Operations: The 5 essential brewery management software types

Restaurant management software was built to make your life easier when running a restaurant or brewery. But deciding which software types are best for your business can quickly become a headache. There are so many choices from different types of software to different brands and a whole range of price points. And there are even more choices for breweries. 

But we’ve got your back. We’ve laid out the most important brewery management systems you need to run the best brewery business. Whether starting from scratch or fine-tuning your brewery supply chain, we’ll help you figure out what you need and can avoid. 

1. Point of sale software

Point of sale (POS) software helps you accept customer payments and keep track of all your sales. Your POS software holds info about the cost of each item you sell and pulls that up when you tell it what a customer orders. The software can integrate with different types of hardware that serve your brewery best, such as multiple tablets or a computer. 

There are a lot of POS software brands out there these days, and you may have heard of some of the more common ones like Toast, Clover, TouchBistro, or Arrival. With so many choices, it’s a good idea to consider what features are most important for your brewery business when choosing POS software. Here are a few features you may want to look out for:

• Multiple payment options: The more flexible you are with payment types, the more customers you can serve. You want to be able to take credit card and cash payments, but you should weigh the different fees you’ll have to pay for processing credit cards and which makes the most sense for digital payments.

• Easy mobility: If you want flexible POS software, look at their feature list first. Smartphone integrations allow you to use your POS in different areas, and printer routing simplifies hosting multiple bars in one venue.

• Integrations with other restaurant management software: You can make your brewery management software choices easier by finding different software types that work together. Some POS software integrates easily with other software types such as inventory management or self-pour.

2. Quality control software

Quality control helps you make beers with continuity in flavor and substance. Cranking out quality beers requires you to monitor the quality of your ingredients and your brews throughout the brewing process. Beers can be monitored for quality by looking at components such as flavor, clarity, color, and foam. These software options also similarly monitor beer ingredients.

Quality control software can help make the process simpler and less time-consuming. Brewery control software also keeps track of your brewing history and points out any patterns or inconsistencies in your beer quality. 

3. Digital order and pay software

Digital order and pay software allows customers to place orders for themselves at their table or online for takeout. Order and pay free staff to focus on other needs and build customer relationships. Software, like Bbot, doesn’t require guests to download apps and allows you to fulfill orders any way you want.

4. Keg use tracking and analytics software

Keg tracking helps you grab hold of potential keg loss costs. There are a few different ways to track kegs; keg use tracking software may use varying methods. Each has pros and cons, but you will want to use the best method for your brewery. 

• Barcode scanning: This method involves sticking a barcode on the keg shell and using barcode scanners to scan it at every step, from production to shipment.

• Outsource tracking: If buying your kegs isn’t in your budget, you can use a keg company to outsource them. These companies typically require you to pay-per-fill, and it’s their job to keep track of the keg.

• RFID keg tracking systems: The more efficient, more expensive cousin of barcode tracking, RFID tracking systems means installing RFID tags on all of your kegs. Using an RFID system means your kegs are automatically scanned and tracked wherever they go.

There’s keg tracking software that works with each type of tracking system, so you’ll want to look for software that fits with the system you have in place. 

5. Customer feedback software

Potential customers are more likely to give your brewery a try if they can access reviews. You can encourage your customers to give that positive feedback by harnessing the power of software. Customer feedback software can automatically encourage customers to leave a review or let you know how you did serving them. 

You could look for software that focuses on reviews through big sites like Google or Facebook. Or you could focus on customer interactions on apps specific to the beer world, such as Untappd.

Honorable mention: Self-pour software

Allowing customers to serve themselves cuts down on staff costs and increases your sales. If you have the space and budget, investing in self-pour software could be great. Software companies like PourMyBeer help you design a self-pour bar that integrates seamlessly with the software. And, if you want more mobility in your self-pour station, you could work with a company like SmartBar to create a portable tap station. 

Choosing the best brewery management software

Choosing the right brewery management software takes research and time. But when you get it right, a brewery management system will streamline your processes and maybe even boost your bottom line. When choosing your software, check out reviews and talk to the customer service team to ask questions. You could even check other breweries or restaurants that use the software to see if you like it. 

Make a plan to stay within your budget as you shop for software. Look for different software types with integrations to get the most bang for your buck. Consider investing in different software types in phases as you start seeing a rise in revenue.

