Independent craft breweries in the United States often play a pivotal role in supporting military causes, going beyond mere recognition to offer direct aid and contribute to various initiatives. Some breweries have even developed national collaboration beers and campaigns to further their support. Others have chosen to name their businesses and beer offerings after military references, embracing their connections with the armed forces. Here are some of these breweries and organizations that actively engage in recognizing, supporting, and giving back to soldiers through beer.
Mad Bomber Brewing Company, located in Hayden, Idaho, was founded by U.S. Army veterans. The brewery pays homage to its military heritage with its cozy taproom and military-themed decor. Two of its beers, Fatman IPA and St. Nicholas Pale Ale, are named after two founding members who were killed in the war. An impressive 50% of the sales from these two beers are donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. The brewery also boasts other noteworthy beers, such as Crossfire IPA, Carbon Stout, Claymore Double IPA, and Silver Land Double IPA, which have earned it accolades, including being voted Best Local Brewery in 2015.
Talisman Brewing Company, based in Ogden, Utah, was founded by a retired United States Air Force veteran, who pursued his passion for brewing after concluding his military career. The brewery offers a diverse range of beers, with ABV ranging from 4% to 10%. Notable offerings include The Dagda, an IPA with 65 IBUs and a piney, floral, grapefruit character, and the Season Ale Blood Orange Honey Wheat. Talisman Brewing Company also extends a 15% discount on their merchandise to veterans as a token of gratitude for their service.
Black Frog Brewing, located in Toledo, Ohio, is known for being the first minority-owned brewery in the city and is founded by brewmaster Chris Harris, a former member of the United States Army. Despite being a nanobrewery, Black Frog Brewing is making a significant impact in Ohio’s craft beer industry. The brewery hosted an event on Learn to Homebrew Day in 2016, which not only taught attendees how to homebrew but also raised funds for Veterans Matter, an organization that assists homeless veterans.
Home of the Brave Brewing & Brewseum, situated in Honolulu, Hawaii, was established to honor the U.S. military and has an interior reminiscent of a USO-style setup, boasting the largest private collection of World War II memorabilia in the Pacific. The brewery offers notable brews like Pilot Pale Ale, Go for Broke Ale, and Remember Pearl Harbor Dark Lager.
Homefront IPA is a collaborative initiative that began in 2011, spearheaded by Fremont Brewing Co. in Seattle, Washington, and Center of the Universe Brewing Co. in Ashland, Virginia. The concept behind Homefront IPA is to create a beer brewed to support military-based charities and encourage more breweries to recreate it annually. Over the years, it has been brewed by numerous breweries, including Left Hand Brewing Co., Cigar City, Perennial Artisan Ales, 21st Amendment, Stone Brewing Co., Palmetto Brewing Co., Maui Brewing Co., and Revolution Brewing Co., raising significant funds for military causes. Homefront IPA is known for its bright, citrus-forward profile with added orange zest during fermentation.
Veterans United Craft Brewery, located in Jacksonville, Florida, is owned by former Naval Flight Officer Ron Gamble. Many of the staff members are veterans, and the brewery also has a dedicated Military & Veteran’s Liaison on staff.
Red Leg Brewing Co., a newer brewery situated in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is all about “serving those who serve.” President and Founder Todd Baldwin, who served in the United States Army as an artillery officer, was inspired to name the brewery “Red Leg” in reference to Civil War artillery soldiers who wore a cardinal stripe on their pant leg to indicate their location on the battlefield. One of their beers, Devil Dog Stout, brewed in honor of men and women who have served in the U.S. military, won a bronze medal at the World Beer Cup in the Foreign Style Stout category.
Service Brewing Co. in Savannah, Georgia, was co-founded by Kevin Ryan, a West Point graduate. The brewery focuses on using its tasting room as a means to raise funds for charities that support U.S. servicemen and women and first responders. Their year-round ales, including Ground Pounder Pale Ale, Compass Rose IPA, and Rally Point Bohemian-Style Pilsner, are canned offerings designed to assist various military and first responder causes.
Battlefield Brew Works, located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, donates proceeds from their Red Circle Ale, an American red ale brewed with Mandarina Bavaria hops and fermented with California Ale yeast, to benefit The Red Circle Foundation. This organization provides enrichment scholarships for the children of Special Operators and emergency gap funding to support the families of fallen and wounded heroes.
The Dog Tag Brewing Foundation specializes in creating beers dedicated to fallen warriors, with all profits from these dedicated cans going to military-based charities. These Dedicated Cans are developed in collaboration with Gold Star Families, families of fallen military servicemen and women, to honor their loved ones.
14th Star Brewing Co., located in Saint Albans, Vermont, was planned by owner Steve Gagner while he was deployed overseas. He got the idea to start the brewery during his military service. The brewery is built on the motto, “While deployed overseas, soldiers have plenty of time to contemplate two things: Beer and getting out of the Army.” Steve Gagner realized his dream of starting a brewery, and his flagship beer, Valor Ale, is a hoppy amber ale that benefits the Purple Hearts Reunited Foundation, which returns lost and stolen medals of valor to the servicemen and women who earned them.
Veteran Beer Co., a brewery in Chicago, was founded to help veterans re-enter the workforce and transition back to civilian life. Beer revenue generated by the brewery is directed toward supporting veterans, and the entire company and supply chain are designed to employ veterans at various stages. Their motto is “It’s 1700 hours somewhere,” embracing the idea of enjoying a well-deserved beer, wherever and whenever.
These breweries and organizations showcase the ways in which the craft beer community actively recognizes and supports the military. Whether through special charity beers, collaborations, or offering veterans discounts and employment opportunities, these breweries demonstrate their unwavering commitment to giving back to those who have served our nation.
