Peace Tree Brewing Co. became one of the pillars of the Iowa craft beer scene almost as soon as Megan McKay founded the brewery in her hometown of Knoxville in 2009. Eight years later, Peace Tree expanded beyond its original taproom in Knoxville, opening a second location in Des Moines’ East Village.
“The brewery has won gold medals at some of the world’s largest and most prestigious beer competitions,” Megan Bannister wrote in Little Village in 2022. “Its fan-favorite Blonde Fatale earned gold at the World Beer Cup in 2014. Then, in 2021, Peace Tree’s Get a Little Hazy IPA took home the gold at the Great American Beer Festival.”
So when McKay announced in September last year that she was looking for someone to buy Peace Tree, craft beer enthusiasts around the state were concerned.
“I’m looking for someone who can carry on the legacy and take the company to new heights,” McKay said at the time. “Different skill sets and energies are required for the startup phase compared to running a mature business. Peace Tree is strong, and I’m excited to see where the next owner will lead the company.”
But no buyer for Iowa’s only 100-percent woman owned brewery was found, and in June this year, McKay announced “Peace Tree Brewing Company will cease brewing operations.”
Peace Tree’s beers seemed destined to become just memories, but on Wednesday, Backpocket Brewing announced it had acquired the rights to them.
“This agreement ensures that Peace Tree’s beloved beers, including the award-winning Blonde Fatale, remain integral to lowa’s rich craft beer scene,” Backpocket said in a news release.
“My commitment has always been to create exceptional beers that resonate with our community and beyond,” McKay said in the news release. “Selling to Backpocket Brewing allows Peace Tree’s legacy to live on, ensuring that our cherished brands will be continued to be enjoyed.”
Backpocket, another pillar of the Iowa craft beer scene, brewed its first beers in McGregor in 2008 at the Old Man River Restaurant and Brewery. Backpocket moved to Coralville, where it opened an expanded brewery and taproom in the Iowa River Landing in 2012. It has since opened taprooms in Dubuque and Johnston, both of which feature arcade games and duckpin bowling.
“Taking on Peace Tree Brewing’s production is an incredible opportunity for us,” Backpocket owner Aaron Vargas said. “This acquisition not only enhances our offerings but also allows us to carry forward the hard work and dreams of the Peace Tree Brewing team, whose passion for lowa Craft Beer has inspired many.”
Blonde Fatale, Peace Tree’s award-winning signature brew, will be the first beer Backpocket reintroduces. It is scheduled to be released later this month.
