New Jersey Brewery Flounder Brewing Co. to Receive Mentoring from Sam Adams and Opportunity to Brew a Collaboration Beer Together
HILLSBOROUGH ― September 25, 2015 ― Samuel Adams today announced that Hillsborough, New Jersey-based craft brewery Flounder Brewing Company has been selected as the winner of the 2016 “Brewing and Business Experienceship,” a unique mentoring opportunity awarded to one craft brewer annually as part of the Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream program.
Similar to an internship, the Experienceship provides hands-on educational and enrichment opportunities tailored to the winning brewery’s needs. As part of the program, the team at Flounder Brewing Company will receive a trip to the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery for coaching and mentoring from a variety of Samuel Adams experts and brewers involved in ingredients sourcing, sales and distribution, package design, and more. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to brew a collaboration beer with the Sam Adams brewers and receive funding to attend industry events such as The Great American Beer Festival.
Founder Jeremy “Flounder” Lees, along with co-founders, Daniel Lees (his brother) and Billy Jordan (his cousin), were selected from craft brewer applicants that are part of Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream, a micro-lending and coaching program for small business owners working in food, beverage, and craft brewing. The brewers were chosen by a panel from Sam Adams, based on their passion for brewing quality craft beer, current success, and strong growth potential.
“This is our fifth Brewing and Business Experienceship, and the program continues to provide our fellow craft brewers with valuable support and advice – something I had trouble finding when starting Samuel Adams 31 years ago,” said Samuel Adams founder and brewer Jim Koch. “I first brewed Sam Adams in my kitchen and the Flounder Brewing Company first brewed in their garage, so we understand the challenges of expanding and scaling as an up-and-coming brewery. I look forward to working and collaborating with the Flounder Brewing family as they continue to provide innovative craft beers in New Jersey and beyond.”
In 2005, Flounder along with his brothers and cousin began experimenting with brewing in Flounder’s apartment and then expanded to the garage of their 90 year old Ukrainian grandmother, Babi. Their grandfather, a beekeeper and the original artisan in the family, was the inspiration for the Flounder Brewing Company’s flagship beer, Hill Street Honey Blonde Ale. The brothers and cousin sought out a $6,000 loan from Brewing the American Dream when they decided to purchase a small system and move from a garage to a nano-brewery of their own in Hillsborough, NJ. Flounder Brewing has continued to grow and now has more than ten seasonal and year-round craft beers and will be expanding and hiring their first employees in early 2016.
“We’re really excited to have been chosen for the Brewing and Business Experienceship,” said Jeremy. “Our beers are brewed with the hope that every time you crack one open, you’ll have a good time, take a moment, and enjoy the people around you. We encourage everyone to experience their beer ™. This program will help us provide that experience to more drinkers and help us expand. We can’t wait to meet with the team at Sam Adams, and really look forward to visiting the Boston brewery.”
Flounder Brewing Co. continues to expand to try to meet the demand!
Since opening their doors just two years ago the Flounder family has been continuing to expand organically with their own hard work and financing going into their business. The beer has been so well received that often the few hundred tour slots on days that the brewery is open fill up in just a few hours. Currently Flounder Brewing is operating on a 3 barrel system, (93 gallons of beer crafted per batch) but is currently working on a detailed plan for 2016 to secure the space adjacent to the current brewery and begin hiring its first employees.
About Flounder Brewing Company
The Flounder Brewing Co. first opened its doors in November of 2013 and is currently planning its two year anniversary at a local restaurant account in Hillsborough, NJ. Started as three brothers and a cousin homebrewing in Jeremy “Flounder” Lees’ apartment and then their Grandmother’s driveway the family decided they wanted to take their passion for brewing craft beer to the public and signed their lease in 2013. After a lengthy build-out and licensing process the family was proud and excited to finally get their beers out to the public and were, and continue to be overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.
Currently Flounder Brewing offers two year-round flagships, Hill Street Honey Blonde Ale and Saison du Flounder. Seasonal rotations include Genevieve’s IPA, Floundering Pumpkin, Pumpkin Saison, Murky Brown Ale, Gingerbread Brown, and Espresso Brown (brewed with locally roasted coffee). Saison du Flounder, Pumpkin Saison, and Espresso Brown have all been recipients of People’s Choice at the Morristown Big Beer Brewfest.
Flounder Brewing opens once a month for tours, tastings, and growler fills. Visit flounderbrewing.com or facebook.com/flounderbreiwng.com for tour announcements. Their beer can also be found on tap currently at Big Heads Bar & Grill in Hillsborough, NJ and Fox & Hound at the Old Lebanon Hotel in Lebanon, NJ.
Flounder Brewing Co. and Experience Your Beer are trademarks of Flounder Brewing Co., LLC.
Samuel Adams, Sam Adams, Samuel Adams Boston Lager, and Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream are registered trademarks of The Boston Beer Company.
CONTACTS:
Jeremy Lees, President, flounder@flounderbrewing.com
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