One of the interesting things noted in the press release was
that Mark has family history in Wisconsin, so adding that to the overall craft
beer climate and it’s no surprise that Narragansett is choosing to expand into
the state. “I think beer drinkers today
are looking to experience different beers more than ever. The choice to start in Wisconsin was based on
my personal affection for the state and the tremendous distributor partner we
have in Beechwood,” Mark said, adding, “I know firsthand the great beer
tradition in Wisconsin, probably greater than any state in the country, and I
trust Wisconsinites will appreciate the great quality and tradition from our
company.”
I had to ask him to briefly reflect on his experience in Wisconsin and it was clear that he had a lot
of fond memories in southern Wisconsin and Madison. “My Mom's family is from
Watertown and my Dad’s family is from Oconomowoc. Both of them went to UW-Madison, as did my
brother. Every summer we would drive there for two weeks of vacation. My Grandpa Schmidt’s favorite beer was Blatz,
and, when I was young, lunch was summer sausage, limburger cheese, and I’d
split a Blatz with my Grandma Schmidt.
To be honest, growing up I was as much of a Brewers fan with Harvey's
Wallbangers as I was a Red Sox fan. There aren't many big college football
programs here in the east, so the Badgers are still the team I follow.”
So what can we expect from Narragansett? Mark tells me that
the beer geeks will “respect the quality of our craft styles and then choose
our lager because they're somewhat tired of the mega mainstream lagers.” In
case you are wondering, Narragansett currently brews a Fest, Porter, Bock and
Summer in addition to their lager, light and cream styles.
Narragansett has been undergoing rapid development in the
last few years. Back in January, Brewbound reported that the brewery would be
hopefully open by December, and, in an update on that progress, Mark tells me
that they “hope to have a big announcement in the next month or so” regarding
the brewery. “We've accomplished a lot of great things since we got the beer
back seven years ago, and re-building the once-proud brewery will be the
ultimate achievement on our comeback trail.”
Thank you, Mark, for taking the time to answer a few
questions! Everyone out here is going to be looking for their chance to grab a
'Gansett.
Hi! Neighbor Have a Gansett. I have friends in Milwaukee and Darien and would urge them to check it out. I to was a fan of anything made at the Heileman Plant in LaCrosse when I lived in Illinois. Before the micro beer explosion Narragansett made Krueger Pilsener,Ballentine Brewers Gold, Pickwick Ale, Haffenreffer Private Stock Malt Liquor, and Narragansett Porter. I believe these could have held their own in the micro-market. All passed away while people swiled down Bud,Miller, Schlitz, Coors.
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