Tonya Cornett on Her Journey from the World's Largest Brewer to One of the Smallest

"She had joined the Bend, Oregon-based craft brewery in 2012, piled up competition medals for her beers and created a following at the brewery. She thrived as the brewery's R&D brewmaster before and after its 2014 sale to Anheuser-Busch InBev (A-B). But then Tilray Brands acquired 10 Barrel and seven other brands in 2023. A year later, Tilray laid off Cornett and members of her team in a move that shocked many within the industry."

"On this week's Brewbound Podcast, Cornett discusses her journey over the last decade-plus and her next chapter with Upp Liquids, a new venture in the rebranded Immersion Brewing space. Cornett shares her experiences at A-B, how 10 Barrel and her role changed under Tilray's ownership and her goals with Upp moving forward. As the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) kicks off in Denver, Cornett also explains how medals have served as a stamp of approval throughout her career and why they remain relevant."

Tonya Cornett joined 10 Barrel Brewing in 2012 and became the brewery's R&D brewmaster, winning numerous competition medals. 10 Barrel was sold to Anheuser-Busch InBev in 2014; Cornett remained through that transition. Tilray Brands acquired 10 Barrel and seven other brands in 2023, then laid off Cornett and team members in 2024. Cornett launched Upp Liquids within the rebranded Immersion Brewing space to continue brewing. Her beers have earned 28 medals at the Brewers Association's GABF and World Beer Cup, and 10 Barrel swept the German-style Sour Ale category at GABF 2024.

Read at www.brewbound.com