Milwaukee breweries closing, merging as changes continue

MILWAUKEE - A dry January and not by choice, several Milwaukee breweries are calling it quits and will shut their doors while others are merging.

It’s all part of a nationwide trend that's shaking up the Brew City.

There have been several recent announcements of closures to consolidations coming from the brewing industry.

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Mike Doble owns the Explorium Brewpub, now known as the Explorium Hospitality Group. The name change comes as Doble and his wife take over Good City Brewing’s locations.

"[It’s] really exciting for us to take two really polished, nice Milwaukee brands that people love and kind of marry the two together and that’s our ultimate goal," Doble said.

As they expand, others are saying farewell.

Recently, MobCraft Beer, City Lights Brewing Co. and Enlightened Brewing Company have all announced closures.

"It’s sad when we see our friends go out of business," Doble said.

Doble said craft beer sales are down 5% nationally, which he credits partially to the younger age group.

"I just think overall alcohol consumption is down, and that generation tends to consume other substances, THC for instance," he said.

But for some, a good brew will never get old.

"I think, in general, we like beer in Milwaukee," said patron Michael Rinaldi. "It’s safe to say, if you look at my waistline."

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"In a good brewery, music is not too loud, and good cheese curds," said patron Rick Pomeroy. "Gotta have good cheese curds and good local crafts."

Doble said he believes while there is a dip, things could even out over time.

"I think we are going to go through a little plateau, the number of breweries in town," he said. "We might even have more closures than what we have right now, but I think overtime as things settle out."

He said there will be more growth in the future.