PennLive beer brackets - The Warwick Hotel

Craft beer aficionados take part in a Millbock Brewing Co. beer tasting event at the Warwick Hotel and Restaurant in Hummelstown. Millbock is closing at the end of the year. (File photo, Dan Gleiter)

Millbock Brewing Co. is closing at the end of the year.

After four years of brewing Belgian style beers from a small production facility in Linglestown, partners Alan Miller and Albert de Bock are calling it quits.

Their decision has nothing to do with sales of their Millbock beers which included the flagship Richard Cranium Rye.

Millbock sells at more than two dozen restaurants such as Al's of Hampden in Hampden Twp. and the Warwick Hotel in Hummelstown. It is also available by case at places such as Breski Beverage in Swatara Twp.

"The reality of it is the time commitment for us and the financial commitment," Miller said.

The craft brewer has been in the black since day one, and Miller stressed it is becoming harder to keep up with the demand. In order to grow the business, Miller said he and de Bock would have to quit their full-time jobs, something they are not willing to risk.

"It really boils down to most people's problems in the business world – money and time," Miller said.

Millbock was born out of the partner's love of home brewing.

In 2011 they set up the brewing facility in a 450-square-foot, temperature-controlled shed they constructed on de Bock's Linglestown property.

They wore multiple hats. Not only did they brew, they self-distributed and delivered the beer to bars and restaurants.

Millbock produces about 50 barrels of beer a year including Hop Slopper and Golden Toos.