Chicago Craft Breweries Maplewood and Half Acre Announce Merger

The two popular beer companies will combine to create a new "premier Chicago beverage company".

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Two of Chicago's most prominent craft breweries, Half Acre Beer Co. and Maplewood Brewery & Distillery, have announced they are merging to form a new joint entity. The merger is expected to close in the coming weeks, with the combined company aiming to shape "a new era of collaboration and creativity" in the local beverage industry.

Why it matters

The merger of these two well-known Chicago beer brands represents further consolidation in the craft brewing industry, as smaller regional players look to gain scale and resources to compete with larger national brands. It also highlights the continued evolution of the city's vibrant craft beer scene, which has seen rapid growth and innovation over the past two decades.

The details

Half Acre, known for beers like Daisy Cutter and Green Torch, started in 2007 in Wisconsin before opening locations in Chicago's North Center and Lincoln Square neighborhoods. Maplewood, which makes popular brews such as Son of Juice and Pulaski Pils, began brewing in Logan Square in 2014 and has since expanded distribution to several Midwest states. In addition to beer, Maplewood also produces non-alcoholic seltzers, THC-infused drinks, canned cocktails, and various spirits.

  • The merger announcement was made on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
  • The merger is expected to close "in the coming weeks."

The players

Half Acre Beer Co.

A Chicago craft brewery founded in 2007, known for beers like Daisy Cutter and Green Torch.

Maplewood Brewery & Distillery

A Chicago craft brewery and distillery founded in 2014, known for beers like Son of Juice and Pulaski Pils as well as non-alcoholic seltzers, THC-infused drinks, canned cocktails, and various spirits.

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What’s next

The merger is expected to close "in the coming weeks."

The takeaway

The merger of Half Acre and Maplewood represents the continued evolution and consolidation of Chicago's thriving craft beer scene, as local players seek to gain scale and resources to compete in an increasingly crowded market.