Schooner Brewing has combined its operations with San Juan Seltzer, a manufacturer of alcoholic sparkling water.

The deal is the culmination of a partnership that started last year, which saw Schooner brewing and canning San Juan Seltzer’s sparkling waters at its SoDo brewery.

Following the merger, Schooner’s restaurant was shut down so the company can focus solely on craft beer and alcoholic sparkling water.

Schooner Brewing’s taproom will remain open and serve a broader portfolio of craft beer, alcoholic sparkling water and bar snacks.

“I’m looking forward to focusing all of my efforts on creating excellent, new craft beers for current and future Schooner fans.”

San Juan Seltzer president and CEO Ron Lloyd said: “Both of these local brands produce world-class products and we have so many exciting plans in store for the future as we continue to grow here in SoDo and with our growing distributor network throughout the Pacific Northwest!”

“We’ve had so much excitement over the last few months releasing fresh hop beer, participating in local events, and winning awards like ‘best American-style IPA 2018’ in SIP Northwest Magazine. We are thrilled to continue this momentum into 2019 with a renewed focus!”

Schooner head beer brewer Joel Stickney will concentrate on creating and expanding new beer offerings both in the US and Japan.

Stickney and his team will be releasing Schooner’s first New England style Hazy IPA in the following months.

Stickney said: “With this merger of two great local companies I’m looking forward to focusing all of my efforts on creating excellent, new craft beers for current and future Schooner fans, as well as continuing to help brew high-quality San Juan Seltzer spiked sparkling waters.

“We have an incredible team assembled here that understands the ins and outs of the beverage alcohol industry and will work together to create exciting new alcoholic beverages that locals love to drink.”