Geary Brewing Co. is marking the 40th anniversary of its Original Pale Ale by launching a charitable partnership to support Maine’s lobster industry.
A portion of the proceeds from sales of Original Pale Ale cases will be donated to the Maine Lobster Community Alliance to support its Lobsterman Leadership program.
The program focuses on business management, policy engagement, global markets and industry advocacy for commercial fishermen.
The initiative comes as Maine’s lobster industry faces rising costs, regulatory uncertainty and other economic pressures.
Portland-based Geary Brewing, founded in 1983 by David and Karen Geary, is widely recognized as Maine’s first craft brewing and among the earliest craft brewers licensed in the United States in the post-Prohibition era. Its Original Pale Ale debuted in 1986 at Three Dollar Deweys in Portland.
Alan Lapoint, president of Geary Brewing, said the partnership reflects the company’s ties to Maine’s working waterfront and coastal economy.
“We are incredibly excited to celebrate 40 years of Original Pale Ale by giving back to the community that has been so generous to us,” said Lapoint. “The independent spirit of the men and women in the lobstering industry is at the very heart of the Maine identity. We want to ensure that spirit thrives for another 40 years.”
The Maine Lobster Community Alliance, founded in 2010, supports Maine fishing families through educational programs, sustainability initiatives and industry advocacy. The organization said the leadership program is intended to help prepare the next generation of lobstermen to manage businesses and navigate industry challenges.
“This partnership is a perfect match,” said Patrice McCarron, president of the Maine Lobster Community Alliance. “Geary’s has been a fixture on our coast for decades. Their support for the MLCA and the Lobstermen’s Leadership Program comes at a critical time, helping us empower the next generation of harvesters to lead their businesses and our coastal communities into the future.”
Geary Brewing has been owned by the Lapoint family since 2017 and continues to operate its original Portland location at 38 Evergreen Drive.
