This afternoon, Benchmark Brewing co-founder Rachael Akin posted the following to the company’s Facebook page:
“Dear Customer, As you may know Benchmark has been going through some extraordinary financial troubles, and we are not yet out of the woods, for the time being we are closed due to a suspension of our ABC license, that was triggered by the state tax board. We are working with the authorities to remedy the issue and hope to reopen soon. For the time being, you can enjoy our beer at local bars, restaurants, and to go from bottle shops. We look forward to pouring you more delicious Benchmark Beer very soon. Keep up to date with us on Facebook or Instagram.”
This comes a month-and-a-half after the company announced that it was seeking a buyer. That early December post sent ripples through the local beer industry, igniting a social media-fueled effort to get the company back on its feet via sales to retail accounts. Due in part to that effort, Rachael and her husband and Benchmark brewmaster Matt Akin, were able to stave off eviction at their Grantville facility. It was a feel-good story in a time when numerous San Diego County breweries were struggling, including Council Brewing, which announced its impending closure the day after Benchmark’s December 4 post.