🔒On the Record: Oxbow Brewing to strengthen foothold in existing markets, expand events

Briana Warner, a former seafood industry executive and foreign diplomat, took the reins as president of Oxbow Brewing in January. The Newcastle-based brewer — based at a farmhouse on Maine’s midcoast — also has locations in Oxford and Portland, where it acquired Rising Tide Brewing Co. in 2024. The seasonal business currently employs 68 people. Mainebiz sat down with Warner at Oxbow’s sprawling Washington Avenue hub in Portland. Mainebiz: How did you get connected to Oxbow? Briana Warner: The business, its beers and this incredible team are a key part of our community in Maine. Both Oxbow and Rising Tide are iconic brands I’ve admired for nearly 15 years. Tim Adams, Oxbow’s founder, is a true visionary in our industry, and I’m excited to co-pilot this next chapter together. MB: What are the industry’s biggest challenges? BW: The challenges the industry is facing are substantial, but I think the opportunities that Oxbow and Rising Tide have right now are more compelling. MB: But this is also a time when consumers are drinking less alcohol … BW: At a macro level, it might seem like a challenging time to join this industry, but I see a ton of opportunity for our business because of the authenticity and quality that makes our brands stand out from the crowd. Craft beer reached somewhat of a saturation point and is now starting to mature. Oxbow has never chased trends, and its long history of valuing craft over quick growth is resonating with consumers. MB: How broad is Oxbow’s distribution? BW: Our focus is on Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania, but we sell our products throughout the country — and also a limited quantity to Japan, where we have some deep and meaningful connections. MB: Are there plans to expand distribution? BW: We’re focused on partnering with accounts that are the right fit for our brands — regardless of geography. That said, we believe there’s still significant upside in the markets where we’re already distributed, and we’re prioritizing strengthening those relationships and building on that foundation. MB: How is the events part of your business going? BW: Oxbow Live, our newish concert series at our Portland location, is building a ton of momentum. We also get the honor of being part of people’s life events with our private event business focused on weddings, parties and corporate events. I’m incredibly proud that the entire team executes these events in a way that highlights our commitment to quality and joy. We have also created one-of-a-kind outdoor experiences at Oxbow Beer Garden and in Oxford, where we have beautiful cross country ski trails, frisbee golf — and the best pizza and beer in the state. MB: How has Tim Adams’ role changed since you joined the company? BW: This transition has allowed him to focus more on growing our sales and amplifying our brands as an ambassador for our work. He is also able to spend more time focused on supporting our team on the beer quality and innovation side of the business. We have worked out a great groove together. MB: Do you see the beer industry becoming more inclusive? BW: I come from the seafood industry and the U.S. Foreign Service before that, so working in a male-dominated industry isn’t new to me. The industry can always do more to welcome women — both as consumers and as meaningful parts of the craft beer industry. Representation is key: women have to see themselves represented in the industry. There are more women leading breweries now than ever and I think there is real progress happening. I’m thrilled that we can represent part of that progress. MB: What’s your leadership approach? BW: Throughout my career, I’ve been laser-focused on building a workplace where people want to spend time and building teams that are empowered and passionate. We already have a pretty spectacular team — I get the privilege of supporting them to create something really special here in the state I love.