Founders Brewing Co.

The white whale — with an ownership twist. CBS (Canadian Breakfast Stout) began as a taproom-only experiment aged in bourbon barrels that had previously held maple syrup, and became one of the most legendary 'whale' beers in the world. Worth flagging for transparency: despite the craft image, Founders is now majority-owned by Spanish brewer Mahou San Miguel (a 30% stake in 2014, controlling ~90% by 2019).

The founding thesisMike Stevens and Dave Engbers founded it in 1997; after early struggles with unremarkable beers, they nearly went under and decided to brew the extreme, flavor-heavy beers they actually wanted to drink.

1. 1997
   Founded

   Stevens and Engbers open in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

2. 2010s
   Extreme pivot

   Near-failure prompts a shift to big barrel-aged and adjunct stouts; KBS and CBS become whales.

3. 2014
   Mahou enters

   Mahou San Miguel buys a 30% stake.

4. 2019
   Majority sold

   Mahou San Miguel takes controlling ~90% ownership.