Shipyard Brewery

In 1992, Forsley sought out the help of master brewer Alan Pugsley and together, they established Federal Jack’s Restaurant & Brew Pub. The two captains were so good at making delicious beers that they could not keep up with the overwhelming demand merely two years after they opened their brewpub. As such, they founded Shipyard Brewing Company to keep up with the demand. After an unfortunate encounter with financial challenges shortly after the brewery’s birth, Shipyard managed to rise above and grow exponentially. Today, Shipyard Brewing is the largest brewery in Maine and is distributed in over 40 states and in many other countries!

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Shipyard Brewery's story begins with its founder, Fred Forsley, whose vision was to create unique and flavorful beers that embraced the rich maritime heritage of Maine. In 1992, Forsley and master brewer Alan Pugsley established Federal Jack’s Restaurant & Brew Pub in the stunning seacoast village of Kennebunkport Harbor, Maine.

Two years later, demand soared through the roof and the two had to open Shipyard Brewing Company in Portland to keep up. Unfortunately, Shipyard was facing several financial complications and challenges soon after its birth; half of the brewery had to be sold to Miller Brewing to keep it afloat.

Back then, such a bold move was controversial, but it only propelled Shipyard into overwhelming success. By 1996, Shipyard had tripled production from thirty thousand barrels to ninety thousand! In fact, it was thanks to Miller’s industry expertise and expansive network that helped Shipyard’s brews reach international waters.

With its glowing success, Shipyard managed to buy back its independence in 2000, and it only continued to grow. By 2012, Shipyard Brewing Company was ranked as the sixteenth-largest craft beer company in the United States, which was extremely impressive considering it was facing debt moments after its establishment.

In 2019, Shipyard signed a long-term trade agreement with Marston’s Beer Company ahead of Brexit, allowing Marston’s to brew and package Shipyard’s beers for the UK market. In fact, Shipyard’s American Pale Ale was the first beer to be brewed solely by Marston’s in the UK and has since become one of the UK’s biggest-selling craft beers.

Shipyard’s signature brews

Shipyard Brewing Company is known for its easy-drinking American-style Pale Ale, which was crafted to satisfy the growing demand for American craft beers among British drinkers. The refreshing pale ale has delightful bursts of fruity, citrus hop flavours and pleasant aromas of gooseberry and pine.

The brewery’s hoppy India Pale Ale is also a popular choice, along with Low Tide - a low alcohol golden ale with aromas of mango and stone fruits and a sweet citrus hop taste. Shipyard Brewing has a range of beers that are delicious and versatile, making them a perfect partner for most meals!

Shipyard Brewing Co. today and beyond

Today, Shipyard Brewing Co. is distributed in over 40 states and in several other countries. The brewery has also managed to acquire a number of brands, including Sea Dog, Carrabassett, and Casco Bay, in the last decade. Along with these three brands, Shipyard also contract brews for a few other brands. In fact, roughly 15% of the production at Shipyard is devoted to contract brews.

Thanks to Forsley's unwavering determination and his passion for brewing, Shipyard Brewing Co. managed to grow into an iconic fixture on the Maine brewing scene as its largest brewery!