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Vermont beer

Fiddlehead Brewing Company’s Team Mastermind Wraps Another Year of Community Giving

March 21, 2024 by Spencer Mapes

SHELBURNE, Vermont— With another year of successful fundraising in 2023, Fiddlehead Brewing Company’s Team Mastermind recently donated over $125,000 in grants to a diverse group of organizations supporting pediatric health and broad community wellness.

Fiddlehead Brewing Company owners, Matt and Amy Cohen, started Team Mastermind in 2015 as part of their desire to be business owners engaged in their community. Inspired by their personal journey with their son Noah, now 17, who was born with a rare medical condition, Team Mastermind is an opportunity

to give back and pay it forward. Noah has received extensive medical care, including care at multiple major hospital systems in Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania and has benefited from a wide variety of services and programs for children with complex health needs. As a result, the Cohen’s understand the important impact that these services have on children, their families and their broader communities and they are committed to using their successful business as a vehicle for ongoing philanthropic support.

Funds for Team Mastermind are generated primarily through the sales of Fiddlehead’s speciality product Mastermind Double IPA. Twenty-five percent of all sales of Mastermind are donated to charity. In addition, Fiddlehead also generated funds to support their philanthropic goals through special events throughout the year such as their Almost Summer Jam event at the Shelburne Brewery in May 2023 and their Trails Take Over Event at Pico Mountain last February.

“In addition to our ongoing appreciation for the customers in Vermont and throughout our distribution footprint who have so enthusiastically embraced Mastermind the product and the mission, we are especially grateful to our various partners including our wholesale partners in each region and the many accounts that pour Mastermind, who also host local events and often match donations.” said president/owner Matt (Matty O) Cohen.

Those partnerships are also critical in determining where and how funds are distributed. “ We have worked together with our partners in each region where Fiddlehead’s Mastermind Double IPA is sold to identify a local charity in their community which aligns with our interest in supporting pediatric health and related initiatives. In addition, we have worked with accounts and with our employees to identify other special funding opportunities that are meaningful to our team, our partners and the broader community.” shared Amy Cohen.

2023 Sales and events generated more than $125,000 which was granted to the following organizations this January and February:

Major Grant Recipients included:
$30,000 to University of Vermont Children’s Hospital
$10,000 Ronald McDonald House of Burlington
$10,000 Make A Wish Vermont
$10,500 Double H Ranch, New York
$3,200 Hope Community Services, New York
$6,000 to Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, Connecticut
$2000 Red Hook Initiative, New York
$1000 to Camp Good Days, New York
$1000 to the Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Foundation, New York
$10,000 Make A Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island
$8,000 Boston Children’s Hospital, Massachusetts
$5,000 Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
$1,500 Ronald McDonald House of Central New York
$5,000 to Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth Health, New Hampshire
$1000 to David’s House, New Hampshire
$850 Mohawk Valley Health Systems Pediatrics, New York
$13,000 Dana Farber Pediatric Cancer Services , Massachusetts
$3,500 to Children’s Specialized Hospital, New Jersey
$2000 Research for Ronan, Connecticut

Smaller donations were also made to the following organizations: Richard Kemp Center, Brian Miller Music Foundation, Howard Center- Street Outreach, Women Safe of Addison County, Jenna’s Promise, Special Olympics VT, Spectrum Youth Services, Outright VT, Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation.

Since its inception Fiddlehead and Team Mastermind have donated over $750,000 and they are looking ahead to a successful 2024 effort and beyond. “ Being able to support the communities where we live and do business and support organizations and causes that are so meaningful to us is one of the great gifts and privileges of being a business owner and we feel so lucky to be in the position to do so”, Matt Cohen shared.

About Fiddlehead Brewing Company

Fiddlehead Brewing Company, located in Shelburne, VT, is a brewer-owned business with a simple approach: make great beer, hire passionate people, and ensure the beer is fresh and available on tap or in a cooler near you.

Fiddlehead Brewing Company products are distributed in VT, CT, DE, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, and RI.

