Mashing-In News: Oktoberfest Security Scare, Several Closures
GOOD MORNING, SOUTH PUGET SOUND!
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 — Julie Andrews turns 90 today!
From Munich’s Oktoberfest security scare to Portland’s Upright Brewing closure, new ownership in Vancouver, scholarships fueling fresh voices, and cider and beer celebrations across North America, today’s craft beer news spans endings, new beginnings, and the ties that keep brewing culture alive.
Oktoberfest Grounds Closed After Bomb Threat in Munich
Munich police temporarily closed the Oktoberfest fairgrounds Wednesday after a bomb threat linked to a deadly explosion in northern Munich, with investigations ongoing while authorities secure the site. (AP News)
End of an Era: Upright Brewing to Close After 16 Years
After 16 years of pioneering farmhouse ales, reviving craft lagers, and championing cask beer, Portland’s Upright Brewing will close its doors, marking the end of a brewery that helped define a generation of Northwest brewing. (The New School)
After 7 Years, Final Draft Owners Hand Keys to New Generation
After seven years building Final Draft Taphouse into a Northbank craft beer hub, founders Mike Bolt and Kimberly Johnson have passed ownership to longtime bartender Payton O’Neal, who takes over today with plans to preserve its community spirit while gradually expanding offerings. (The New School)
MJF Scholarship Fuels Career of Award-Winning Brewer Fritzi Lara Lino
Stone Brewing R&D brewer Fritzi Lara Lino, a Queer first-generation Mexican American and recipient of the Michael James Jackson Foundation’s Sir Geoff Palmer Scholarship, turned a single homebrewing class into a medal-winning career and now hopes to mentor the next generation of LGBTQ+ brewers. (Hop Culture)
Dutch Craft Icon De Molen Faces Closure Amid Market Pressures
Royal Swinkels will cease production at Brouwerij De Molen in Bodegraven by September 2025 due to low capacity, rising competition, and declining Dutch beer consumption, though De Molen beers will continue under the company’s portfolio. (Yahoo Finance)
Oregon Tops U.S. in Cider Consumption Amid Industry Challenges
As National Apple Month highlights, Oregon leads the nation in cider consumption—home to 80 cideries generating $320M annually and 2 Towns Ciderhouse, the country’s second largest—but the industry faces rising costs and shifting drinking habits despite stable sales. (The New School)
Celebrate Canadian Beer Day With Brews and a Badge Oct. 2–10
Canadian Beer Day 2025, themed “A Beverage Like No Other,” celebrates beer’s role in uniting communities and culture nationwide, with drinkers able to unlock a special badge by checking in Canadian brews Oct. 2–10. (Untappd)
LINK: Peaks & Pints beer and cider cooler inventory
