Duluth’s Hoops Brewing Shares Details On ‘Next Chapter’ After Closing Canal Park Taproom

A few weeks ago, I shared that Duluth's Hoops Brewing was, well, brewing up something new after closing its facility in Canal Park.

The brewery and taproom in Canal Park welcomed guests for the last time on Monday, February 23, after announcing they would be closing early in the year.

The final night at the brewery was filled with emotions. While people were sad about the end and curious about what would be next for owner Dave Hoops, people looked back fondly on the great memories made at the venue while enjoying the unique craft beers made by Hoops and his team.

I'll admit, having been in attendance, it felt like the end for the brand. Most people left with the same feelings. It's quite possible that on that night, it did seem like the end of the road for Hoops.

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Then we started getting social media teases from the Hoops Brewing account about a "new chapter" for the brand. Fans overwhelmingly celebrated that the Hoops brand would live on, though it was initially unclear how.

In a video shared on March 18, Hoops Brewing said that while the taproom is closed, they "found a new way" to keep the story alive with the video teasing they've been "working behind the scenes to keep the beer going."

The video ends saying "it starts with one," seeming to hint that they're reviving the Hoops brand by starting with one beer, or something smaller.

How are they bringing the Hoops Brewing brand back? Some speculated a new owner was swooping in to reopen the space in Canal Park, while others guessed that Dave had found a new venue to reopen the business.

Well, the second guess was closer to the truth than the first.

As it turns out, Dave Hoops will be partnering up with another local Duluth brewery, Blacklist Brewing Company, on Superior Street in Downtown Duluth.

The partnership, just announced Thursday afternoon, will see beers from the popular Hoops Brewing brand being made and served at Blacklist, giving fans the opportunity to continue to enjoy the flavors Dave and his team have developed over the years.

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In the announcement, Hoops said they are "beyond excited" to share the news about Blacklist being the new taproom home to their beer. They say the partnership is "rooted in community, shared passion, and a love for great beer".

The announcement continued, "While things may look a little different, Hoops Brewing will continue to live on and remain a part of the Duluth community in a new way."

Hoops taps have been put in at Blacklist, and it looks like you can start enjoying a limited selection of Hoops brews now in Downtown Duluth, starting with "just one" as one of their social media posts teased. The #15 Pale Ale is the first Hoops beer being served up, with more to come as the new partnership continues to unfold.