Big Bend brew news: Cascade Lakes Brewing owners acquire Crux Fermentation as part of new 5-brewery collective
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The family that owns Cascade Lakes Brewing Co. has purchased the Crux Fermentation Project, part of a newly announced coalition of five Central Oregon craft breweries, to be called the Oregon Beverage Collective aimed at helping all of the familiar brands thrive.
Andy Rhine, general manager and co-owner of Cascade Lakes, founded in 1994, confirmed to KTVZ News on Friday that the Rhine family had purchased Crux Fermentation from co-owners Paul Evers and Larry Sidor for an undisclosed sum.
The partnership, known as OBC, says it will focus on shared resources and community investment to address rising industry costs. Steve Augustyn, the owner of Silver Moon Brewing, will serve as the chief executive officer of the collective, which unites brands ranging from not-for-profit models to long-standing regional labels.
According to a report from the New School Beer website, Rhine will serve as the president of OBC, while Augustyn will serve as the CEO.
Their report says GoodLife, Silver Moon and Tumalo Cider remain privately owned and controlled, while Cascade Lakes and Crux are merging to expand production capabilities.
Rhine also clarified that the Rhine family has purchased Crux as an independent acquisition. In other words, Cascade Lakes doesn’t own Crux, but the same family owns both brands.
Here's a detailed Q&A that Andy Rhine provided to KTVZ News about the reasons behind the new collective and what it will mean for the five breweries, which also include Silver Moon Brewing, GoodLife Brewing and Tumalo Cider Co.
When did OBC first germinate? Who approached whom about it?
The collective has been almost a year in the making. It really began with early conversations between Steve and Andy, and from there it naturally grew as different breweries and organizations started connecting with one another. It’s less about any one person approaching another and more about a group of like‑minded, beer‑loving folks recognizing the value of working together to keep craft beer strong in our region.
It's no secret that the craft beer industry is struggling. But from the outside, Central Oregon has seemed fairly immune inasmuch as no breweries have closed due to insolvency. What's your most honest take on how Central Oregon brewers, on the whole, are doing?
It’s no secret that the craft beer industry is challenging, but we’re fortunate to be in a region that genuinely loves and supports craft beer. Central Oregon breweries have always been quick on their feet — reinventing, adapting, and finding new ways to connect with their communities. And despite any headwinds, there’s a real sense of optimism here. Our brewers are resilient, creative, and committed to keeping this scene vibrant for years to come.
There are 27 brewing companies and 3 cider companies between Bend, Redmond and Sisters. How did the OBC come to include these 5 brands, was any other nearly involved (that you're at liberty to mention) and is the door open for others to join the fold?
Because of the nature of forming the Collective, we needed to keep the process confidential while agreements were finalized. These are the only brands involved at this time, and we’re genuinely excited about what this group can create together.
Please explain the brass tacks. I know GoodLife is decommissioning its brewing facility and production was already going to you. But will CL, Crux, SM and Tumalo continue to brew their respective fermentations in-house (and only their own)? Who's actively canning and who will package all 5 respective brands?
Almost all brewing will be transitioning to Crux Fermentation Project’s facility. Larry and the Crux team have built an exceptional, high‑quality space capable of producing an incredibly wide range of beverages. What’s important to emphasize is that each brand will continue to create its own distinct beers — the recipes, styles, and personalities aren’t changing. We’re simply bringing production into a shared, state‑of‑the‑art space that allows every brand in the Collective to grow, innovate, and operate more efficiently.
What are the tangible benefits? Will the four beer brands buy raw materials (ingredients, aluminum, labels, kegs) on their own or is that all folding into singular purchase orders?
Economies of scale on raw materials are a major benefit for every brand in the Collective. We’ll be collaborating across several areas of our businesses, and this approach also helps our distribution partners operate more efficiently with shipping costs.
Will anything change, from the customer perspective, at any of the 5 brands? If so, what and when? Will labels have the OBC logo added?
Each of the five breweries will retain its own identity. Every brand has its own personality, history, and place in the community, and that’s not changing — from the look and feel of the pubs to the beer styles people know and love. What is exciting is the opportunity this collective creates for future collaborations, shared projects, and creative cross‑branding. Think of it as five strong, independent voices that now have the unique opportunity to share wisdom, without losing what makes each one special.
Are any employees being made redundant (being let go)?
Our priority is to maintain as much of our teams as possible. This collective isn’t about reducing staff — it’s about creating a larger, stronger group with more room to grow. By bringing these breweries together, we’re opening the door to new opportunities, not closing them.
The release says "Crux leads the way" for OBC. Are Larry and Paul really still involved? Moving the pub system and selling the pub building, plus closing the new PDX pub, doesn't look great. Would Crux, or any of the 5 brands, likely have disappeared without this development?
When we say this brand is ‘leading the way,’ we’re really talking about scale. They’ve built a presence that reaches beyond the Pacific Northwest, and that footprint is a testament to the work Larry and Paul have put in over the years. While they’re officially passing the torch, they’re still very much advocates and advisors for Crux.
None of the brands in this collective were struggling or in need of saving — each one stands strong on its own. But now that this collaboration is real, the possibilities expand. Working together makes every brand more resilient, more creative, and more viable for the long term. That’s the exciting part.
