06/11/2026
A new chapter begins for Icicle Brewing Company. 🍻
Founders Pamela and Oliver Brulotte have announced their retirement and the sale of their majority ownership to Shelley and Eric Desmarais of CLS Farms, a fifth-generation family-owned hop farm in Yakima, Washington.
The transition follows a thoughtful succession plan designed to preserve the culture, independence and values that have defined Icicle Brewing since its founding in 2010. The brewery will remain independent, continue brewing in Leavenworth and retain its existing leadership team led by CEO Joel Martinez.
“This is not a decision we came to lightly,” said Pamela Brulotte. “Icicle has never been just a business to us. It has been a purpose, a passion, a gathering place, and a shared labor of love. When we began thinking about retirement, our priority was finding people we trusted to carry forward what makes this brewery special.”
For Shelley Desmarais, the opportunity was about more than business.
“What attracted us to Icicle was not only the quality of the beer and the strength of the brand, but the people,” she said. “We are excited to support that success and help ensure Icicle remains a strong, independent brewery for generations to come.”
The transition comes during a period of significant momentum for the brewery, including five consecutive years of double-digit distribution growth, six World Beer Cup medals in the past four years, and recognition as Large Brewery of the Year at the 2023 Washington Beer Awards.
“This transition is happening from a position of strength,” said CEO Joel Martinez. “What excites me most is that the things that matter most to our employees, customers, distributors, and community are not changing.”
Congratulations to Pamela and Oliver on an incredible legacy, and best wishes to Shelley, Eric, and the entire Icicle Brewing team as they continue writing the next chapter of this Washington craft beer success story.
