Silver Branch Brewing Co. to Merge With Virginia Based Old Ox Brewery

Silver Branch Brewing Co. (8401 Colesville Rd #150, Silver Spring) announced today that they will be merging with Old Ox Brewery (Ashburn & Middleburg, VA) to form one company.

According to a press release, both breweries will maintain their individual brands and tasting rooms.

Full details below:

SILVER SPRING, MD and Ashburn, VA (April 11, 2022) – Silver Branch Brewing Company and Old Ox Brewery will join forces to create one cohesive company that combines Old Ox’s brand recognition, distribution expertise, and brewing capacity with Silver Branch’s hospitality background, marketing experience, and quickly growing portfolio of beers.

The combined company will be well positioned to take advantage of new opportunities emerging in the craft beverage industry while continuing to grow the Silver Branch and Old Ox brands. “This merger affords us some very exciting opportunities for growth,” says Chris Burns, Founder of Old Ox Brewery. “We have amazing plans in store for our tasting rooms, distribution portfolios, and new product launches. We can’t wait to share them with our customers. It’s going to be a lot of work, but it’s also going to be a lot of fun!”

Each brewery will maintain their unique identities while seeking opportunities to cross-promote and bring new beer experiences to craft beer lovers in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC. Silver Branch delivers traditional European-style beers in its Downtown Silver Spring tasting room, and Old Ox maintains a core competency in American craft styles that enjoys broad regional distribution.

“While our brewing styles are distinct, our philosophies are extremely well aligned,” says Christian Layke, Co-Founder of Silver Branch Brewing, “We both see beer as being as much about culture and the experience as it is about the liquid itself.”

“This strategic partnership will enable the combined company to achieve efficiencies, continue growing at an accelerated rate, and leverage diversified expertise,” says Brett Robison, Co-Founder of Silver Branch Brewing. “The merger will allow both breweries to continue producing their well-known beers in addition to many new innovative beers. Beer fans in Maryland, Virginia, and DC 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.”

Silver Branch Co-Founder Christian Layke will be Director of Brewing with Co-Founder Brett Robison as Director of Operations. Chris Burns, Co-Founder of Old Ox, will serve as Director of Sales.

So what’s next? Time for a beer! We’re working on a celebratory collaboration project for release in May. The beer is brewed, the label is designed, the release is being planned…We’re excited! More details soon, but rest assured there will be a party!

The proposed merger is subject to final negotiation and execution of an operating agreement. The intention is to be a fully combined and integrated company by Q3 2022.

About Silver Branch Brewing Company

Opened in 2019, Silver Branch celebrates the four major brewing cultures: Belgium, Britain and Ireland, Central Europe, and the Americas. The balanced, drinkable beer styles from these cultures form the core of their lineup, but they also brew more adventurous offerings from each of these cultures. For more information, please visit www.silverbranchbrewing.com

About Old Ox Brewery

Old Ox has been brewing approachable, American-style ales and innovative brands since 2014. The family owned and operated brewery is committed to creating a sense of community in the tasting room and among our restaurant, grocery store and independent partners. For more information, visit www.oldoxbrewery.com