Blog post submitted by MBG Associate Member Bbot

SIX PACK QUESTIONNAIRE SERIES: CASTLE ISLAND BREWING CO.

Meet Emily Whitney, Senior Brand Manager at Castle Island Brewing Co.

Full Name: Emily Whitney  

Title: Senior Brand Manager  

Brewery Name: Castle Island Brewing Company  

Brewery Location: Norwood, MA and South Boston, MA 

#1) What made you decide to get into the craft brewing industry?

I was a broke college student working at a liquor store in 2013. Craft beer sales representatives would take the time to talk craft beer with me and tell me the amazing stories about the breweries and beers in their portfolio, I’m a sucker for a good sales pitch! The owner of the store saw that I caught the craft beer bug, and she started to trust me to make some buying decisions. It was a win-win for me because most importantly, I got free beer, and by drinking them I started to learn about new breweries and beer styles. I knew when I graduated, I wanted to stay connected to the industry in some way, and now here I am! 

#2) Which of your beers do your customers enjoy the most and why?

Folks love our Hazy IPA Fiver! I mean, it’s a great beer that finishes dryer than others in the category -- what’s not to love? The best part is that they support our local community when they pick up a Fiver. 5% of all sales of this beer is split between 5 local charities that we partner with. These organizations have missions that align with our values, and folks appreciate how easy we’re making it for them to give back. 

#3) What's your favorite thing about your brewery?

I am elated that I get to work for a brewery that does not want to be “exclusive”. Castle Island wants beer to be accessible, whether you’re a beer nerd, or a casual drinker – no one should a) pay an arm and a leg to get a quality craft beer, or b) feel like they need to know everything about beer to enjoy it while sitting around a table with friends living in the moment. Beer is for the people, and that means ALL people! 

#4) Besides your own, what Massachusetts craft beers or breweries impress you the most and why? 

I’m a big fan of Aeronaut Brewing Company out of Somerville. Not only are their beers fantastic, but their taproom vibe and events are off the charts. They’ve created one of the most welcoming and diverse crowds in the area. Their programming and taproom events across their locations are carefully curated and something all taprooms in Massachusetts should watch and learn from.  

#5) What’s a little-known fact about you or your brewery that you think folks would get a kick out of? 

We have a lot of fun at the brewery, everyone at Castle Island is a kid at heart and are some of the most hilarious people I’ve ever met. A recent thing we started is enthusiastically coloring at the conference table during weekly QC sensory tastings. Crayons are flying everywhere, artists interpretations are celebrated, and everyone is proud of their work. We’ve collected a nice wall of colorful gecko’s next to our wholesale manager’s desk – It’s really bringing us back to kindergarten, and it’s good for getting in the beer tasting zone. 

#6) What advice would you give to someone who wants to either work in the beer industry or open their own brewery?  

I would encourage you to find a mentor and start conversations with folks who have the job you would want! In my experience, most folks in the industry don’t gatekeep and are willing to share knowledge. Remind yourself that no matter what your background is, you can bring a unique perspective to the industry. Forget about imposter syndrome – you’re always going to learn in this industry, you are valid, and you should be appreciated for who you are and the vision and change you can bring to the table when you want to get into this world of craft beer and brewing! 

Six Pack Questionnaire Series: Aeronaut Brewing Co.

Meet Mark Bowers - Brewmaster at Aeronaut Brewing Co.

Full Name?

Mark Bowers

Your title? 

Brewmaster

Brewery Name? 

Aeronaut Brewing Company

Brewery Location? 

14 Tyler St, Somerville, MA 02143

#1) What made you decide to get into the craft brewing industry?

Since an early age (16 or so!) I've been fascinated by beer and brewing it. Although I did not start my career in professional brewing, after a long stint in R&D in chemistry & medical devices, I changed careers and went into craft brewing, a great love of mine.

#2) Which of your beers do your customers enjoy the most and why?

Hop Hop & Away. Labeled as a session IPA, this beer that has a wonderful hoppy flavor but lower bitterness. It also fits nicely between a traditional American pale ale and the newer NEIPAs (New England IPAs). It's very approachable by beer neophytes but also appeals to typical beer consumers.

#3) What's your favorite thing about your brewery?

I really like the way our brewery (in Somerville) is almost part of the taproom. Most breweries rarely, if ever, have the actual brewery area where beer is made in the same room as the taproom. 

