I think it is unlikely that Inveralmond was privy to a plan to buy out a brewery using crowdfunding (if such a plan ever existed).
Inveralmond recently completed a rebrand (the first in years), finally got a separate cold store building, began the Inspiration Series, began barrel aging, and expanded their sales team. All of this happened during the time that the I&G crowdfunding project was in effect – if Inveralmond was aware of such plans they wouldn’t have continued with the majority of these projects.
Crowdfunding/investing in breweries is emotional rather than purely business minded, not unlike buying shares in your local football team – not done wholly for returns (even if these are offered) but because you are a fan. Therefore, I think it is unlikely that I&G would have started out the whole crowdfunding idea with the intent of pulling the wool over the investors’ eyes as this would alienate their fan/investors.
I think the most likely scenario is that Inveralmond happened to be looking for further investment and I&G’s plans for a brewery fell through. Rather than buying a turnkey brewery, I&G could buy a turnkey brewery with all of the wrinkles ironed out and a full complement of trained staff to operate it. Also, with the cold store relocated to a new building, there is almost double the floor-space which means a possible quadrupling in tank capacity. It was just fortuitous timing.
In regards to Sunburst Pilsner, this would be a sad loss. In keg form, it is the best Pilsner in Scotland. But having two pale Pilsners on your books would be a bit much for any brewery not specialising in Czech/German beers.
Three others that would be sorely missed would be Lia Fail – a great Scottish beer (I happened to write a review on this beer back in 1996, the first online review of a Scottish beer), De Mons and Rascal Porter both amazing on keg and both very close to my heart.
It remains to be seen what will happen to Usher’s. It isn’t a 100% Inveralmond concern. The brewkit is brand new and hasn’t be fully utilised over the past wee while. It could be that Usher’s ends up being another “Craft Beer” bar without the brewery aspect. Another I&G Kitchen could be a possibility but unlikely. The next 6 months will probably be crucial in deciding its fate.
As for SIBA. I think the only resolution is for the new company to rejoin. The distribution afforded by this alone makes it worthwhile.
As an aside, I know that Fergus would not have entered any deal without first having assurances that the staff would not suffer.
I agree that it is a rather good match. No one is stepping on the other’s toes. I hope that both brands keep their individuality though.
