E122: Making the Shift to Contract Brewing with Kevin Drake of Alibi Ale Works
Join us at CBC 2026 for our free Brewery Profit Workshop on Monday, April 20th. Learn more and grab a spot at sbstandard.com/cbcprofit — In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we’re chatting with Kevin Drake of Alibi Ale Works. We unpack how operating two busy brewpubs in a tourist-driven market ultimately pushed them toward contract brewing (and why it turned out to be one of the most stabilizing decisions they’ve made...despite the emotional challenges). Highlights include: * The hidden inefficiencies of producing beer in a remote, seasonal market * How focusing on the taproom experience and NA offerings led to more predictable margins * Why partnering with both large and small contract brewers could be the big move in 2026 Kevin shares that contract brewing “was the hardest decision [he’s] ever had to make, because [he’s] the homebrewer that started a brewery—it’s part of [his] identity to make the beer.” If you’ve been wrestling with making a similar move, this episode is filled with honest and helpful insight from someone who has been in this business for over a decade.
The True Craft Podcast · Kevin Drake, Chris Farmand
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Show Notes
Join us at CBC 2026 for our free Brewery Profit Workshop on Monday, April 20th. Learn more and grab a spot at sbstandard.com/cbcprofit
—
In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we’re chatting with Kevin Drake of Alibi Ale Works. We unpack how operating two busy brewpubs in a tourist-driven market ultimately pushed them toward contract brewing (and why it turned out to be one of the most stabilizing decisions they’ve made...despite the emotional challenges).
Highlights include:
- The hidden inefficiencies of producing beer in a remote, seasonal market
- How focusing on the taproom experience and NA offerings led to more predictable margins
- Why partnering with both large and small contract brewers could be the big move in 2026
Kevin shares that contract brewing “was the hardest decision [he’s] ever had to make, because [he’s] the homebrewer that started a brewery—it’s part of [his] identity to make the beer.” If you’ve been wrestling with making a similar move, this episode is filled with honest and helpful insight from someone who has been in this business for over a decade.
Learn more about Alibi Ale Works at their website: https://alibialeworks.com
Follow them on Instagram: @alibialeworks