Bay Area Craft Beer Stalwarts The Rake and Admiral Maltings to Close

The Rake, a popular Bay Area beer bar, and its adjacent malthouse, Admiral Maltings, are set to close their doors this month due to financial difficulties. Admiral Maltings ceased production on October 2, and The Rake will serve its final customers on October 18.

The closure marks the end of a nine-year run for the Alameda-based establishments, which were noted for their commitment to reviving the craft of floor malting. The Rake's Instagram post cited challenges in making and selling malt economically as the primary reason for the closure, despite their efforts to find professional partners to continue operations.

Admiral Maltings, established in 2017 on the former Alameda Naval Air Station, was California's first craft malting factory since prohibition. The Rake, known for its extensive tap list featuring malt from Admiral Maltings, was a destination for craft beer enthusiasts.

These closures reflect a broader trend impacting the craft beer industry. According to an April 2026 report from the Brewers Association, 481 craft breweries closed in the U.S. in 2025, while only 300 new ones opened. The number of taprooms decreased by 2.7% and microbreweries by 4.4% since 2024.

Nationwide, U.S. beer market sales experienced a decline of 3%, falling from $116.8 billion to $113.1 billion in 2025. This downturn, which began in 2022, has been attributed by the Brewers Association to factors including the rise of non-alcoholic and THC-infused beverages, as well as increased production costs due to high inflation, leading to price hikes for consumers.

Recent months have seen several other craft beer businesses face similar fates. In August, Stone Brewing closed three Southern California facilities, resulting in layoffs for approximately 300 workers, with production shifting to other locations. Earlier, MacLeod Ale Brewing Co. in Van Nuys closed after 12 years, following the closures of Electric Brewery in Murrieta and Rock Brewery in Berkeley.