One of the best-known craft breweries in the Valley announced today that it had reached an "incredibly difficult decision" to shut down indefinitely. In social media posts on Facebook and Instagram, Joseph James Brewing Co. told patrons it was ceasing operations, adding, “Over the past 12 years we’ve been humbled by all the local support, friendships, laughs and cheers that we wouldn't trade for the world.” The posts also encouraged readers to support local breweries who were "offering curbside options and relief efforts during these trying times."
Joseph James' shutdown is a tremendous blow to the local beer community. The Henderson-based brewery, founded in 2008, created numerous craft and collectible beers, including the locally beloved Hop Box IPA, Busker brown ale and Citra Rye pale ale. Their canned beers were widely distributed in Northern and Southern Nevada, and in several other states including Arizona, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, California and Hawaii.
Some Joseph James products are still available on local shelves; check Sprouts locations and Downtown's Boardwalk Liquors. Once they're gone, however, all that will remain of a local favorite are the memories of enjoying their cold brews on patios on warm summer nights ... and a sad Facebook header image of the brand's logo, with the sign-off "It's been real, Vegas."