For Brewing fun facts, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.

Filed Under: Beer, craftbeer Tagged With: Fiddlehead Brewing, Philanthropy, Team Mastermind, Vermont beer

Lawson’s Finest Liquids Achieves 100% Solar Powered Brews

October 24, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

WAITSFIELD, Vermont – The sustainability-minded team at Vermont craft brewery Lawson’s Finest Liquids are proud to announce that they have achieved their goal of 100% solar powered beer and brewery operations. Following a B Corp certification this year, Lawson’s Finest is continuing to invest in its commitment to earth-friendly brewing. This landmark is the culmination of years of thoughtful planning and investment in sustainable energy, which includes the largest solar canopy in Vermont.

“Brewing delicious beer is a resource-intensive art,” said Sean Lawson, Lawson’s Finest Liquids founding brewer. “But we always knew there were better, greener ways to do what we love. We started investing in solar in 2019 with the ultimate goal of going one hundred percent solar, and now we’re finally here.”

The Lawson’s Finest team installed its first brewery roof solar array in 2019 that enabled them to tap into renewable energy for their production processes. The 43kw AC system and series of over 140 solar panels produce approximately 52,000 kWh of electricity per year.

Additionally, in 2022 they constructed the largest solar canopy in the state of Vermont. The structure features 495 individual solar modules (REC 375W) positioned above 40 covered parking spaces and 12 level-two electric vehicle charging stations. The setup, along with a solar array that generates 215kW across 495 modules, harnesses the power of the sun to offset about 60% of the Waitsfield brewery’s utility bill. In terms of beer, this means supplying enough energy to produce about 2.4 million cans annually of Lawson’s Finest brews.

Lawson’s Finest’s solar initiative is a part of its Social Impact Program or the SIP, as the team fondly refers to the brewery’s efforts to support healthy communities, sustainable recreation and environmental conservation. The SIP has also donated more than $2 million to worthwhile environmental causes and community-building efforts since 2018.

“Over the past 15 years, the Lawson’s Finest team has built a vibrant culture that authentically weaves the Social Impact Program into the core of the brewery,” says Adeline Druart, Lawson’s Finest Liquids CEO. “100% solar powered brews are something to celebrate. Looking ahead, we will continue to reduce our use of wastewater and energies by identifying further opportunities to become more environmentally friendly. It’s all part of a bigger picture to brew great beer and do good in the world.”

Lawson’s Finest’s solar efforts will help the state achieve its goal of reaching 90% renewable energy by 2050. But sustainability doesn’t stop here. The Lawson’s Finest team is dedicated to continuous improvement in the areas of sustainability and community-building.

Visit Lawson’s Finest Liquids’ brewery, taproom and retail store in Waitsfield, Vermont, or find their sustainably brewed beers in the cooler section of your favorite packie. Lawson’s Finest is Cold Stored. Cold Shipped. Cold Shelved. to keep every beer brewery-fresh.

About Lawson’s Finest Liquids

Lawson’s Finest Liquids crafts and delivers the finest and freshest beer possible to delight fans and to cultivate healthy, vibrant communities through its Social Impact Program. The SIP has raised more than $2 Million for important causes since 2018. The brewery is a values-driven business with a commitment to excellence, authenticity, community, sustainability and fun. Founded by Sean and Karen Lawson, the company boasts a growing collection of award-winning beers brewed with passion and precision including the renowned Sunshine family of IPAs. Beginning as a home-based 1-barrel nanobrewery in 2008, Lawson’s Finest expanded production capacity in 2011 and 2014, growing to include distribution across nine states in the Northeast. In 2018, Lawson’s Finest opened its popular destination Brewery, Taproom and Retail Store in central Vermont’s Mad River Valley town of Waitsfield.

For Brewing fun facts, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.

