Archives: Products

New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and other Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces seven year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey, Mothership Wit and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship.

For Heavy Seas founder, Hugh Sisson, beer altered the trajectory of his life. In 1980, intending to become a stage actor and director, Hugh’s plan was to move to NYC after completing his course work for a masters degree in theater. Hugh’s father, Albert, a Baltimore area businessman, persuaded him instead to come “help” at a newly opened family business, a tavern called Sisson’s. When Hugh showed up to start what he assumed would be a short-term position, his father tossed him the keys to the pub, said “OK, don’t f*** up!” and walked out the door. Hugh had spent a great deal of time in pubs during college and grad school, but until that point, his entire bar experience had always been on the consumer side. With Big Al’s handoff of Sisson’s pub, Hugh was abruptly faced with learning the “landlord” side of the equation. Despite no business background, Hugh quickly realized he needed a way to differentiate Sisson’s from other bars to give customers a reason to visit. Having studied in England in 1974, his eyes had been opened to traditional cask-conditioned ales, essentially unheard of in the US at that time. His pub and beer experiences abroad made him a fan of “better” beer, influencing his decision to make Sisson’s into a beer destination. By 1982, Sisson’s had the largest selection of beers in Baltimore and was Baltimore’s first draft Guinness account. The consumer’s interest in beer was growing fast, so in 1984, Hugh and his father decided to explore the idea of making their own beer at the pub. Only a handful of brewpubs existed at that time in the US, so turning Sisson’s into a brewpub was a groundbreaking concept. One big problem – brewpubs were illegal in Maryland. Undaunted, the Sissons – under the tutelage of Senator George Della – introduced a bill in the MD Legislature in 1987 to legalize brewpubs. Much to their surprise, the bill passed on first attempt. Sisson’s officially became Maryland’s first brewpub in August 1989, with Hugh as the brewer. Hugh remained at Sisson’s until December 1994, when he left to form a new company, Clipper City Brewing Co., now home to Heavy Seas Beer. Today, Heavy Seas produces 18 different beer styles and distributes in 17 states. Heavy Seas has become one of the most respected and award winning craft breweries on the East Coast. The company celebrates its 20th anniversary of business operations on December 8, 2015.

George Killian’s Irish Red is a beer with an Irish heritage, based on a recipe created at Lett’s Brewery in Enniscorthy, Ireland, in 1864. The beer is named after George Killian Lett, the great-grandson of George Henry Lett, who founded the brewery in Enniscorthy. George Killian Lett died at the age of 84 in Enniscorthy, Ireland in December of 2010. It was originally an Irish red ale called “Enniscorthy Ruby Ale,” and brewed from 1864 to 1956, when the brewery closed and it was discontinued. It is no longer sold in Ireland. The brand name “George Killian” was purchased by the Pelforth Brewery in France. In the mid 1980’s Coors bought the rights to use the brand name “Killian’s Irish Red” in America. While the name is most often associated with a 4.9% abv amber lager which had become very popular, it was originally marketed by Coors as an ale

A family man driven by an iron work ethic, Jacob Leinenkugel knew that his family heritage would play an integral part of his brewery’s success. Today, the fifth generation of Leinenkugel’s® continue to brew the same family inspired recipes that Jacob poured his heart and soul into. Over the years, the family has grown and so has the brewery, but its history and heritage remain at the forefront.

Long Trail Brewing Company is a regional brewery in Bridgewater Corners, Vermont, USA. Founded in 1989 by Andy Pherson in the basement of the Bridgewater Woolen Mill, the company relocated to its current state-of-the-art brewing facility and visitor center in 1995. Originally known as Mountain Brewers, the company changed its name to Long Trail Brewing Company shortly after their relocation to Bridgewater Corners, Vermont. Located on the banks of the Ottaquechee River in the heart of the Green Mountains, the Long Trail campus includes its brewing operations, visitor center, farmhouse pilot brewery and wastewater treatment facility.

Narragansett has always been for New Englanders. That’s why in these especially troubling times, we want to build a brand new brewery in the heart of New England. The brewery would provide a slew of new jobs and help stimulate New England’s economy. We need to sell 7.5 million cases of beer a year to be able to make it all happen. And to do that, we need you! So Drink your part! You buy a case, we build a brewery. Narragansett Beer is New England’s oldest beer, founded in 1890. It was the #1 beer New England from 1919 through the 1970’s and the official beer of the Red Sox for over 30 years. It’s now one of the fastest growing beers in New England and was winner of the Bronze Medal at the 2008 World Beer Cup and First Place at the Great International Beer Festival.