Here's the full news release:
FIVE CENTRAL OREGON CRAFT BEVERAGE BRANDS PARTNER TO CREATE THE ‘OREGON BEVERAGE COLLECTIVE’
The new production partnership includes five of the region’s most recognizable brands, including Crux, Silver Moon, Cascade Lakes Brewing, GoodLife, and Tumalo Cider
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- In a move that underscores the power of collaboration and the enduring spirit of Central Oregon’s craft beverage community, five iconic brands — Crux Fermentation Project, Silver Moon Brewing, Cascade Lakes Brewing Co., GoodLife Brewing, and Tumalo Cider Co. — are joining forces under a newly formed coalition named Oregon Beverage Collective.
This strategic partnership is more than a business decision; it’s a shared commitment to preserving local legacy brands, investing in community, and building a sustainable future for regional beverages.
Crux Fermentation Project leads the way in this alliance. Crux has been a local Central Oregon brand since 2012, and over the years, it has built its name across the Pacific Northwest. Crux is constantly pushing boundaries with inventive beverages, such as NØMØ non-alcoholic brews, and a commitment to traditional techniques, such as barrel aging and brewing with whole-cone hops. Crux’s blend of innovation, craftsmanship, and community presence has made it a standout force in the vibrant craft beer scene for over 14 years.
“We’re incredibly proud to have the Crux legacy join those who call Central Oregon home, but who also share our passion for pushing forward,” said Larry Sidor, Crux co-founder and former brewmaster. “This alliance will ensure Crux will grow in the collaborative hands of folks who truly get what makes it special.”
Added Paul Evers, who also co-founded Crux: “Crux has always been anchored in community and collaboration from the beginning — in many ways, it's always belonged to the people who gathered on the lawn and filled the tasting room. This Collective is a natural extension of that ethos — a community of breweries marching together into the next era of craft beverages. We’ve known the team behind the other brands in this Collective for years, and they’re a natural fit to join forces in this next chapter.”
At the heart of this alliance is Steve Augustyn of Silver Moon Brewing, known for creating the pub's vibrant culture while maintaining its bold beers and deep community roots. Silver Moon has a history that spans facility ownership, contract brewing, and serving as a contract partner, which brings a 360-degree perspective to the coalition. Silver Moon’s collaborative partnership with Tumalo Cider, which began in early 2025, reinforces the commitment to keeping the community strong.
“Silver Moon has always thrived on energy, creativity, and connection,” said Steve Augustyn, owner of Silver Moon Brewing. “After 25 years, it seems as if we’ve lived every role in the brewing world, and that gives us a unique lens on what works—and what doesn’t. This coalition is a chance to share those lessons, amplify our strengths, and keep pushing the boundaries of what Oregon beer can be.”
Cascade Lakes Brewing, Oregon's first and only not-for-profit brewery, has a strong production backbone, operational stability, and a clear-eyed view of the challenges ahead.
“With our production facility in Redmond, we’ve felt the pressure of rising costs firsthand,” said Andy Rhine, owner of Cascade Lakes. “This partnership allows us to continue operations while staying true to our mission. Beer and alternative beverages are key to growth and sustainability, and we’re excited to explore new possibilities together.”
GoodLife Brewing is another beloved brand in this community and is eager to join forces.
“GoodLife was built on community, creativity, and innovation,” said Garett Oliphant, co-owner and visionary of GoodLife Brewing. “With rising costs from real estate and suppliers, collaboration just makes sense. It allows us to protect what matters most: keeping beer accessible for our customers, and ensuring GoodLife thrives long into the future.”
Billy Muzio, co-owner and business strategist, added: “By sharing resources, we gain purchasing power, efficiency, and scalability that make growth possible.”
Together, Oliphant and Muzio see this partnership as a natural evolution of Bend’s brewing culture.
OBC is led by a team with deep industry experience and a passion for regional pride. Together, these brands are proving that in Central Oregon, collaboration isn’t just a strategy — it’s a way of life.
“This coalition is about more than beer—it’s about legacy, leadership, and lasting local impact,” said Steve Augustyn, who will serve as CEO of OBC. “We’re coming together to ensure beloved brands not only survive, but thrive. Our strategic partners reflect the spirit of Central Oregon: from Crux Fermentation’s innovation and creativity, to Cascade Lakes’ not-for-profit driven model, to Silver Moon’s community-forward events like F Cancer, to GoodLife’s investment in family-friendly spaces, to Tumalo's strong branding and community presence.
“This isn’t just business—it’s a shared commitment to the people and places that make this region special,” Augustyn added. “And with new products on the horizon, we’re just getting started.”
About Oregon Beverage Collective
Oregon Beverage Collective (OBC) is a collaborative production partnership uniting some of Central Oregon’s most recognized craft beverage brands, including Crux Fermentation Project, Silver Moon Brewing, Cascade Lakes Brewing Company, GoodLife Brewing, and Tumalo Cider Co. Formed to strengthen operational sustainability while preserving the individuality and legacy of each brand, the Collective focuses on shared resources, innovation, and community investment to create world-class craft beverages that make Central Oregon proud. For more information, visit oregonbeveragecollective.com
