Senator Collins Visits Geary Brewing Co. in Portland
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Portland, ME — Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins visited Geary Brewing Co. in Portland to tour the facility and meet with employees. Senator Collins delivered remarks commending the company on its success and took questions on a range of topics from workers. Geary’s has been owned and operated by Alan and Robin Lapoint of Freeport since March 2017.
“Congratulations to Robin and Alan Lapoint and the entire Geary’s team for revitalizing this iconic brewery through their entrepreneurial spirit,” said Senator Collins. “The resurgence of the craft beverage industry is the result of hard work, vision, and determination. From Southern Maine to The County, these small businesses are helping to grow Maine’s economy and create jobs. As the first craft brewery to open in New England following Prohibition, Geary’s led the way, and I wish them all the best in years to come.”
“We were delighted to welcome Senator Collins to Geary Brewing Co. today to show her our brew house and some of the recent improvements we have made to our facility,” said Robin Lapoint, President & Co-Owner of Geary Brewing Co. “We also expressed our appreciation for her strong support of the craft brewing industry, including her work to reduce the tax burden on brewers. As a result of the reduced excise taxes, Geary’s saved a total of $100,000, enabling us to hire an additional full-time employee, purchase a forklift and a heating unit, rebrand our contemporary line of beers, and renovate the tasting room. These investments will strengthen our company and enhance our customers’ experience.”
As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins worked to secure a total of $18.5 million for brewers in Maine and across the country in the appropriations package that was signed into law in December. This included a one-year extension of a standalone bill—of which Senator Collins is a cosponsor—that reduces taxes, compliance burdens, and regulations for brewers, cider makers, vintners, and distillers. The reduced excise taxes were set to expire at the end of this year after being included in the tax reform law Senator Collins voted for at the end of 2017.
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Incorporated in 1983, Geary Brewing was New England's first craft brewery to open post Prohibition and holds federal craft brewing license #13. This innovative brewery helped spark the craft beer movement when it poured its flagship beer, Geary's Pale Ale, in the winter of 1986.
Today, Geary Brewing is a modern thriving microbrewery that brews using both open and closed fermentation offering a large range of excellent quality beers from their well-known iconic English ales to IPAs, lagers, and sours.
In the newly renovated tasting room, guests can sample and purchase beers in the packages they prefer as well as join a complimentary tour of the historic brew house.
