughly $3 million in allegedly unauthorized loans. According to the story discussed on the podcast, the loans used Ballast Point and related companies as collateral.

The brewery says it did not approve the loans, received none of the borrowed money, and has suffered at least $12 million in damages. Frozen accounts and intercepted distributor payments could affect payroll, supplier payments, and normal brewery operations.

The co-owner accused in the dispute denies the claims, says he personally guaranteed the loans, and says about $2 million has already been repaid. He also claims he is being pressured to sell his majority stake. A hearing is scheduled for August 14.

The dispute follows the closure of Ballast Point's San Francisco taproom. The brewery is also promoting Super Lager as the official craft beer of the San Diego Padres.

The Lost Abbey Opens Its Fifth Taproom

The Lost Abbey has expanded its San Diego presence with the grand opening of a new Miramar taproom called The Monastery. The location is the brewery's fifth taproom and soft opened the previous month.

The opening includes 15 draft offerings, vintage bottles from The Lost Abbey's library, and Duck Duck Creek, the brewery's 20th anniversary beer.

The expansion also raises a broader craft beer industry question about contract brewing. The Lost Abbey previously closed its original brewery location and moved toward contract production and satellite taprooms, reducing some of the overhead tied to operating a dedicated brewhouse.

Greg and Flex consider when contract brewing makes more financial sense than owning brewing equipment and managing building costs, utilities, ingredients, insurance, and other production expenses.

James Watt Reportedly Offers More Than £30 Million for BrewDog

BrewDog co-founder James Watt has reportedly made a second offer worth more than £30 million to buy the brewery he previously ran. An earlier bid was reportedly worth £10 million.

Tilray Brands acquired BrewDog in March for £41 million and invested another £50 million to stabilize the business. Watt's reported offer adds another chapter to BrewDog's ownership story and the continuing consolidation of beer brands under larger beverage companies.

The proposed BrewDog buyback fits a larger brewery acquisition trend as founders, private investors, and multinational beverage companies compete for control of established craft beer brands.

Topsy Turvy Brewery Made a Brown Ale With Cicadas

Topsy Turvy Brewery used a periodic cicada swarm as an ingredient source for Magic Cicada Buzz, a brown ale brewed with dehydrated cicadas.

The brewery collected the insects, dehydrated them, ground them into powder, placed the powder in a mesh bag, and steeped it in the beer. The resulting cicada beer was described as light and slightly sweet, and it reportedly sold out quickly.

The unusual beer prompted a comparison between insect-based beer and beers made with ingredients connected to civet coffee. Greg and Flex were willing to consider a sample, but neither was ready to commit to a full pour of cicada brown ale.

Tony Romo Arrested on Suspicion of OWI in Milwaukee

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current CBS NFL analyst Tony Romo was arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated in Milwaukee.

According to the report discussed on the show, Romo was stopped while driving south on Interstate 43. Authorities said he performed poorly during field sobriety tests and was booked for a first-offense OWI before being released.

Romo is scheduled to appear in court on September 21. He is also scheduled to compete in the Texas State Open golf tournament.

Boat Beers, Fourth Meal, and Cold Beer Logistics

A morning of mimosas, beer, and seltzers on an electric boat ends with Greg running the boat into the dock after the battery dies as he attempts to reverse. The boat briefly loses power near a dam before a reset provides enough power to reach the dock.

Flex takes his family to a Benson Boone concert in Milwaukee, then introduces his children to fourth meal with an 11 p.m. McDonald's run for nuggets and fries.

Pilot Tom also delivers a can of Sip of Sunshine after keeping it refrigerated through the entire trip. The beer stays in a bottle shop cooler, a hotel refrigerator, a travel cooler, and another refrigerator before reaching Flex, preserving what the beer industry calls the cold chain.

Featured Craft Beers

• Lawson's Finest Liquids Sip of Sunshine: An 8% ABV India Pale Ale with floral aromas, tropical hop character, restrained bitterness, and a clean finish.

• North Coast Brewing Scrimshaw Pilsner: A 4.5% ABV pilsner brewed with Munich malt and Hallertau and Tettnang hops, offering light malt character, a crisp palate, and a dry finish.

• Topsy Turvy Brewery Magic Cicada Buzz: A brown ale brewed with dehydrated and ground cicadas during a periodic insect emergence.

• The Lost Abbey Duck Duck Creek: The brewery's 20th anniversary beer, featured at the opening of its new Miramar taproom.

• Ballast Point Super Lager: A lager promoted as the official craft beer of the San Diego Padres.

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Listen to The Jungle Juice Cruise

The Jungle Juice Cruise is available now from Craft Beer Republic. The episode includes the latest Ballast Point, BrewDog, and The Lost Abbey brewery news, along with craft beer reviews, unusual brewing ingredients, and stories from Greg and Flex. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app!