Having the brewhouse and fermenters right up front and close appeals to the beer nerd and gear head in me. I also like to think that this fosters the feeling that we at Aeronaut want to be up front in showing, explaining, and telling people about our beers.

#4) Besides your own, what Massachusetts craft beers or breweries impress you the most and why? 

Jack's Abby make wonderful lagers and show the US that craft brewers can specialize in lagers and make a go of it. Also, Notch Brewing; not only do they also make wonderful lagers but most of their beers are lower in alcohol and still full of flavor.

#5) What’s a little known fact about you or your brewery that you think customers would get a kick out of? Something unique, funny or unusual? 

Although we've occasionally explained the origin of the name of one of our flagship or core beers, A Year with Dr. Nandu, it likely remains unknown to the majority of our customers. Here is what one of our founders, Ronn Friedlander has to say about it:

“Dr. Hari Nandu, is a radiologist that makes vulgar jokes. [Our first beer] was named after we sat around with Dr. Nandu for a few hours trying to come up with a name for the brewery. He kept coming up with really funny, but inappropriate names. So we came up with the name A Session with Dr. Nandu to commemorate those naming sessions with a session IPA. On our first year anniversary we brewed A Year with Dr. Nandu, a retrospective on our first year as a brewery to reflect the things we’ve learned over the past year as a re-imagining of the Session.” 

#6) If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life what would it be? (Doesn’t have to be your own!)

That would be Schönramer Pils. The first beer I fell in love with was a German pale lager beer, Lowenbrau Export, that my great uncle introduced me to. And although I've enjoyed and still enjoy a lot of different kinds of beers, I always greatly prefer a well-made lager, and the pilsner from Private Landbrauerei Schönram is simply superb. This beer is being brewed by a transplanted American brewer, Eric Toft, who is considered by many well-known, accomplished brewers to be on the short list of best brewers in the world. His pils is not only great tasting, but it's so easy to keep drinking it...and ordering another and another!

Mass Brewers Guild Technical Brewing & Business Conference Returns to Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers on Monday, Nov. 7

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. | The Mass Brewers Guild’s 5th annual technical brewing and business conference (MBG Con) - presented by GHM Insurance - will return to Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers on Monday, Nov. 7 for a daylong series of workshops, panel discussions, lectures and networking to support the craft beer community.

The event, which draws 160 professional brewers from Massachusetts and the New England area, provides affordable brewing education and the opportunity to learn from industry experts and peers.

The topics covered reflect the unique needs of the craft beer industry and seek to support owners, managers and their staff on everything from brewery safety, to perfecting lagers, hiring best practices and managing stress and burnout. Attendees can choose between two tracks that best fits their skillset in the industry – technical brewing and business.

The day begins with a keynote address from nationally respected restaurateur, Garrett Harker. Known for creating craft beer prominent dining establishments such as Eastern Standard, Row 34 and Island Creek Oyster Bar, Garrett has achieved enduring success while ensuring that every element of his establishments stays true to his personal philosophy of elevated hospitality. Attendees will learn more about his symbiotic love story with the craft beer industry and the strategies he uses to overcome a saturated market and layer revenue in every area you can. Other sessions offer legal advice, hands-on practice fixing common issues in your brewery, video marketing best practices and a craft malt sensory workshop.  

“With the onslaught of challenges that seem to be arriving daily for our small business community we hope that our annual conference will leave our brewery owners and their teams feeling inspired, connected and with some new tools in their arsenal for the year ahead,” says Katie Stinchon, executive director of the Mass Brewers Guild. “We have an incredible lineup of experts to learn from. Whether you are new to the industry or a seasoned veteran, there’s something for everyone.”

Tickets are $150 a day for Mass Brewers Guild members, and $200 for non-members. All ticket proceeds support the Mass Brewers Guild and its work to protect and promote the craft beer industry across the Commonwealth.

MBG Con is presented by GHM insurance and also made possible thanks to supporting sponsors Aetna, Arryved, BeerFests.com, Bowditch, BSG, Cove Risk, DWS Printing, East Coast Renewable Energy, Eastern Standard Provisions, Harvest Hosts, Hospitality Mutual Insurance, InTouch Labels, Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers, Marcum LLP., Maine Oxy, Thielmann, USI, Vanguard Renewables, Valley Malt, Weber Packaging and Yakima Chief. These businesses are associate members of the Mass Brewers Guild and help to make our educational programs possible and affordable for member breweries.

