The Bar Towel

Just leaving this here. I’m happy it wasn’t one of the big guys, but I hope Ken got a good deal!!

https://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/busin ... mpany.html

Thanks for sharing this. I haven't bought much black oak lately, but always enjoyed the release of their nutcracker porter, and their 10 bitter years was amazing at the time it first came out. Hope Ken finds success in this new chapter.

I am pretty surprised by this on several levels. I am surprised to see Black Oak sell (but also not - Ken has been working hard for a long time!) but also kind of surprised Silversmith is in a position to be buying. Given the other sales and partnerships we have seen lately, this would on the surface seem to benefit both breweries. I guess we shall see!

Time flies. I wouldn't have guessed that Silversmith was already 10 years old.

I'm hoping this pans out as Black Oak has some core beers I really enjoy, but can't always find due to uneven distribution. I'd love to see their Nox Aeterna available in the LCBO, or even Nut Brown more widespread. Styles come and go, but Black Oak has always been an ol' reliable, making pretty much the only regularly available nut brown these days.

Silversmith is solid too, that black lager is another go-to for me, but again, I can't always find it out my way.

I agree… I love Nut brown if it is fresh… but availability and freshness varies substantially!

I don't know much about Silversmith, but I hope they had a really big truck full of cash to drive up to Ken's door. He, IMHO is one of the more upstanding people in the industry and deserves a happy retirement. Even if he continues to tinker.
I still recall seeing him back in the day late at night at the Bow & Arrow cleaning his own lines; quality commitment! That's not the kind of person that completely walks away.

I guess I should stop my snark about all the accountants becoming craft brewers.

Ken has been a survivor in this industry, but also an innovator. For those who remember, when Ten Bitter Years came out caused quite a stir amongst the beer nerds. And it can be argued that Ken did the first barrel-aged beer in Ontario, pouring at one (if not the first) Cask Days at Volo.

I hope Ken made it out ok after all the work he's put into Black Oak over the decades!