Oxbow Brewing Company Welcomes Briana Warner as President

PORTLAND, MAINE - February 4, 2026 — Since its beginnings in Newcastle, Maine, Oxbow Brewing Company has grown with patience and purpose, guided by a deep respect for craft, community, and place. As the brewery looks toward its next chapter, Founder Tim Adams is pleased to welcome Briana Warner as President, marking an important leadership evolution for the Maine-based brewery.

Warner, previously CEO of Atlantic Sea Farms and a former U.S. diplomat, brings a strong track record of scaling mission-driven businesses while keeping community at the center. During her tenure at Atlantic Sea farms, the company grew into the largest farmed kelp operation in the U.S., building a nationally recognized brand rooted in Maine's working waterfront.

As President, Warner will lead company strategy, oversee day-to-day operations, and guide Oxbow's continued growth across its brewery, wholesale, and hospitality businesses. Adams will remain actively involved, focusing on brand development, creative direction, sales, company culture, and community engagement.

"Briana is an outstanding leader and a natural fit for Oxbow," said Adams. "Her experience and values align perfectly with our commitment to thoughtful, sustainable growth."

Oxbow's growth has extended well beyond its original farmhouse brewery in Newcastle. Today, the company has strong distribution both within Maine and beyond. It also operates two taprooms and events spaces in Portland, as well as Oxbow Beer Garden in Oxford — a year-round destination that pairs wood-fired, farm-driven food with expansive outdoor recreation. Located on a cross-country ski center, the Oxford campus offers groomed ski and snowshoe trails in winter (with rentals available through Portland Gear Hub) and an 18-hole disc golf course in warmer months. Seasonal menus highlight organic produce grown on site.

In Portland, Oxbow Blending & Bottling on Washington Avenue has evolved into a vibrant tasting room and cultural hub, hosting regional and national touring acts through its Oxbow Live series, as well as weddings, private events, and community gatherings.

The leadership announcement follows Oxbow's 2025 acquisition of Rising Tide Brewing Company, a Portland-based brewery and tasting room founded in 2010. Rising Tide has long been recognized as a coastal Maine staple, known for its balanced, high-quality beers and its flagship Maine Island Trail Ale. The acquisition keeps Rising Tide independently owned in Maine while creating operational efficiencies, expanded production capabilities, and shared distribution strength across both brands. Strategically, the partnership broadens Oxbow's portfolio, reinforces its statewide presence, and ensures long-term stability for two respected Maine breweries.

"We're proud of the innovative ways we've built our company. Bringing Bri on board positions us to continue to grow strategically and thoughtfully, and I'm thrilled to work with her to shape the next chapter of our company," Adams said.

"Oxbow has always led with intention," said Warner. "There's a deep respect here — for craft, for people, and for Maine. I'm excited to join the team and work together to build on everything that makes Oxbow special."

About Oxbow Brewing Company

Founded in 2011 in Newcastle, Maine, Oxbow Brewing Company is internationally recognized for its lagers and farmhouse ales. With locations in Newcastle, Portland, and Oxford, Oxbow blends traditional brewing techniques with modern hospitality — bringing together beer, food, music, and outdoor recreation to create distinctive Maine experiences.