Here's how inflation and changing liquor trends are impacting local craft breweries

The craft brewing industry is feeling the effects of inflation, evolving trends and the lingering impact of the pandemic.

The craft brewing industry is feeling the effects of inflation, evolving trends and the lingering impact of the pandemic.

Cambridge brewery Rhythm and Brews has closed its doors after five years of business. The owner says all things combined made for the perfect storm that was too much to overcome.

“Things got harder and harder, so we kind of had to pull the plug,” owner Andrew Byer said.

“Last year was great but we remortgaged twice during COVID-19 just to keep the doors open. We did everything we could but we’re tapped out.”

He said it was a difficult decision. Immediately following pandemic lockdowns he said he noticed a bump in business, but throughout all of 2023 it’s been tough.

The cost of operating has made it too much to overcome.

“Beer ingredients have pretty much doubled over the last five years, but you’re not going to double your [price of] your pint of beer. In fact, that crucial ten dollars for a pint – you can’t really go over that,” he explained.