To view the entire lineup of speakers, or to purchase tickets to MBG Con, visit MassBrewersGuild.org/mbg-con-2022.

About the Mass Brewers Guild

Founded in 2007 by a group of committed and passionate brewers, the Mass Brewers Guild, is organized for the purposes of promoting craft brewing and protecting the interests of craft brewers across the Commonwealth. The association is membership based and open to all Massachusetts breweries licensed by the federal Tax and Trade Bureau and the Commonwealth’s Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. The nonprofit creates a community of brewers while shining light on the broad range of breweries and styles offered throughout state. Through industry and educational events and by providing resources and marketing support to brewers, the nonprofit works to highlight Massachusetts as a top travel destination for craft beer in the U.S. The board also continues its work at the legislative level serving as the voice of craft brewers on Beacon Hill. The Massachusetts Brewers Guild is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit corporation.

###

Mass Brewers Guild Seeks Board Candidates!

Members of the Mass Brewers Guild (MBG) board of directors are volunteers that serve to further the work of the association and its mission -- to protect and promote the interests of Massachusetts craft brewers.

Unlike many nonprofit boards that serve to advise the organization’s staff, MBG board members also have to serve as staff, and work on behalf of the organization to deliver the created objectives and goals. With the support of only one full-time staff member, board members spend an average of 10 to 25 hours a month working on the MBG’s initiatives -- depending on the project or work cycle.

The guild board of directors currently holds nine seats, five of which are up for election in December 2022.

After serving as the MBG’s President for four years, and serving on the board of directors for a total of six years, Rob Burns, co-founder of Night Shift has termed out of his position with the MBG.

Since taking office, Rob has played an integral role in reshaping the MBG’s programs, initiatives and the craft beer community in Massachusetts. Rob hired the MBG’s first fulltime executive director, attracted new directors to its board, oversaw the organization’s rebrand, attracted new members to the guild, helped return the guild to being profitable, and was a driving force behind achieving franchise law reform for the association.

Tara Heath, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at Boston Beer Corp. who has served two terms with the Mass Brewers Guild will not be re-running for her seat. Tara has been a champion of the MBG’s work since its inception, helping to draft the initial franchise law reform language that was filed in 2011, and continued to work on it until it was finally adopted into law in 2021.

We are incredibly grateful for Rob and Tara’s service, friendship and leadership over the years. As veteran board members, they will remain supportive and passionate guides to the board of directors when called upon for advice.

Adam Romanow, current MBG Vice President/ Treasurer and founder of Castle Island Brewing Co., Kelsey Roth, GM at Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing Co., and Chris Sellers, co-founder and head brewer at The Brewery at Four Star Farms will rerun for a two-year term (the 2023 to 2024 calendar year.)

The MBG’s board is seeking brewery owners and brewery staff to consider joining the nonprofit’s leadership team to help further its work by donating their time, expertise and passion for the industry.

The Mass Brewers Guild is now accepting resumes with a letter of intent detailing the goals and or changes that the candidates would like to help implement within the organization. The deadline for submission is Nov. 1 and all candidates will be expected to speak before membership at the winter member meetup on Dec. 5 at Barrel House Z in Weymouth.

Ideal candidates are those that are already involved in the organization – they regularly attend meetings, participate in the MBG’s festivals and fundraisers, and are visible members of the community. It will be important for the nominating committee to see a strong commitment from individuals wishing to have a seat on the board.

The board seeks to diversify its members and strengthen its geographical representation. They are looking for all areas of expertise -- from law to marketing, to fundraising, event planning and general leadership. The nominating committee will put forth candidates that demonstrate a willingness to work together on issues and help serve the craft beer community.

In December 2022, paid brewery members will have the opportunity to cast their vote to fill all five seats. If you are unsure of your membership standing with the MBG please reach out to the MBG’s executive director.

A committed and passionate board is essential to accomplishing the work of the Mass Brewers Guild. Now more than ever, it’s vital for a strong board and leadership team to help guide the Massachusetts craft beer community forward and serve as a unified voice when confronting all issues that impact the industry.

If you aren’t in a position to run for a seat this year, but are interested in joining the board in the near future, this is a good time to get involved! Many of our board members will begin “terming out,” meaning they are ineligible to rerun for a fourth consecutive term. By shadowing a board member, joining a committee, and learning more about how the MBG operates, you’ll be better poised to join our leadership team in the future. 

