Siebel Institute of Technology relocates to Montreal

USA | A momentous decision: The Siebel Institute of Technology, the oldest brewing school in the Americas (established in 1872), is relocating from Chicago to Montreal, Canada, effective 1 January 2026. One of the reasons given for the move is “increased student visa challenges to enter the United States”. 

Shutdown compromise: Congress redefines hemp with major THC limits

USA | The three-bill “minibus” package to reopen the government on 10 November seems to have closed the federal hemp loophole in the Agriculture spending bill. The new rules take effect in one year and could spell the end of the hemp-derived THC drink industry, which topped sales of USD 1.1 billion in 2024. The hemp industry is furious, accusing the cannabis and alcohol industries of having lobbied Congress to eliminate a competitor.

Molson Coors takes USD 75 million hit on Blue Run Spirits

USA | Diversifying beyond beer has proven rocky for Molson Coors, especially its foray into spirits. In its third quarter 2025 statement (4 November), the firm recognised a USD 75.3 million impairment charge for Kentucky-based Blue Run Spirits, which declares its first major spirits acquisition practically worthless.

Molson Coors to axe 400 jobs across the Americas

USA | The beer and beverage company said on 20 October it plans to eliminate approximately 400 salaried positions in total, or about 9 percent of its workforce, across Canada, the United States and Latin America by the end of December. The company did not give a breakdown by country or province. A spokesperson said that the restructuring had nothing to do with the US trade war. Molson Coors expects to incur charges between USD 35 million and USD 50 million, primarily from cash severance payments and post-employment benefits.

Kirin Holdings said to explore sale of Four Roses bourbon

USA | Japan’s Kirin Holdings is reportedly looking to sell its Four Roses bourbon brand for around USD 1 billion, the Financial Times newspaper reported on 23 October.

Boston Beer had a rough third quarter 2025

USA | It was a rough third quarter for the Boston Beer Company, with financial results for the third quarter ending 27 September 2025 showing shipments of 1.9 million barrels, down by 13.7 percent and depletions down by 3.0 percent. Net revenue of USD 537.5 million decreased 11.2 percent year-on-year.

In the culture war over alcohol, UN rains on the WHO’s parade

USA | The United Nations General Assembly, on 25 September, debated global alcohol policy at a high-level meeting on non-communicable diseases. Its specialised agency, the WHO, was pushing for stricter alcohol controls based on its stance that there is no safe level of drinking. The high-level meeting had to “establish a new vision for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being by 2030 and beyond through a new, ambitious, and achievable political declaration.”

USA | The federal government entered a shutdown on 1 October after Congressional funding negotiations failed, leaving the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) operating with only essential staff. This resulted in immediate disruptions to key services that the TTB provides for brewers, and they will significantly impact brewers, should the shutdown be extended.

Diageo halts production at US distilleries Balcones and George Dickel

USA | Diageo has temporarily ceased whiskey production at its Balcones and George Dickel distilleries as it re-evaluates its “productivity goals”. Distilling and barrel-filling operations at Balcones distillery in Waco, Texas, were halted in August. Meanwhile, the Cascade Hollow distillery at Diageo’s Tullahoma facility in Tennessee, which produces George Dickel whiskey, has also been shut down for the time being.

Michelob Ultra unseats Modelo as best-selling beer in the US

USA | Michelob Ultra claimed the top spot as the best-selling beer in retail channels in the 52 weeks ended 14 September, parent company AB-InBev announced on 22 September, citing data from Circana. The light lager is also the top seller in bars and restaurants, according to Nielsen IQ data for the 52 weeks ended 12 July.