Walnut Creek-based craft brewery Calicraft has acquired Fairfield-based Heretic Brewery and Distillery. Financial details of the Aug. 5 transaction were not disclosed.
The transaction allows Calicraft to increase its brewing capacity and expand its production and distribution, according to a press release.
The two brands have similar histories and are roughly the same size, according to Thomas Vo, Calicraft’s chief marketing officer and brewmaster. Plus, the two breweries share a long-standing relationship: Calicraft CEO Blaine Landberg and Heretic founder Jamil Zainasheff were once part of the same homebrewing club, Vo says.
“It makes sense to keep a legacy brand,” he says. “We’re really focused on preserving Heretic. … It doesn’t necessarily change our plans either,” he adds.
Calicraft has several ambitious projects in the works: It’s currently planning a major renovation of its Shadelands location, is considering a new restaurant and taproom in downtown Walnut Creek (which could open in the second quarter of 2025), and is expanding to another location in Davis. The acquisition of Heretic Brewing bolsters the brewery’s supply for its on-premise beer services and supports its planned expansion into cocktails, spirits, and wine, Vo says.
What differences will customers see at Heretic? It will be business as usual, at least initially, Vo adds. “Our goal is not to change what works.”
Eventually, they may expand their beer offerings or add new ones based on customer feedback. “Over time, we hope to listen to consumers and the community to see what we can bring to the table that’s different,” he says.
Details: Open Monday through Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and Sunday at noon at 1052 Horizon Drive, Fairfield; hereticbrewing.com.
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