Those interested in joining the board can send their resume and cover letter to the MBG’s executive director, Katie Stinchon at Katie@massbrewersguild.org for review.

In your cover letter please answer the following questions:

·      Why do you want to join the MBG’s board of directors?

·      Realistically, how much time you can dedicate to the organization a month?

·      Which committee you would like to donate your time to?

·      What major issues would you like to be involved in and how would you change them?

What’s expected of MBG Board Members? MBG Board Members Will:

·      Interpret the organization's work and values to the community, represent the organization, and act as a spokesperson

·      Listen carefully to board colleagues and members of the craft beer community

·      Respect the opinion of fellow board members

·      Respect and support majority decisions of the board

·      Recognize that all authority is vested in the full board only when it meets in legal sessions

·      Keep well-informed about developments relevant to issues that may come before the board

·      Attend bi-monthly board meetings (six a year – 1.5 hours long) and understand that they may be relieved of board duties if they miss more than two meetings

·      Actively participate in board meetings and actions

·      Become actively involved in at least one committee – driving goals and accomplishing tasks – (Marketing, Events, Government Affairs, and Membership)

·      Support MBG events and initiatives through participation

·      Bring to the attention of the board any issues that will have an adverse effect on the organization or those we serve

·      Refer complaints to the proper level on the chain of command

·      Recognize that the job of a board member is to ensure that the organization is well-managed, not to manage the nonprofit

·      Represent all of those whom this nonprofit serves, not just a particular geographic area or interest group

·      Consider yourself a “trustee” of the nonprofit and do your best to ensure that it is well-maintained, financially secure, growing and always operating in the best interests of those we serve

·      Declare conflicts of interest between your personal life and position on the board, and abstain from voting or discussion when appropriate

MBG Board Members Will Not:

·      Criticize fellow board members or their opinions, in or out of the board room

·      Use the nonprofit organization for your personal advantage or that of your friends or relatives

·      Discuss the confidential proceedings of the board outside the board room

·      Interfere with the duties of the administrator or undermine the administrator’s authority with staff

As a board member, the organization is responsible to you in the following ways:

·      To keep its board members regularly updated on the organizational activities, programs, policies, goals and objectives as appropriate

·      It is expected that board members and the Executive Director will respond in a straightforward fashion to questions that are necessary to carry out fiscal, legal and moral responsibilities to the organization

·      If the organization does not fulfill its commitments, board members may call upon the Board President and E.D. to discuss the organization’s responsibilities

·      The organization will carry directors’ and officers’ liability insurance

Six Pack Questionnaire Series: The Brewery at Four Star Farms

Meet Chris Sellers - the co-owner and brewer at Four Star Farms

Full Name:

Chris Sellers

Brewery Name: 

The Brewery at Four Star Farms

What’s your role at The Brewery at Four Star Farms? 

Co-Owner/ Brewer

Where can we find the brewery? 

508 Pine Meadow Rd., Northfield, MA 01360 

#1) What made you decide to get into the craft brewing industry?

After graduating from college I found a love of creating something tangible, all the industry people I met were part artist, part engineer, and a little crazy.  The creativity in making something like beer was fascinating to me!  At 39, I have been in the MA beer  industry for over 15 years.

#2) Which of your beers do your customers enjoy the most and why?

 That is an even tie between our Binecutter IPA and our Northfielder Pils.  Both showcase opposite ends of the brewing spectrum but really appeal to craft beer lovers.

#3) What's your favorite thing about your brewery?

 We use exclusively hops grown right outside our brewery and most of our beers feature grain grown here as well.

#4) Besides your own, what Massachusetts craft beers or breweries impress you the most and why? 

Honest Weight's Rabbit Run Italian Pils, that beer is the embodiment of refreshing.  I would also say I'm drinking a lot of Kismet Brewing's Pilsners.  They are known for hazy beers and sours but I really enjoy both the Pilsners I have had from them.

#5) What’s a little known fact about you or your brewery that you think customers would get a kick out of? Something unique, funny or unusual? 

We are quietly working on a yeast harvesting project that will create a beer in the future where all the ingredients were either grown or harvested within 150 yards of the brewery building, malt, hops water and yeast!

#6) Do you remember your first gateway craft beer? What did you love about it and why?  

