Breweries & Distilleries Business Valuations

Breweries and distilleries are a unique blend of manufacturing, branding, and hospitality. From craft beer to artisanal spirits, these companies operate in a highly competitive and heavily regulated industry that thrives on quality, innovation, and community appeal. They may generate revenue through direct-to-consumer sales, taprooms, retail distribution, and wholesale channels.

Despite capital intensity and regulatory hurdles, these businesses are attractive to acquirers and investors for their scalable product lines, loyal customer bases, and premium margins.

What Makes Brewery & Distillery Valuation Unique?

Valuing a brewery or distillery goes beyond simple earnings multiples. It involves analyzing production capacity, distribution agreements, intellectual property, and brand equity. Licensing, compliance, and aging inventory (especially for spirits) also play a major role in valuation.

Valuation differentiators include:

• Production Volume and Capacity Utilization: Higher output with available production headroom supports scalability.

• Distribution and Retail Channel Mix: On-premise, off-premise, and DTC ratios influence margins and risk profile.

• Intellectual Property and Brand Assets: Trademarks, recipes, barrel programs, and packaging design all contribute to enterprise value.

Key Brewery & Distillery Valuation Metrics

At InteleK, we apply industry-specific approaches tailored to alcohol manufacturing and distribution. Key metrics include:

1. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA: The foundation for determining value in larger, multi-channel producers.

2. Barrels or Proof Gallons Produced Annually: Core production metric that informs both capacity and efficiency.

3. Cost per Barrel or Bottle: Indicates margin potential and production discipline.

4. Average Sales Price per Unit: Measures pricing power across retail and wholesale channels.

5. Revenue by Channel (Taproom vs. Distribution): Different margins require segmented financial analysis.

6. Inventory Value and Aging Programs: Especially important for whiskey or aged spirits, where time-in-barrel represents stored value.

7. Licensing, Compliance, and TTB Reporting: Regulatory approval and reporting structures are crucial for business continuity and buyer confidence.

Why Breweries & Distilleries Need Professional Valuation

A certified valuation equips beverage alcohol producers with critical insights for key decisions:

• Raise Capital or Secure SBA/Equipment Loans: Provide lenders or investors with reliable, defendable business valuations.

• Support M&A or Brand Acquisition: Position your business clearly for buyer discussions or strategic partnerships.

• Succession and Exit Planning: Set fair market value for founders transitioning out or creating ESOPs.

• Resolve Shareholder or Legal Disputes: Present audit-ready documentation for partner buyouts or litigation.

• Comply with Tax and Estate Planning Needs: Avoid IRS issues and ensure smooth ownership transfers.

Why Choose InteleK for Your Brewery or Distillery Valuation?

InteleK is trusted by craft brewers, spirits makers, and beverage investors nationwide. Our certified appraisers understand the operational and regulatory intricacies of alcohol manufacturing:

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®)

• Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV®)

• Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA®)

• Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA®)

• Professional Risk Manager (PRM®)

We offer three levels of valuation reports, tailored to your goals and transaction stage:

• Indicative Appraisal (Non-Certified) – Ideal for internal use, funding strategy, or early-stage planning

• Summary Appraisal (Certified) – Great for lender or investor requirements, franchise discussions, or smaller acquisitions

• Detailed Appraisal (Certified) – Full compliance and audit-ready analysis for M&A, IRS, or litigation use

Each valuation engagement includes a one-on-one session with your appraiser to discuss findings, methodology, and strategic takeaways.

Serving Breweries & Distilleries Nationwide

From small-batch distilleries to regional craft breweries and national portfolios, InteleK supports producers in every tier and business model.

InteleK Business Valuations & Advisory proudly serves clients in:

📍 Denver, Portland, Austin, Asheville, Louisville, San Diego, Chicago, and More