Boston Beer Co.’s philanthropy program, Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream® Experienceship, has got it’s first winners. They announced on Sunday during Great American Beer Festival in Denver, CO that San Francisco’s Jim Woods, of MateVeza, and the duo from NY’s Roc Brewing Co., Chris Spinelli and Jon Meryine, have been given the chance to check out the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery and soak-up all the info about brews and business that they can.
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Words From The Brewers
Jim Koch, founder of Sam Adams, remembers the rough start he had when he decided that he would brew for a living. In his words, “At its core, the culture of brewing and drinking craft beer celebrates camaraderie, collaboration and an independent minded spirit. We expanded the Brewing the American Dream program in this same vein, in the spirit of helping fellow craft brewers. I’ve never forgotten how hard it is to get started, and how many barriers to entry there are in the business of brewing.” Jim Koch also expresses that “the brewers themselves are extremely talented. I’m thrilled to be able to support and mentor them through the Experienceship and watch their breweries grow.”
As you’d expect, the winners are also excited for the opportunity. Chris Spinelli, co-founder of Roc Brewing Co. says, “there’s real life experience and book experience, but nothing trumps learning from the experiences of people who have actually lived our dream. We recognize that we’re both young and we’re excited at the chance to ask questions and learn first-hand from those who live and breathe the craft brew culture.” Jim Woods of MateVeza also has high hopes, “I have never doubted the power of passion and a good idea, but I have come to realize the importance of execution. The greatest thing about the craft beer movement is the people behind it. This is a complicated industry, and gaining the tools and expertise necessary to bring MateVeza to the masses is truly a dream come true.”
What’s Included
To be specific, the winners will gain access to personal coaching from the Samual Adams staff which include sourcing ingredients, quality assurance, legal issues, marketing, graphic design, accounting, and much more. They will also receive financial support to showcase their wares at beer shows/events, meet with the Samuel Adams brewers, and take “Negotiation and Selling Skills” classes taught by their company’s trainers.