I have three.  Probably circa 2004/5 Hoegaarden Wit, Lancaster Brewing Milk Stout, and Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine.  All three blew away my understanding of what beer was and introduced me to the endless possibilities of what was possible in the world of beer.   

MBG President, Sam Hendler, Honored with National Award

Co-founder of Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers Receives the F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award by the Brewers Association

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. | On Wednesday morning, May 4, 2022, Sam Hendler, co-founder of Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers and president of the Mass Brewers Guild, the state’s trade association that exists to protect and promote the craft beer industry, was honored with the F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award at the Brewers Association’s Craft Beer Conference. 

The Brewers Association is the national trade group for the craft beer industry. This recognition is presented to an individual or company for their contributions and efforts in championing the small brewing industry. 

During the 2020 legislative session, Hendler was able to successfully negotiate one of the most progressive franchise law changes to date—ending a 10-year battle with the Beer Distributors of Massachusetts. As part of the compromise, breweries that produce fewer than 250,000 barrels of beer over a 12-month period would be allowed to terminate their wholesaler contracts at any time by giving 30 days’ notice and paying “fair market value” for their brand rights.

This is the second award Hendler has received for his work to achieve franchise law reform in the state of Massachusetts. In November 2021, he was honored by Brewbound Awards as the Beer Champion of the Yearalongside guild executive director, Katie Stinchon and Atlas Distributing owner, Joe Salois.

The state’s franchise laws were originally enacted in 1971 by state legislature to protect in-state distributors from large out-of-state and foreign brewers -- at a time when small, independent craft brewers did not exist. The law essentially bound the brewery to its business partner for life providing unwaivable protections to the wholesaler. Fast forward to 2022, and the landscape looks much different as beer distributors have continued to grow and consolidate while hundreds of new craft breweries open each year. 

To date, there are more than two dozen wholesalers in Massachusetts compared to 214 craft breweries across the Commonwealth, with 30 additional breweries expected to open before the close of 2022.

“This was a long, hard road, and I am honored and grateful to be recognized for this important milestone,” says Sam Hendler, co-founder of Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers and president of the Mass Brewers Guild. “While my name is on the award it was undoubtedly a group effort. I am happy to have gotten it across the finish line.”  

Beyond accomplishing franchise law, Hendler had also just stepped into the role of president in 2020. While juggling his own business operations, he was on the frontlines leading the Mass Brewers Guild throughout the pandemic.

Helping to translate regulations and guide and reassure the brewing community, Hendler was in constant communication with the governor's office, the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, Brewers Association, and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, advocating for the brewing industry. 

“Sam is masterful at creating and nurturing key relationships. He was a calm and steady voice during an incredibly challenging time,” says Katie Stinchon, executive director of the Mass Brewers Guild. “He’s generous with his resources and knowledge and we are so fortunate to have him at the helm of our association. He is very deserving of all the accolades and awards he’s received during his tenure.“ 

Since 1987, the Brewers Association has been recognizing individuals who inspire, defend and innovate within the craft brewing industry. Award recipients were nominated by their peers and determined by vote from committees made up of members of the Brewers Association board of directors or past award winners. This award is named for the late F.X. Matt, president of the F.X. Matt Brewing Co. a tireless and outspoken champion for the small brewing industry. 

###

About Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers 
Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers has been brewing world class lager using traditional German standards and American innovation since 2011. Founded by brothers Jack, Eric, and Sam Hendler, Jack’s Abby has become a mainstay of the craft brewing scene in the Northeast and nationwide. Since its inception, the brewery has continued to uphold its mission of brewing lagers, and only lagers. This mission challenges the idea that lagers belong to macro brewers and allows consumers to expand their palates and perceptions of what craft beer can be. The Hendlers grew up in a family that promoted entrepreneurship and hard work. Spending summers with their grandfather working at the family’s ice distribution company, they learned the value of committed family members and loyal employees - the foundation on which Jack’s Abby is based.

