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Virginia’s two biggest craft beer brewers to merge
October 24, 2026
Hardywood, Starr Hill have been operational partners since 2025
In a sudsy acquisition, two Central Virginia craft beer brewers have joined forces.
Greater Richmond‘s Hardywood Park Craft Brewery has purchased Starr Hill Brewery, in an all-equity acquisition, the two businesses announced Wednesday. Hardywood declined to provide financial details for the deal, which closed Oct. 1.
Hardywood and Starr Hill are respectively ranked first and second in Virginia by volume of beer brewed, according to NielsenIQ. The two brewers became operational partners in 2025.
Starr Hill’s ownership, leadership, team and brand identity will remain “fully intact,” according to the news release. Hardywood’s CEO, Eric McKay, will remain CEO of the combined company, which has 180 employees, and Hardywood President Kate Lee will be chief operating officer, running the combined operation day to day. Josh Cromwell, Starr Hill’s long-time vice president, will serve as chief financial officer.
Starr Hill and Hardywood employees “will continue in their existing roles following closing to prioritize operational continuity while the two organizations are thoughtfully integrated,” the news release said.
