USA, SD: Cohort Craft Brewery acquires Miner Brewing in Hill City

Cohort Craft Brewery in Rapid City is expanding. The craft brewery has acquired Miner Brewing Company in Hill City, Rapid City Journal reported on May 13.

Cohort Craft Brewery is known for innovative beers and carbonated meads made with 100% South Dakota honey. Acquiring Miner Brewing Company is Cohort’s first expansion and its second location. Cohort Craft Brewery’s original location on the south side of Rapid City at 4905 5th St. opened in 2021. That location will continue operations as usual, according to a news release from Elevate Rapid City.

Cohort Craft Brewery is a family-owned business that, with a second location, is better able to scale up its production of beer and mead, the owners said.

Cohort’s Hill City location will operate as Cohort-Black Hills. Cohort Craft Brewery owner Jason Kingsbury said Monday he cannot yet confirm an opening date for Cohort-Black Hills, although he said it will open soon.

New Facebook and Instagram accounts for Cohort-Black Hills will be launching, and Kingsbury said the region can expect a grand opening celebration when Cohort-Black Hills makes its debut.

“We like having parties so we will definitely have a shindig,” Kingsbury said.

He said the expansion allows Cohort to reach more customers while preserving the community taproom feel that’s been the core of Cohort’s brand since it first opened in Rapid City.

“Increasing our reach is probably the biggest thing — being able to have the extra capacity for brewing,” Kingsbury said. “It’s a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful brewery and tap room. That’s also something we’re really excited about. We’ll definitely be in the Black Hills. It’s pretty cool.”

Initial plans are to retain key existing staff from Miner Brewing, hire additional staff and make site improvements to support the expanded operations.

Kingsbury said Cohort Craft Brewery and Cohort-Black Hills will both serve similar beer, mead and non-alcoholic beverages, and there will also be some brands specific to each location.

“Cohort has built a strong reputation for its unique craft beer,” said Kallie Ruland, business development manager at Elevate Rapid City. “We’re excited to see this local business grow and bring even more energy to the Black Hills.”

Cohort-Black Hills will offer live music and events much like those Miner Brewing Company had hosted.

“The Black Hills Yoga Festival is coming back. We will do music. We’ll utilize that outdoor space as much as possible. Absolutely expect events,” Kingsbury said.

Miner Brewing Company, located at 23845 Highway 385 in Hill City, was founded in 2013 by Sandi Vojta and her husband, Matt, who also created and operated Prairie Berry Winery. Miner Brewing Company closed in December 2024.

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