Owners and friends of one of Alabama’s most popular breweries are mourning the loss of its co-founder, Elliott Roberts, this weekend.

Roberts helped open the Tuscaloosa-based Druid City Brewing in 2013, which merged with Huntsville’s Straight to Ale brewery in 2019 and quadrupled its size in recent years, according to The Tuscaloosa News.

“Elliott was a driving force behind the creation and success of Druid City Brewing Company, and we certainly wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him,” the company wrote in a Facebook post Saturday.

“His passion for crafting exceptional beer was matched only by his love for the people and the community he brewed it for. His legacy will continue to inspire us to pursue fermented excellence and to uphold his passions of supporting local music and cheering on The Tide, both of which Ell did with quite a lot of moxie.”

The brewery will stay open Saturday, and owners ask to remember Roberts’ legacy by stopping by making time for “good beer and good friends” this weekend.

Doors open at 1 p.m. and live music will begin at 8 p.m. The brewery is located behind Citi Trends on 15th Street in Tuscaloosa.

“We’d love to see you drop by and share a story about our dear friend,” the company wrote. “We’ll announce dates and times that we plan on holding a celebration of Elliott’s life as we decide them. Until then, we ask that you allow us a few days to find our footing as we process this tragic loss.”