PHILADELPHIA, PA – In a move that bridges the birthplace of America with the shores of San Francisco, Philadelphia's own Evil Genius Beer Company has officially acquired the legendary 21st Amendment Brewery. The deal ensures that one of the country's most pioneering craft brands returns to coolers and taps across 29 states just in time for the 2026 summer season.
21st Amendment, a national institution credited with helping lead the craft beer revolution, will maintain its independent spirit under the stewardship of Evil Genius. For fans of the brand, the message is clear: the recipes aren't changing, and the "watermelon beer" that defined a category is back.
A Legacy Continued
Evil Genius founders Luke Bowen and Trevor Hayward, known for their nostalgic branding and high-quality brews like "Stacy's Mom," saw the acquisition as a natural fit. Both breweries share a history of independence and a lighthearted approach to the industry.
"This isn't a big beer takeover," said Evil Genius Founder Luke Bowen. "This is about two guys who love great beer ensuring the beer people genuinely love stays in their fridges—and ours."
The Return of the Classics
Shipments are rolling out across the country immediately. Fans can expect the core lineup to remain exactly as they remember it, with no rebrands or recipe adjustments.
Available Now:
- Hell or High Watermelon: The cult-classic fruited wheat beer that pioneered the category.
- Brew Free! or Die IPA: The flagship West Coast IPA known for its bold, balanced profile.
- Brew Free! or Die Blood Orange: A citrus-infused variant of the classic flagship.
- Amendment Lager: A retro-American, easy-drinking lager.
Coming Soon: As the year progresses, Evil Genius will bring back seasonal favorites and expand the 21st Amendment portfolio, including:
- Variety Packs: Brew Free! or Die Juicy, Hazy, and mixed packs.
- Seasonal Hits: Fireside Chat (Christmas), Pumpkin Haze, and El Sully.
- New Innovations: The first-ever non-alcoholic (NA) versions of 21A favorites are slated for release later this year.
Philadelphia: The New Hub for 21A
While the 21st Amendment's roots are in San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood, Pennsylvania has long been the brand's second-largest fan base. The acquisition aligns perfectly with Philadelphia's 250th-anniversary celebrations, honoring the very amendment that made the modern craft beer industry possible.
Business as Usual for Evil Genius: Evil Genius will continue to operate its own brand and its popular Fishtown taproom independently. However, the infrastructure from this acquisition may allow Evil Genius to expand its own distribution into new states in the near future.
For more information and to find 21st Amendment near you, visit 21st-amendment.com or follow the journey on social media at @21stamendment and @evilgeniusbeer.
