News Summary
Backpocket Brewing has officially acquired the brands of Peace Tree Brewing, aiming to carry on the legacy of the nearly 15-year-old brewery that ceased operations. Peace Tree, Iowa’s first woman-owned brewery, is best known for its flagship beer, ‘Blonde Fatale.’ The acquisition promises to reintroduce this beloved beer by mid-November and positions Backpocket Brewing to enhance its lineup while maintaining the values and quality established by Peace Tree.
Knoxville, Iowa – Backpocket Brewing has officially acquired the beer brands of Peace Tree Brewing, a move that aims to continue the legacy of the nearly 15-year-old brewery, which ceased operations in June 2024. The announcement was made on November 6, 2024.
Peace Tree Brewing, founded in 2009 by Megan McKay, made history as Iowa’s first 100% woman-owned brewery. It is well-known for its flagship beer, “Blonde Fatale,” a Belgian-style blonde ale that has garnered several accolades, including a gold medal at the 2014 World Beer Cup. The iconic beer is expected to make a return to the market by mid-November 2024, as Backpocket Brewing prioritizes its reintroduction.
With the acquisition, Aaron Vargas, the new owner of Backpocket Brewing, expressed a commitment to preserving the cherished brands of Peace Tree Brewing, ensuring that the local community continues to have access to its favorite brews. Initial plans focus on re-establishing “Blonde Fatale,” with intentions to reintroduce additional Peace Tree brands in the future. This acquisition also positions Backpocket Brewing to enhance its craft beer offerings while maintaining the legacy that Peace Tree Brewing has cultivated.
Peace Tree Brewing’s journey began with the release of its first beer, the Rambler Red Ale, which was named in honor of the automotive dealership that previously occupied the building in Knoxville where it operated. Over the years, it gained a loyal following and became a staple in the Iowa craft beer scene.
Backpocket Brewing, which originated from the Old Man River Restaurant and Brewery in 2008, has established itself as a significant player in Iowa’s brewing landscape, expanding to multiple locations across the state. The brewery’s long-standing relationship with Peace Tree Brewing has fostered a collaborative environment, making this acquisition a seamless transition within the local craft beer community.
The sale of Peace Tree Brewing signifies not only a continuation of its beloved legacy but also the commitment to quality and innovation in craft brewing as it joins forces with Backpocket Brewing. This union emphasizes the importance of community in the craft beer industry and continues to support local brewing traditions in Iowa.
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Additional Resources
- KCRG: Backpocket Brewing Acquires Beer Brands
- Wikipedia: Beer
- Press-Citizen: Backpocket to Produce Peace Tree’s Award-Winning Beers
- Google Search: Backpocket Brewing
- The Gazette: Backpocket Brewing Acquires Peace Tree Brewing
- Google Scholar: Craft Beer Acquisition
- Little Village: Peace Tree and Backpocket Brewing Acquisition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Craft Brewing
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
