Next Glass Announces Divestiture of BeerAdvocate

Leading online community for beer sold back to founder, Todd Alström

Charlotte, N.C., July 2, 2026 – Next Glass, a leading global provider of software, data, eCommerce, and marketing solutions to the beverage alcohol industry, today announced the sale of the assets of BeerAdvocate to an entity controlled by BeerAdvocate’s founder, Todd Alström.

Founded in 1996, BeerAdvocate has played a pivotal role in shaping modern beer culture by providing in-depth beer reviews, industry news, and an active community of passionate beer enthusiasts and industry professionals. As one of the oldest and largest online beer communities, BeerAdvocate has been an invaluable resource for beer enthusiasts for 30 years.

“BeerAdvocate is a special community and unique resource with a global following. It has been a privilege for Next Glass to own the platform and steward it working hand-in-hand with Todd since 2020,” said Trace Smith, CEO of Next Glass. “Todd has been incredible to work with over the past six years and, as the original founder, we’re thrilled he will have the opportunity to operate BeerAdvocate independently. We truly wish him the best and are cheering for his continued success.”

“I’m forever grateful to Trace and the entire Next Glass team for helping me steer BeerAdvocate through a challenging period for both the industry and the world. Taking the reins again as an independent owner feels like a true homecoming, and I’m excited to refocus on BA’s roots and build its next chapter alongside the beer community,” said Todd Alström, founder of BeerAdvocate.

While BeerAdvocate begins its next chapter under Todd’s leadership, Next Glass remains committed to the craft beverage industry through its portfolio of platforms serving breweries, retailers, and consumers worldwide, including Untappd, Untappd for Business, Ekos, Ollie, Oznr, and Hop Culture.

For more information about Next Glass and its solutions, visit nextglass.co.

About Next Glass

Founded in 2013, Next Glass provides software, data, marketing, and eCommerce solutions that connect producers, retailers, and consumers in the global beverage industry. It serves consumers, retailers, and brewers, including:

• Producers: Ollie, Ekos (brewery management platforms)
• Retailers: Untappd for Business, Oznr
• Consumers: Untappd, Hop Culture

About BeerAdvocate

Founded in 1996, BeerAdvocate (commonly referred to as “BA”) is one of the oldest and largest online communities of beer geeks and industry professionals dedicated to supporting and promoting beer. Over its 30-year history, BA has shaped craft beer culture through:

• Providing a home for countless beer consumers to talk, rate, and learn more about beer
• Hosting over 70 world-class beer fests ranging from 1,200 to 15,000 attendees from around the globe
• Publishing 132 issues of independent, award-winning journalism in BeerAdvocate magazine for over a decade

Today, BeerAdvocate is widely considered the go-to beer resource for millions each month, the benchmark for beer reviews, and the voice of the beer geek. Learn more: beeradvocate.com