US-based Stoudts Brewing Company has arranged to cease its operations this winter.

The company notes that it will scale down its production immediately. It is planning to cease its brewery operations by early spring, preparing the brewery for trade.

Additionally, Carol Stoudt, the first female brewmaster since prohibition and owner of Stoudts Brewing Company, has announced her retirement.

In 1987, with the support of her husband, Carol added a 30 barrel brewhouse to the existing businesses including Restaurant & Pub, Indoor / Outdoor Bier Garden and a 70,000ft2 Antiques Mall.

Carol’s was engaged in the production of German beers brewed using Reinheitsgebot traditional method.

Carol said: “I did my part. Now it is up to the new generation to continue the tradition of innovation that defines craft beer.

“This was a difficult decision to make, but we’re not moving enough volume to justify the expense of keeping the brewery open. However, we’re not closing the doors to any business opportunities that could help the Stoudts brand live on.”

In addition to the brewery, an on-premise bakery and cheese making facility could close in the future.

Carol added that the operations of other business of the Stoudts enterprise, including Restaurant & Pub, the Bier Garden and Antiques Mall would continue to operate normally.

Carol added: “Stoudts is more than a brand or a location. We’ll just have to see what the future surprises us with.”