Retailers cut ties with Sycamore as brewery denounces co-owner
Quick backlash after sex-crime charges
The following article appeared in the December 15, 2025, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.
Sycamore empty after co-owner charged with sex crimes
Sycamore Brewing in South End was unusually lowkey midafternoon Saturday, with fewer than 25 people inside the two-level taproom and its outdoor tables empty while other patios in the neighborhood were buzzing on the mild, late fall day.
Justin Tawse Brigham, a co-owner of Sycamore, was arrested Thursday and charged with statutory rape of a child, indecent liberties with a child and first-degree burglary. The backlash against Sycamore has since grown, with many restaurants, bars and grocery stores that sell Sycamore saying they are no longer carrying or serving the brewery’s products.
The brewery posted a statement on Instagram on Thursday saying that Brigham “is divesting all of his interest and will have no further involvement” with the company. In another social media post on Saturday, the brewery said the charges against Brigham are “horrifying and Justin’s acts are despicable.”
“We are heartbroken for the victim. No person should have to endure what she did. We realize that words cannot fix what has been done, but want everyone to know that our hearts are completely broken for her. These are unforgivable actions,” the statement says.
It also goes on to say that “trust has been violated” with the Sycamore community, friends, customers and neighbors, and that Sycamore will not be assisting in Brigham’s defense.
The Ledger briefly spoke to a manager at the taproom on Saturday, who reiterated that Brigham is no longer involved in the company and that he doesn’t represent anything Sycamore stands for as a company. He declined to answer further questions.
Multiple grocers with local stores — including Lowe’s Foods, Publix, Food Lion and Whole Foods Market — told The Ledger they planned to pull Sycamore products from their shelves. An inquiry to Matthews-based Harris Teeter was not immediately returned, but a visit to the Harris Teeter store in Plaza Midwood on Saturday morning found Sycamore beer cans missing in the spot where they had been on Friday afternoon.
Adams Beverages, Sycamore’s distributor, did not get back to The Ledger by deadline. As of Sunday afternoon, Sycamore was still listed on the distributor’s website as one of its products.
Sycamore is the largest brewery in Charlotte and one of the most recognizable craft beer brands across North Carolina and the Southeast.
The brewery produces the second-highest number of beer barrels annually across North Carolina, at 30,285, according to the Charlotte Business Journal’s latest craft brewery list. The ranking was based on 2024 barrel production figures. —Ashley Fahey
Need to sign up for this e-newsletter? We offer a free version, as well as paid memberships for full access to all 6 of our local newsletters:
The Charlotte Ledger is a locally owned media company that delivers smart and essential news. We strive for fairness and accuracy and will correct all known errors. The content reflects the independent editorial judgment of The Charlotte Ledger. Any advertising, paid marketing or sponsored content will be clearly labeled.
◼️ About The Ledger • Our Team • Website
◼️ Newsletters • Podcast • Newcomer Guide • A Better You email series
◼️ Subscribe • Sponsor • Events Board • Merch Store • Manage Your Account
◼️ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn