GROTON, Conn. — Since it started in 2015, Outer Light Brewing Company has been expanding both in its staff and in its production of beers.
“We have about five people on the production floor and a good handful of people in our taproom side of things, and just kind of been growing ever since,” said Tom Drejer, co-owner of Outer Light Brewing Company.
Like other breweries, Outer Light shut down around St. Patrick’s Day due to the pandemic. It’s now back open, following state guidelines, catering to outside guests and doing curbside pickup. But knowing the challenges that the pandemic has had on its industry, Outer Light also wanted to help its community, too. It has partnered with Work Vessels for Vets to release a limited edition IPA.
“Especially during COVID times, it’s so hard, all charities know how hard it is to raise money right now. A lot of people really can’t do events, and this is the perfect social distancing way to do something and help out,” said Drejer.
It’s called “Workin’ Vets New England IPA” and a portion of sales from the Groton taproom and can sales from Connecticut liquor stores will go to the charity.
“Work Vessels for Vets is an all-volunteer non-profit. We’re based in Mystic, but we have provided equipment to injured veterans all across the country so that they can start a business, so the funds from Outer Light Brewery is one of the great things where other people raise money for us,” said Cathy Cook, Executive Director for Work Vessels for Vets.
That money will go to good use, helping vets here in Connecticut and across the country.
“It’s turned out perfect just how it is and it’s been very well received so far,” said Carey Niekrash Beralderi with Work Vessels for Vets.
“Every can that gets to somebody, they’re doing something, they’re helping out,” added Drejer.
For more information on Outer Light Brewing Company, visit http://www.outerlightbrewing.com/.
For more information on Work Vessels for Vets, visit https://www.workvesselsforveterans.org/.