The Brewer's Art, a 30-year-old Baltimore craft brewery, has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation after abruptly closing on February 2, 2026. The Old Line Brewers LLC petition listed assets between $100,000 and $1 million against liabilities ranging from $1 million to $10 million, according to court records.

The closure reflects broader industry challenges, with U.S. craft beer production declining 4% in 2024 and 5% in 2025. Rising raw material costs, particularly for malted barley and hops, have squeezed profit margins. Industry data shows domestic beer shipments fell 5.9% in 2025, losing 8.68 million barrels as brewery closures outpaced openings.

The brewery's sudden shutdown surprised employees, who were unaware of financial troubles. Court filings show the U.S. Small Business Administration is owed $199,000, while owner Volker Stewart is owed $792,000 in business loans and unpaid wages. The Maryland Comptroller had placed an $85,000 lien against the business in December 2025. The closure follows similar industry consolidations, including Anheuser-Busch's shutdown of three breweries in 2025 and 2026.