MillerCoors adds another craft brewer to roster: Oregon’s Hop Valley

Big Beer continues to power up.

When the U.S. government gave its blessing to the AB InBev, SABMiller merger, it came with the stipulation that all further acquisitions of craft beer brands by Big Beer brands would need to reviewed and approved. This has yet to take shape, which is maybe why MillerCoors is now running around like a contestant on Supermarket Sweep, frantically grabbing stuff off the shelf trying to beat the clock.

Tenth and Blake Beer Co., the craft and import division of MillerCoors, announced yet another addition to its growing roster of craft breweries, purchasing a majority interest in Eugene, Ore.-based Hop Valley Brewing Co. Hop Valley Brewing will operate as a separate business unit of Tenth and Blake. The management team at Hop Valley will continue to lead the business and will retain an ownership interest. The transaction is expected to complete in the third quarter of 2016. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“We’re thrilled to join forces with the Hop Valley team, to add an incredible roster of brands that complement our portfolio perfectly,” said Scott Whitley, president and CEO of Tenth and Blake, twirling the ends of a wispy mustache. “I’m looking forward to working with Chuck and his team to support the continued growth and success of their innovative IPAs and award-winning beers.”

Hop Valley launched in 2009 by four lifelong Oregonians. They never anticipated that things would turn out this way so soon — rapid expansion, two tap houses and lots of great-tasting, award-winning beer and now, the handsome rewards of a corporate parent company.

“We are very proud of what we have achieved to date, and even more excited about the future for our company and our employees,” said Charles Hare, Hop Valley Brewing co-founder. “From the get-go, it has always been about the beer, and we are looking forward to working with Tenth and Blake to get our beers — made right here — to even more consumers.”

Since opening their original brew pub in Springfield, Ore. in 2009, Hop Valley has stayed true to its name producing award-winning IPAs throughout the Pacific Northwest region. The brewer has since added to its production with a 30,000-square-foot brewery and tap room in Eugene, Ore., and currently distributes in Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho and Vermont.

“This is a great opportunity for us and our brewery,” said Trevor Howard, Hop Valley co-founder and brewmaster. “We will continue to craft all of our core brands and innovate with seasonal and small-batch brews like we always have — with the same commitment to quality, taste and creativity.”

The Tenth and Blake lineup now includes Blue Moon Brewing Co., Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co., Saint Archer Brewing Co. and Terrapin Beer Co.