Curious Case of the Missing Craft Beer: A 2013 Heist at SweetWater Brewing

In an astounding incident that took place back in 2013, SweetWater Brewing Company, a beloved craft brewery in Atlanta, experienced a theft that seemed almost too bizarre to believe. Upon opening their doors one fateful morning, the brewery staff discovered a glaring void: three full trailers of their renowned craft beer had mysteriously vanished overnight. This brazen heist occurred without a trace—no alarm systems were triggered, no gates were forced open, and tens of thousands of pints had simply disappeared into thin air.

Among the assortment of stolen brews was SweetWater’s signature 420 Extra Pale Ale—an ironic choice given the circumstances. The total estimated value of the heist was over $100,000, leaving the brewery and its fans in shock. Authorities later recovered two of the trailers, which had been stripped bare. However, the third trailer, along with its precious cargo of 78,500 bottles, has never been located.

This remarkable case raises some intriguing questions. Are there any other notable beer heists in history that rival this audacious theft? And for the residents of Atlanta, the real mystery remains: did anyone unintentionally find themselves with a rather unexpected surplus of craft beer?

As this story continues to circulate, it serves as a reminder that the craft beer world is not only filled with creativity and community but also a bit of intrigue. If you have heard of any similar beer thefts or have amusing tales regarding beer-related mishaps, we invite you to share your stories in the comments below!