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BeerAdvocate, the reference platform for craft beer enthusiasts since 1996, regained its independence on July 2, 2026, when founder Todd Alström reacquired the company’s assets from Next Glass, which had owned the platform for the past six years.
Next Glass, the parent company of Untappd, had purchased BeerAdvocate’s assets in February 2020. During that period, Alström remained connected to the project as a collaborator, while formal ownership rested with the corporation. With this transaction, BeerAdvocate returns to the founding model that defined its early years.
Six Years Under the Next Glass Corporate Umbrella
Next Glass acquired BeerAdvocate in February 2020 in a deal that brought together under one roof the oldest craft beer review community on the internet and the world’s most popular beer check-in app. The acquisition aimed to combine BeerAdvocate’s critical and editorial depth with behavioral data from Untappd’s millions of users, creating a comprehensive digital beer information ecosystem.
The The Beer Times article covering the 2020 acquisition documented the concern many users felt at the time, fearing that corporate ownership would alter the independent character of the forum. Those concerns proved, over time, to be the very catalyst for the reunion that has just taken place.
During Next Glass’s six years of ownership, Alström remained actively involved in managing the site. The divestiture agreement was described by both parties as a coordinated separation favorable to the platform’s future.
A Return to Roots and the Reasons Behind the Deal
Trace Smith, CEO of Next Glass, explained the decision by emphasizing the value of returning the platform to its original founder.
Todd has been incredible to work with over the past six years and, as the original founder, we’re thrilled he will have the opportunity to operate BeerAdvocate independently.
Alström described the return in terms that spoke directly to the original mission of the site.
Taking the reins again as an independent owner feels like a true homecoming, and I’m excited to refocus on BA’s roots and build its next chapter alongside the beer community.
BeerAdvocate was founded in 1996 by Todd Alström and his brother Jason as a beer directory and discussion space for enthusiasts. Over time it became the leading English-language reference for independent beer criticism, with a user base that valued precisely its distance from direct commercial interests.
What This Means for the Global Beer Community
Next Glass retains the rest of its platform portfolio, including Untappd, Ekos, and Ollie. The separation involves no additional technical integration or service disruptions for BeerAdvocate users. The change operates on the level of editorial incentives and long-term strategic direction.
While Untappd expanded its reach beyond beer in recent years, diversifying into other beverages to sustain growth, BeerAdvocate has maintained a more focused profile centered on the traditional beer community. A platform founded by enthusiasts operates on different logic than a software company with an investor base.
If Alström returns to the independent management model that defined the platform’s first decades, BeerAdvocate could recover relevance against alternatives oriented toward mass data. The ecosystem of the highest-rated beers on Untappd reflects consumption patterns different from those BeerAdvocate has historically represented, with the volume of check-ins taking precedence over critical depth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is BeerAdvocate and why is it relevant in the beer world?
BeerAdvocate is a website founded in 1996 by Todd Alström and his brother Jason that brings together reviews, ratings and forums about beers from around the world. It is considered one of the oldest and most respected craft beer review communities on the internet, with particular influence in the English-speaking market and among enthusiasts of artisanal and specialty styles.
2. When did Todd Alström sell BeerAdvocate to Next Glass?
Todd Alström sold BeerAdvocate’s assets to Next Glass in February 2020. The financial terms of that deal were not publicly disclosed. Next Glass was the parent company of Untappd and the acquisition was interpreted as a consolidation move in the digital beer platform sector.
3. What is the relationship between BeerAdvocate and Untappd after the separation?
From July 2, 2026, BeerAdvocate and Untappd are independent platforms with no common ownership. Untappd remains under Next Glass control along with Ekos and Ollie. BeerAdvocate now operates as a separate entity under the direct control of Todd Alström, with no publicly announced technical integration agreements between the two platforms.
4. What are Todd Alström’s plans for BeerAdvocate?
Alström stated his intention to refocus on BeerAdvocate’s roots and build the platform’s next chapter alongside the beer community. The statement points toward a return to the independent editorial model that characterized the site before the 2020 acquisition, though no specific product or business plans have been detailed.
