The fund, which initially partnered with London-based Brew by Numbers and Stockholm brewers CAP, was started to help craft breweries “reach that next level” but the current beer landscape has caused BrewDog to return its stake back to the two breweries at cost price.
“Recent corporate takeovers and buyouts have detracted from our good intentions and that just doesn’t sit well with us,” the Scottish brewery claimed.
“Despite being significantly smaller in scale – and with intentions diametrically opposite – to recent ‘investments’ made in Ballast Point, Camden Town, Meantime, Elysian and others, when one brewery has a stake in another it can’t help but compromise the smaller of the two parties.”
BrewDog says the best way it can help small breweries is by “supporting their independence above all else”.
Last year, BrewDog was “nailing [its] colours to the mother f****** mast” by declaring “independence is the new craft” with the hashtag #independenceordeath.
Dave Seymour, co-founder of Brew By Numbers, said: “Brew By Numbers set out as a small, independent family-run brewery. Throughout the period of their involvement, BrewDog has never looked to take away that independence.”
He added: “They've been a loyal friend to us, watching our back, but now it's time for us to write the next chapter on our own.”