Filed Under: Beer, craftbeer Tagged With: Lawson's Finest Liquids, Solar Power, Sustainable Beer, Vermont beer

Lawson’s Finest Liquids Launches New Collaboration Beer in Support of Change in the Air Foundation

September 8, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

WAITSFIELD, Vermont – Lawson’s Finest Liquids, the award-winning Vermont craft brewery, announces a new limited release brewed in collaboration with New England Brewing Co. Change in the Air, a Tropical Blonde Ale With Mango, will be released on draft and in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans in September, for distribution across Connecticut. All proceeds from Tropical Blonde Ale with Mango will support the Change in the Air Foundation and its mission to create a more inclusive beer industry.

A Tropical Blonde Ale With Mango, Change in the Air mixes bready malt and honey flavors with a juicy tropical twist. If a Hawaiian shirt was turned into a beer, it would be this one. Citra and Mandarina hops brighten the brew with lively tropical fruit and orange citrus notes that complement the use of mango. The colorful can artwork on the label is designed by New Haven, Conn.-based Black artist Allen Jackson, aka Dooley-O.

The beer’s beneficiary, Change in the Air Foundation, works to make education in the brewing sciences more accessible to Black and Brown brewers. To provide a pathway to resources, New England Brewing Co. and The Connecticut Brewers guild, along with Sacred Heart University, created the CT Brewers Guild African American Brewers Scholarship. Proceeds from the beer’s sale will benefit the Change in the Air Foundation and the scholarship fund.

“What does beer have to do with a better world?” asked Jamal Robinson, Change in the Air co-founder and director of sales and marketing at New England Brewing Co. “The beer industry is a huge economic force in the United States, yet less than 5% of craft beer professionals are people of color. Our goal is to create opportunities and increase accessibility for everyone who wants to participate in the art of brewing.”

Change in the Air Foundation also hosts a yearly beer festival filled with music, art and delicious local craft beers. A celebration of beer and black culture, the Change in the Air Festival will be held on Oct. 14 at Bear’s BBQ in New Haven.

Similarly to how the Change in the Air Foundation and the CT Brewers Guild African American Brewers Scholarship works to create inclusion in the craft brewing industry by providing opportunities to Black and brown brewers, the Change in the Air Festival’s mission is to diversify the spaces where we enjoy craft beer. “If we are going to diversify who is brewing, we are also going to have to diversify who is drinking craft beer, so the festival is meant to create a space for Black and brown people to experience and enjoy craft beer in a comfortable, safe setting along with everyone else,” says Robinson.

“Our Good Brews for a Cause initiative is focused on creating special limited release beers and small-batch collaborations that raise funds for causes we care about,” said Sean Lawson, founding brewer of Lawson’s Finest Liquids. “We’re proud to partner with Jamal and New England Brewing Co. for the release of this delicious beer to raise awareness and resources for Change in the Air.”

You can support Change in the Air Foundation and find Tropical Blonde Ale With Mango at Lawson’s Finest Liquids’ brewery, taproom and retail store or find Lawson’s Finest in the cooler section of your favorite retail store throughout the Northeast. Lawson’s Finest is Cold Stored. Cold Shipped. Cold Shelved.™ to keep every beer brewery-fresh.

About Lawson’s Finest Liquids

Lawson’s Finest Liquids crafts and delivers the finest and freshest beer possible to delight fans and to cultivate healthy, vibrant communities through its Social Impact Program. The SIP has raised more than $2 Million for important causes since 2018. The brewery is a values-driven business with a commitment to excellence, authenticity, community, sustainability and fun. Founded by Sean and Karen Lawson, the company boasts a growing collection of award-winning beers brewed with passion and precision including the renowned Sunshine family of IPAs. Beginning as a home-based 1-barrel nanobrewery in 2008, Lawson’s Finest expanded production capacity in 2011 and 2014, growing to include distribution across nine states in the Northeast. In 2018, Lawson’s Finest opened its popular destination Brewery, Taproom and Retail Store in central Vermont’s Mad River Valley town of Waitsfield.

For Brewing fun facts, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.

