FINAL GLASS. Modicum Brewery raised a final glass as it announced its closure on Oct. 18. Owners Eric Rykal (right) and Mike Blodgett (left) are pictured at the brewery's opening in 2017.

Just before celebrating its sixth year of business in Altoona earlier this year, Modicum Brewery announced it would be moving its brewery operations and taproom to The 1106, formerly known as Artisan Forge Studios. However, today, (Wednesday, Oct. 18) the brewery announced via social media it will instead be closing its doors for good.

On June 9, Modicum Brewery shared the news of plans to move its operations to The 1106 (1106 Mondovi Road, Eau Claire), where it would open a new taproom and increase its brewing capacity. “There are a lot of plans in the works, and a few hurdles still in front of us,” the June 9 post stated. Those hurdles, among other factors, have permanently halted the brewery’s expansion plans.

At about 10am on Oct. 18, Modicum Brewery co-owners Eric Rykal and Mike Blodgett signed its social media post thanking its loyal customers and community for the support over the past seven years. “With some hard, honest work and the support of you, our loyal customers and patrons, we’ve been able to spend our days doing what we love. Who could ask for more than that? We are immeasurably proud to have served you over the last few years,” the post stated.

As recently as Oct. 10, Modicum shared a Facebook post touting the planned relocation and saying their last day at their original location – 3732 Spooner Ave., Altoona – would be Saturday, Oct. 14.

A few days later, however, the brewery pointed to lengthy construction timelines with no sure end, regulatory hurdles, and having nowhere to continue operating in the mean time, as key factors behind the difficult decision.

“We know this probably comes as a shock to all of you, after all we’ve had a thriving brewery until now,” the post stated. “This decision was not made lightly. We’ve been scrambling to find a home for the brewery and as we’ve been weighing our options we’ve found that the only viable path forward is to close our business.”

The post ended by stating Modicum beer will likely continue to pop up around the area to enjoy, as the brewery still has beer in stock. It also said more updates will be coming in the future.

“When we see you next, we’ll raise a glass and reminisce about the magical place we all built together. Thank you. Eric, Mike, and the Modicum Crew.”

Oct. 18 post made by Modicum Brewery.