“I don’t think any of this has to do with people simply not liking the product,” Brodsky said.

Despite the region’s loss of a handful of breweries in recent years, the St. Louis area has also continued to add craft breweries.

Kräftig’s short run could serve to remind St. Louis beer drinkers of their good fortune in having access to so many local breweries, Brodsky added.

Bevmark President Tom Pirko noted that going up against big brewers requires spending a lot of money to convince consumers of a product’s value. Bevmark is an adviser to the food and beverage industry.

“You’re up against the Death Star,” Pirko said.

William K. Busch Brewing had faced setbacks in its quest to build a brewery in St. Louis. In 2016, Busch sought to build a demonstration brewery on the grounds of Grant’s Farm in south St. Louis County. Ultimately other members of his family decided instead to purchase the 270-acre property and keep it open and free to the public.

Chris Shepard, a senior editor of Craft Brew News, said Kräftig “operated in an interesting middle ground between craft and mainstream beer.”