Big Al Brewing is calling it quits

 

Very seldom do I have this kind of news to report. It’s much more common that I tell you about new breweries opening, or existing breweries expanding, but yesterday Alejandro Brown, aka Big Al, announced that Big Al Brewing is closing its doors and ceasing operations. It was an eight year run that will end tomorrow, Saturday, January 14th — your last chance to enjoy Big Al beers at the taproom in White Center.

“There are many contributing factors that led to this decision but at the end of the day it doesn’t matter,” said Alejandro in a statement on Facebook yesterday.

I know this wasn’t an easy decision for Alejandro to make, but life is what happens while you’re making other plans.


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Alejandro also noted that the craft beer business has become increasing competitive and crowded, making it harder to find realistic ways to grow the business.

big al brewing at pna winter beer taste
The crew from Big Al Brewing. That’s Al on the left.

What is next for Big Al? Well, he plans to return to the career he left eight years ago when he started the brewery adventure. What’s next for the brewery and taproom in White Center, which was previously the home of Pacific Rim Brewing Company before Alejandro and his crew took it over eight years ago, remains to be seen.

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Here’s the entire statement from Alejandro as it appeared on Facebook:

8 years ago. Damn time flies! Every time I sit down to write this I have to stop because it’s too damn hard. But some things have to be said. Saturday January 14th will be the last day of Big Al Brewing as we know it. We are closing our doors. Phew, hard part over. There are many contributing factors that led to this decision but at the end of the day it doesn’t matter. I’d rather focus on the positive. What an amazing 8 years it has been!! I lived my dream and experienced things I could have never thought of in my wildest dreams! The support we got from the amazing brewing industry. The bars who are so dedicated to not only craft beer, but Washington craft beer, are amazing. The partnerships we formed, the friendships that will last forever. The memories, the many, many, MANY beers shared with you all. The festivals, brewers nights, collaborations, guest brewers, OUR AWESOME EMPLOYEES! And let’s not forget the friends and family who reached in to their savings account and put cold hard cash where their support was and invested in this thing! All of it, more than I ever dreamed. There are way too many to thank here, but rest assured, you’ll be hearing from me for a pint or 3 sometime soon. You know who you are, whether you have been supporting us from day one or you just got on board with this thing last year, I see you. And I’ll see you soon.

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Before I sign off, I do have to acknowledge one person by name. Noelle Brown, you are my rock. You are my #1 fan and this last 8 years is because of you. You believed in me when this was just a crazy idea. You said “do it honey, I support you”. You let me quit my solid career, take my Grandparents inheritance, your equity in your condo and most important, your loving support, and you jumped right off a cliff with me. Not bad for a serial toe-dipper!! I love you, Noelle. Thank you. Oh and, there’ll be more cliffs. Sorry

No apologies needed, Al. Thank you for eight years of beer and lots and lots of fun times at the taproom. Remember the Casper Baby Pants show? Toddler mosh pit at the brewery! Awesomeness.

 


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9 thoughts on “Big Al Brewing is calling it quits

  1. As much as this sucks for beer lovers, sounds like Alejandro’s moving on for the right reasons and enjoyed the ride to this point. I wish him the best of luck, and thanks for all the great beer!

  2. From one Big Al to another, thanks ! I’m glad you had a chance to be part of the Wa Craft Beer Experience ! Good luck in your next endeavors !

  3. Thank you everyone!! I’m proud to have been part of the best beer scene in the country. It’s been an amazing 8 years! Keep supporting your favorite WA brewers, it’s getting tough out there. And thank you Kendall for all you do for WA beer brewers and fans!!

  4. Big Al your a good man.. Thank for kindness and good beer my friend.. I wish nothing but the best! ( For the Future) Your Brewer friend ! Tomas Munoz!!Thanks for believing in me when so many others walk away .. Next time we see other ? Beer on me. Salute’ Alejandro! Via Con Dos!

  5. Malt forward breweries won’t last in the the Great Northwest. Seems the Hop Explosion is here to stay, especially with the new and hybrid hops Yakima is cultivating. Amazing revolution in the last 6-7 years. Big Al would still be producing if it were the late 90’s .

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