Buyers sought for 'treasure trove' of craft beer from collapsed Manchester brewer

Buyers are being urgently sought for a huge stock of craft beer brewed by Manchester-based Beatnikz Republic Brewing Co, which ceased trading in April.

Approximately 300 barrels of beer and hundreds of cans of craft ale are left over following the collapse of the brewery, amounting to an estimated 20,000 pints.

The beer, currently sat in a bonded warehouse near Strangeways, consists of a mix of craft ales including IPA’s, pale ales, stouts, and specialist fruit-based beers with names like Beach Bum, Oblivion Now, Miami Amor and Chocolate Fudge Cake.

Liquidators Begbies Traynor said the beers would normally have sold for around £6 a pint but it is looking to sell them for around £1 a pint, including duty.

Paul Stanley and Jason Greenhalgh of Begbies Traynor, who have been appointed joint liquidators of Beatnikz Republic Brewing Co, said the stock is a good opportunity for someone in the trade.

“We’re looking for someone in the trade to see the opportunity, step forward and buy the bulk of the stock that’s left over in this treasure trove of ale,” said Stanley.

“At this stage we estimate there’s almost 20,000 pints of craft ale sitting here and we’ll supply a full inventory upon request. It would be good for a trade buyer such as a freehouse, independent bar or organised beer festival.

“Plenty of the beer has a 2023 ‘best before’ date. Buyers would have to collect the barrels and kegs and the price of the beer reflects this logistical challenge.”

He added that Beatnikz Republic Brewing Co had been “hit hard” by the impact of lockdown restrictions, rising transport costs and inflation before it entered liquidation this year.

“Its primary customers were licensed premises across Manchester city centre and in particular in the Northern Quarter from where they were able to grow good awareness of their brand locally and even internationally,” said Stanley.

“This case highlights the challenging times faced by many in the hospitality trade. It’s not the first brewery we’ve been appointed to in recent times and it certainly won’t be the last in this kind of inflationary economic climate.”

1,918 companies in the bar and restaurant sector in the North West region are currently operating under significant financial distress according to the latest Red Flag Alert data which is produced quarterly by Begbies Traynor.

Interested parties should contact Mark Dyer at Begbies Traynor in Manchester.