A Portland Rising Star: The Story of Culmination Brewing
Founded in 2014, Culmination Brewing quickly established itself as a local gem in Portland, Oregon’s renowned craft beer scene. Located in the heart of the Kerns neighborhood, this brewery was known for its relentless creativity, eclectic offerings and a strong sense of community connection. But that vibrant past is currently at odds with a turbulent present, as pandemic pressures and mounting costs have forced Culmination Brewing to face a tough reality: the business is now up for sale.
The Beginning and the Rise
Culmination Brewing was born from the passion of Thomas Sluiter, who spent years fine-tuning his brewing skills in America and Europe before deciding to open his business. The brewery quickly gained recognition for its innovative, sustainable brewing techniques and its diverse selection of craft beers. Its debut offerings included an American blonde ale, a farmhouse ale, and an India red ale, all of which were well received by the public and critics alike.
Known for being Oregon’s first “B Corp” brewery, Culmination Brewing dedicated itself to the principles of social and environmental responsibility. This commitment was reflected in aspects from ingredient sourcing to water conservation, an ethos that made the establishment even more beloved within the community.
The Unexpected Turn of Events
The global pandemic was an unexpected curveball for many businesses, with the hospitality industry bearing a significant brunt of the impact. As with many breweries and pubs, Culmination had to close its doors for many months. With sales from its taproom – a significant source of their income – dwindling overnight, the pandemic fundamentally disrupted Culmination’s operating model.
Not only did the brewery have to face the challenge of decreased on-site demands, but the overall costs of operation also rose. A global shortage of aluminum cans, a shift in supply chains, and increased freight costs all played a part in escalating operating expenses. Despite adapting and pivoting to new methods of sales, such as home deliveries and curbside pickups, the pressure on the brewery’s finances steadily mounted.
A Difficult Decision
After enduring almost two years of unanticipated hurdles and amplifying costs, Culmination Brewing has taken the tough decision to put the business up for sale. Although this announcement has come as a shock to the brewery’s passionate fan base, those familiar with the pressures currently facing the beer industry might have seen it coming.
The Future of Culmination Brewing
As the news of the sale surfaced, Culmination Brewing was inundated with messages of support from its patrons. Many expressed their fond memories of the brewery and voiced their desire to see Culmination survive and thrive.
Interest has already been expressed by several potential buyers, and it seems likely that Culmination Brewing will continue, albeit under new ownership. The hope is that the new owners will carry on the ethos of creativity and community connection that made Culmination Brewing a firm favorite in the Portland craft beer scene.
Final Thoughts
While it’s sad to see the original Culmination Brewing chapter coming to a close, it is heartening to know that the business will likely persist under new management. The story of Culmination Brewing is a testament to the impacts of global events on the local craft beer industry but it’s also a story of resilience and adaptability. The continuing silence of its brewing tanks will merely be a pause before a fresh chapter begins.
This article provides a heartfelt look into the challenges of Culmination Brewing, a beloved gem in Portland’s craft beer scene. Founded out of a true passion for innovative, sustainable brewing, this local brewery swiftly won over hearts with its eclectic offerings and commitment to social and environmental responsibility. However, the current pandemic has put this thriving business at an unexpected crossroad, showing us that even the brightest stars are not immune to challenging times. The story serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability needed in the face of adversity.