Heavy Seas Beer Teams Up With B3 Beverage to Build Regional Craft Brewing Platform

Heavy Seas Beer is entering a transformative chapter as it partners with B3 Beverage Company, a strategic move that unites four respected East Coast breweries under one platform. This collaboration aims to boost operational efficiency, broaden distribution, and foster innovation across both alcoholic and non-alcoholic categories. As Heavy Seas celebrates its 30th anniversary, the brewery also begins a leadership transition, positioning itself for long-term growth while staying true to its Maryland roots.

A press release from Heavy Seas revealed that the 4 breweries in the platform are:

• Heavy Seas Beer (Baltimore, MD)
• Yards Brewing Co. (Philadelphia, PA)
• Two Roads Brewing (Stratford, CT)
• Bald Birds Brewing Co. (Audubon & Jersey Shore, PA)

Together under the B3 banner, these brands will strengthen their individual legacies while building something greater—an integrated beverage platform designed to expand production capacity, streamline operations, unlock broader distribution, and accelerate innovation.

A Stronger Collective in a Challenging Market

“The craft beer and beverage industry is at an inflection point. By combining resources, we create efficiency, scale, and reach that would be difficult for any one brewery to achieve on its own,” said Hugh Sisson, Founder of Heavy Seas. “This partnership gives each brand the ability to thrive while staying true to its roots. It’s a way to face future challenges together—stronger, smarter, and more sustainable.”

Heavy Seas Beer Remains Maryland Strong

While Heavy Seas joins a larger collective, it remains firmly rooted in Maryland. “Our identity as a Maryland brewery is who we are,” continued Sisson. “This partnership allows us to leverage shared production across facilities when it makes sense, while keeping our home base focused on brewing innovation and new product development. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Unlocking New Categories and Opportunities

The partnership also creates room for category diversification. In addition to strengthening its beer portfolio, Heavy Seas and B3 are exploring growth in non-alcoholic products, craft sodas, and beyond—capitalizing on evolving consumer trends while preserving what makes each brewery unique.

Passing the Torch: A Natural Leadership Evolution

After nearly 30 years at the helm, Sisson acknowledges it is time to begin a transition. “In the words of Monty Python, I’m not dead yet! I’ll still be involved, but this is the right moment to step back from the day-to-day,” Sisson shared. Leadership at Heavy Seas will increasingly include the next generation: Caroline Sisson (Marketing Director), Charlie Oxendine (Sales Director), Chris Leonard (Brewmaster), and John Eugeni (Production Manager)—a team well positioned to guide Heavy Seas into its next era within the B3 platform.

Celebrating 30 Years of Heavy Seas

This announcement comes at a milestone moment. Heavy Seas—Maryland’s largest craft brewery—celebrates its 30th Anniversary on December 8, 2025. To mark the occasion, Heavy Seas will host a 30th Anniversary Celebration at the brewery on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in partnership with the Brewers Association of Maryland (BAM). A portion of proceeds will benefit BAM’s mission to support and promote Maryland’s craft beer industry. Details for the Anniversary event will be announced in mid-October on the Heavy Seas website and social media channels.

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The event will also feature the release of 30 Year Storm, a limited barrel-aged strong ale (11.5% ABV), aged in bourbon, rye, and sherry barrels. “This anniversary beer represents the culmination of three decades of creativity, experimentation, and resilience—everything Heavy Seas stands for,” said Caroline Sisson.

Looking Ahead: The Future of B3 Beverage

With Heavy Seas joining B3 Beverage Company, the platform now combines heritage, scale, and innovation. This move reflects B3’s mission: to unite strong regional brands, preserve their independence, and provide the resources to thrive in an evolving marketplace.

 As Heavy Seas embarks on its next chapter within the B3 Beverage Company, the brewery remains committed to its Maryland heritage, its legacy of innovation, and its community of craft beer connoisseurs. This partnership marks not just a strategic evolution, but a celebration of resilience, creativity, and shared vision across the East Coast brewing landscape. To learn more, support the journey, and raise a glass to 30 years of bold flavor, visit Heavy Seas online and follow along as the future of craft takes shape.

 About Heavy Seas Beer

Founded in 1995, Heavy Seas is Maryland’s largest craft brewery, known for bold, flavorful beers and a spirit of innovation. The brewery has earned national recognition for its portfolio while staying deeply committed to Maryland beer culture.

About B3 Beverage Company

B3 Beverage Company is a multi-brand craft beverage platform uniting leading East Coast breweries, including Bald Birds, Yards, Two Roads, and Heavy Seas. B3 is committed to scaling operational excellence, expanding consumer choice, and building a diversified future across beer and beyond.