About the Brewers Association

The Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The BA represents 5,600-plus U.S. breweries and more than 37,000 homebrewers. The BA’s independent craft brewer seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers by small and independent craft brewers. The BA organizes events including the World Beer Cup®, Great American Beer Festival®, Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America®, SAVOR™: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience, Homebrew Con™, National Homebrew Competition and American Craft Beer Week®. The BA publishes The New Brewer® and Zymurgy® magazines, and Brewers Publications® is the leading publisher of brewing literature in the U.S. Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com® and about homebrewing via the BA’s American Homebrewers Association® and the free Brew Guru® mobile app. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Mass Brewers Guild 

Founded in 2007 by a group of committed and passionate brewers, the Mass Brewers Guild, is organized for the purposes of promoting craft brewing and protecting the interests of craft brewers across the Commonwealth. The association is membership based and open to all Massachusetts breweries licensed by the federal Tax and Trade Bureau and the Commonwealth’s Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. The nonprofit creates a community of brewers while shining light on the broad range of breweries and styles offered throughout state. Through industry and educational events and by providing resources and marketing support to brewers, the nonprofit works to highlight Massachusetts as a top travel destination for craft beer in the U.S. The board also continues its work at the legislative level serving as the voice of craft brewers on Beacon Hill. The Massachusetts Brewers Guild is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit corporation. For more information, visit massbrewersguild.org.

Bent Water Brewing Company and Team Fox Collaborate with Breweries Around the Country to Launch Common Hope

Initiative Will Raise Awareness and Funds for The Michael J. Fox Foundation

LYNN, Mass. - April 14, 2022 - Bent Water Brewing Company has launched Common Hope, a nationwide collaborative initiative designed to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s disease. Bent Water Brewing and breweries across the country are partnering together to benefit Team Fox, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) grassroots fundraising community.

Bent Water decided to tap into the cause-focused, collaborative nature of the craft beer community in launching Common Hope, inviting breweries around the country to join them in making a beer and donating a portion of proceeds to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. 

Bent Water created a recipe for the beer, a dry-hopped lager, inviting all participating breweries to customize their version and select the unique hops they would use for dry-hopping. Each variation of the beer will be called Common Hope and utilize the same label and supporting marketing assets to help spread awareness of the efforts.

“We are continuously inspired by our community and the many creative ways they are driving The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s mission forward. What better way to come together than to cheers with our friends at Bent Water Brewing Company and all participating breweries for our common goal to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease than with this Common Hope initiative,” said Liz Diemer, MJFF Vice President of Community Fundraising. 

Since Bent Water Brewing’s inception in 2015, support for Parkinson’s research and those living with Parkinson’s has been a primary focus of its community involvement and cause projects.

“Parkinson’s disease has had a profound impact on many of us at Bent Water,” explained Aaron Reames, Co-founder and President, Bent Water Brewing. “My grandmother and my wife’s uncle both passed from it. A close friend of the brewery is living with it. Over the years, we’ve realized just how many of us at the brewery have had people close to us affected, from family to friends to former teachers, coaches, and mentors. This year we wanted to try and do even more for the cause than we have in past years and came up with the idea for Common Hope.”

“When we were considering the style of beer, a lager immediately came to mind,” stated Drew Yeager, COO and Head Brewer, Bent Water Brewing. “One of our goals with the Common Hope initiative is to increase conversations about Parkinson’s and help others understand that people who have it can still lead long, active, fulfilling lives - but they need our support. A lager seemed perfect for that type of conversation, and the dry-hopping opens the opportunity for each brewery to make their version unique to them.”

Bent Water will release its version of Common Hope on Saturday, April 16, in honor of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, with a celebration at its brewery. Additional versions from other breweries will be released in the following weeks and months.

“We’re extremely grateful for the positive response the initiative has received from so many breweries across the country,” continued Reames. “It’s moving to see how many people have been impacted by Parkinson’s and want to contribute to these efforts.”

Breweries across the country, stretching from northern Maine to southern Florida to the west coast have joined the Common Hope initiative, including 2nd Shift Brewing in St. Louis, Missouri; the Bronx Brewery in Bronx, New York; and Harpoon Brewery in Boston, Massachusetts and Windsor, Vermont.

Bent Water also recruited website, design, and marketing partners to give their time and talents to help launch the Common Hope initiative and make it a success: BLKDG and Kevin York Communications. Resource Label Group is supporting Common Hope by offering a discount on label printing for any participating breweries as well.

For more information about Common Hope, visit www.commonhopebeer.com. 

About Bent Water Brewing Co.

Bent Water Brewing is a Lynn-based brewery that focuses on consistent, quality craft beers. Founded in 2015 by Massachusetts North Shore residents, Bent Water operates on a 30BBL system and proudly utilizes Lynn’s superior water source. Bent Water Brewing distributes to Massachusetts, Florida, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. For more information, please visit http://www.bentwaterbrewing.com/