Iconic 21st Amendment Brewery Beers Return with Evil Genius Partnership

The beloved craft brand partners with Philadelphia's Evil Genius Beer Company to revive classic favorites nationwide.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:54am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a collection of premium beer bottles and cans in muted earth tones, arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the collaboration between two independent craft breweries to revive a beloved brand.Two iconic craft beer brands join forces to revive a beloved independent brewery and bring its classic brews back to thirsty fans nationwide.Philadelphia Today

Iconic 21st Amendment Brewery beers, including the legendary Hell or High Watermelon wheat beer and the bold Brew Free! or Die IPA, are making a triumphant return to coolers and taps across the country thanks to a partnership with Philadelphia-based craft brewery Evil Genius Beer Company. The two independent breweries, known for their playful brands and commitment to quality, will work together to keep 21st Amendment's legacy alive and expand the brand's distribution.

Why it matters

The return of 21st Amendment's beloved beers is a win for craft beer fans who have missed the brand's unique offerings since the brewery closed in 2021. The partnership with Evil Genius, another independent craft brewery, ensures 21st Amendment's independent spirit and commitment to great beer will continue. This also represents an opportunity for Evil Genius to expand its footprint and bring its own popular brews to new markets.

The details

Under the new partnership, Evil Genius will handle production, distribution, and marketing for 21st Amendment's year-round favorites, including Hell or High Watermelon, Brew Free! or Die IPA, Brew Free! or Die Blood Orange, and Amendment Lager. The two breweries share a similar philosophy of brewing high-quality, fun, and approachable craft beer. Evil Genius plans to ramp up production to meet demand and ensure fresh 21st Amendment beer is available nationwide by June.

  • 21st Amendment Brewery was founded in 2000 in San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood.
  • The brewery closed in 2021 after more than 25 years of operation.
  • The new partnership with Evil Genius Beer Company was announced in April 2026.
  • 21st Amendment beers are expected to be available nationwide by June 2026.

The players

21st Amendment Brewery

A pioneering craft brewery founded in 2000 in San Francisco that helped spark the craft beer boom, put great beer in cans, and built a devoted national following over 25 years of operation.

Evil Genius Beer Company

A Philadelphia-based craft brewery founded in 2011, known for its playful branding, community-focused approach, and commitment to brewing high-quality, approachable craft beer.

Nico Freccia

Co-founder of 21st Amendment Brewery.

Shaun O'Sullivan

Co-founder and former brewmaster of 21st Amendment Brewery.

Luke Bowen

Co-founder of Evil Genius Beer Company.

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What they’re saying

“We're keeping it simple and genuine: no rebrands, no recipe tweaks, no corporate nonsense. These beers have been pouring alongside ours since day one. We connected through a mutual friend over our shared love of great beer. This isn't some big-beer takeover—it's two groups of friends making sure a brand people truly miss stays in fridges everywhere.”

— Luke Bowen, Co-founder, Evil Genius Beer Company

“It's been one hell of a 25-year run in San Francisco. I'm thrilled to see 21st Amendment head into this next chapter with Evil Genius—and stoked to get Hell or High Watermelon and Brew Free! or Die Blood Orange back into the hands of the people who've been asking for them.”

— Shaun O'Sullivan, Co-founder and former brewmaster, 21st Amendment Brewery

What’s next

Evil Genius plans to ramp up production of 21st Amendment beers to meet demand and ensure full nationwide distribution by June 2026.

The takeaway

This partnership between two independent craft breweries ensures the beloved 21st Amendment brand will live on, bringing its classic beers back to the hands of loyal fans across the country. It also represents an opportunity for Evil Genius to expand its reach and introduce its own popular brews to new markets, proving that collaboration and shared values can help independent brewers thrive in a consolidating industry.