Silver Spring’s Silver Branch Brewing Company and Old Ox Brewery, with locations in Ashburn and Middleburg, Va., announced plans to merge into one company, according to a press release.
The move will combine Old Ox’s brand recognition, distribution expertise, and brewing capacity with Silver Branch’s hospitality background, marketing experience, and growing portfolio of beers, the announcement said.
Each brewer will maintain their own brands, taprooms and staff and plan cross promotions in the region, including a celebratory beer release planned for mid-May.
Silver Branch focuses traditional European-style beers while Old Ox’s core competency is in American craft styles that have broad regional distribution.
“While our brewing styles are distinct, our philosophies are extremely well aligned,” says Christian Layke, Silver Branch co-founder. “We both see beer as being as much about culture and the experience as it is about the liquid itself.”
“The merger will allow both breweries to continue producing their well-known beers in addition to many new innovative beers” added co-founder Brett Robinson. “Beer fans in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. will also have more opportunities to participate in cultural celebrations and beer release parties in Silver Spring and Ashburn. This year we get to throw two Oktoberfest parties, we’re really excited about that.”
Layke will be director of brewing with Robison as director of operations for the combined company. Chris Burns, co-founder of Old Ox, will serve as director of sales.
“The proposed merger is subject to final negotiation and execution of an operating agreement,” according to the release. “The intention is to be a fully combined and integrated company by Q3 2022.”
Silver Branch opened in March 2019 at 8401 Colesville Rd., #150.
Graphic courtesy Silver Branch Brewing Company