Filed Under: Beer, Collaboration Beers, craftbeer Tagged With: Change in the Air Foundation, Lawson's Finest Liquids, New England Brewing, Vermont beer

Whetstone Beer Co. Launches “Pints for Parks” Supporting VT State Parks

April 18, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

BRATTLEBORO, Vermont— “Brewing up adventure” isn’t just a motto for Whetstone Beer Co., it’s a way of life. Partners David Hiler, and Tim and Amy Brady were brought together by not just a love of beer, but also a love of adventure. Their years of exploring the beauty of Vermont State Parks has led them to launch the Pints for Parks project, a partnership benefitting Vermont State Parks through Vermont Parks Forever. Pints for Parks kicks off on May 6, at Jamaica State Park.

Pints for Parks is a collaboration between Whetstone Beer Co. and Vermont State Parks, where twice per year Whetstone will focus on a different State Park to create a unique, limited-edition beer celebrating that specific park. In addition, Whetstone will donate proceeds from all Pints for Parks beer to VT State Parks’ partner charity, Vermont Parks Forever.

“We are very excited about the Pints for Parks program and the opportunity to partner with Whetstone Beer Co. This program is a terrific way to celebrate Vermont’s amazing state park system and encourage folks to get outside” said Nate McKeen, Director of Vermont State Parks. “Whetstone is a terrific company to work with who understands the value of outdoor recreation and connecting people to the parks.”

The inaugural Pints for Parks launch celebration will take place on May 6th, 2023, from 12 pm to 4 pm at Jamaica State Park: 48 Salmon Hole Ln, Jamaica, VT 05343, with the release of a limited-edition Jamaica State Park Kolsch beer inspired by the park’s iconic Hamilton Falls, and the spring Whitewater Release on the West River.

“Jamaica State Park is the perfect park to showcase a Kolsch. This spring beer style is warm fermented – a nod to the tropical island which shares the park’s name – and cold conditioned like the West River which is fed by the park’s Hamilton Falls in springtime,” said Whetstone partner Tim Brady. “Somewhere between a lager and an ale, this Kolsch is well-balanced and subtle. It’s perfect for a warm spring day while relaxing after whitewater rafting or exploring your favorite state park. We couldn’t think of a more fitting brew to launch for our Pints for Parks program supporting all VT State Parks.”

“We are grateful for this creative partnership that will showcase Vermont’s beautiful state parks and raise awareness of Vermont Parks Forever (VPF), the foundation for Vermont’s state parks,” said Sarah Alberghini Winters, Executive Director, Vermont Parks Forever. “The support from Whetstone Beer Co. will bolster VPF’s efforts to expand nature education in the parks and provide more free entry through the Park Access Fund. Thanks Whetstone!”

About Whetstone Beer Co.

Whetstone Beer Co is a part of the Whetstone Brands family established in 2012, including The Station at Whetstone Beer Co., and River Garden Marketplace in Brattleboro, VT, and Kampfires Campground Inn & Entertainment with Scoops Ice Cream Shop, Putter’s Mini Golf, and the Pit Amphitheater in Dummerston, VT.

About Vermont State Parks

Vermont State Parks provides environmental education and information and supports the economies and values of local communities. Additionally, state parks promote, operate, and maintain a large and complex system of conserved lands, as well as both historic and modern facilities that are enjoyed by over half a million visitors every year. We work towards ensuring a safe, welcoming, and inclusive place for our staff, volunteers, and visitors.

About Vermont Parks Forever

Vermont Parks Forever is the nonprofit foundation for Vermont’s 55 state parks. VPF was founded in 2013 to enhance and protect Vermont’s state parks by inspiring stewardship of natural places, providing educational experiences, and improving access for those who would otherwise be unable to experience all the benefits the state parks have to offer.

For Brewing fun facts, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.

Filed Under: Beer, craftbeer Tagged With: Pints for Parks, Vermont beer, Vermont Parks Forever, Vermont State Parks, Whetstone Beer Co

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