Deep Ellum joins CANarchy collective

Image credit: CANarchy.

Seeking to secure a fresh infusion of resources for increased production and distribution, Deep Ellum Brewing Co. of Dallas has joined the CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective.

Founded in 2011 by John Reardon, Deep Ellum has grown into the third largest independent craft brewery in Texas. Led by its flagship brews, Dallas Blonde and Deep Ellum IPA, the company grew 37% in 2017 while producing more than 45,000 barrels. Deep Ellum's products are currently only available in Texas, with the vast majority being consumed within 20 miles of the brewery.

“It’s been a hell of a ride for all of us at Deep Ellum and I believe this is just the beginning,” says Reardon. “We’ve been looking for the right partner to grow the Deep Ellum brand and I believe we’ve found that with CANarchy. They’re a group of like-minded people that have not conformed to the status-quo and have hit critical mass on the path of coming together and remaining independent. We’re all in.”

CANarchy got its start in 2015, led by Oskar Blues Brewery founder, Dale Katechis. The group provides a platform from which rapidly growing craft breweries seeking high level resources can expand and compete in the increasingly competitive craft beer segment, while maintaining independence. The platform is driven by individual brewery culture, giving brewers control of their businesses and brands, while providing resources and support to scale their respective operations.

“CANarchy’s culture thrives on collaboration among craft breweries blazing their own path and doing things their own way," says Katechis. "John and the Deep Ellum crew light the fire of craft beer in Dallas-Fort Worth and they will bring that same fire to our collective."

In addition to Oskar Blues, Deep Ellum joins a roster of brands whose current membership includes Cigar City Brewing, Perrin Brewing Co., Wasatch Brewery and Squatters Craft Beers. Using Cigar City as an example of CANarchy's impact, the Florida-based brewery entered the collective in June of 2016. After immediately addressing capacity issues, CANarchy was able to help Cigar City expand distribution and increase shipments 43% from 65,000 to 92,000 barrels in 2017.

“Deep Ellum Brewing has created a strong community and now they’re facing next-level challenges that we’ve seen before," says Joey Redner, founder of Cigar City. "Within CANarchy, we can solve those problems in our own way."

As for Deep Ellum, it's currently undergoing a large expansion, including the installation of a 60-barrel brewhouse at the company’s primary facility that is expected to come online within the next few months. The brewery is operating at maximum capacity and is projecting 55,000 barrels of production in 2018. Deep Ellum is also constructing a taproom in Fort Worth that will incorporate a five-barrel system and retail space that is scheduled to open in late fall of 2018.

“During my time at the University of Colorado I specifically remember my first can of Dale’s Pale Ale, and that experience is part of the reason I’m in this business," adds Reardon. "Joining a collective of such irreverent and disruptive founders and leaders is exactly what Deep Ellum has been looking for."

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.