MASS. BAY BREWING COMPANY TO ACQUIRE LONG TRAIL BREWING COMPANY

(Press Release) A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO & CO-FOUNDER DAN KENARY: We have a long-storied history of brewing in Vermont. More than twenty years ago, we purchased the Catamount Brewery in Windsor, VT and converted it to the Harpoon Brewery, where we fulfilled the long-held dream of Catamount by opening a full-service pub and beer garden and where we have brewed countless barrels of beer over this time.

At Mass. Bay Brewing Company, we have a deep respect for Vermont brewed craft beer and are excited to deepen our already significant roots in the Green Mountain State as we acquire Long Trail Brewing Company, producers of award-winning hand-crafted ales under the Long Trail, Otter Creek, and Shed brands.

Relationships are what we have built our business on, and I have been friends with Daniel Fulham, CEO of Long Trail, for 35 years. Through talks about all the ways we could potentially partner, it became clear that we’d be stronger together.

As part of the agreement, we will continue to operate the Long Trail Riverside Pub in Bridgewater Corners (if you haven’t visited this gorgeous location yet, be sure to add it to your list!), but will begin brewing Long Trail, Otter Creek, and Shed beers at the Harpoon Brewery in Windsor, VT.

WhistlePig Whiskey, based in Shoreham, VT, and another great Vermont brand that we have a close relationship with, will assume ownership of the Otter Creek and Shed brewery in Middlebury. After a transition period, WhistlePig will convert production capabilities to bottling and distilling and continue to use the extensive brewing capabilities in Middlebury. We will operate the Otter Creek Brewing Pub & Beer Garden, which will continue to be a great space to enjoy a beer.

We have a shared commitment to the Vermont community and passion for making great beer. I speak on behalf of all the employee owners at Mass. Bay Brewing Company when I say that we are looking forward to the opportunity to carry on the Long Trail legacy in partnership with the folks in production, sales, and support functions who will be staying on as part of the transition. We are hopeful that we can continue to grow both our brands and job opportunities in the Vermont community.