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From Prohibition to big white sharks to total demolition, Narragansett has seen a lot in its 122-year history. Since its humble beginnings in 1890, the lager has been a New England institution. And around here, sentiments run deep.
“I’m inspired by our company’s heritage and deep-rooted ties to New England. You can’t help but look back at our history and think of all the memories our beer has been a part of,” says Zac Antczak, Field Marketing Manager.
That heritage includes the Chief Gansett, created by Dr. Seuss, a 31-year relationship with baseball, Led Zepplin at the Tribal Rock Festival, and a famous scene in a little movie about a big shark. But starting in the 80s, the production of the beer was moved to Indiana, the brand fizzled, and the historic brewery was demolished. Resurrected in 2005, Naragansett has been restored to its former glory, and has been winning awards and creating new memories in New England and beyond.
And it’s those personal memories that truly make a company local. “[When I met President Mark Hellendrung,] I told him I had always been a fan of Gansett,”, says Antczak. The beer has been present at birthdays, weddings, births. “[My] dad was a happy man when I told him about the prospect of working for Gansett.”
Since the return of the brand, the company relies on their history as a road map. When coming up with a brew, Antczak says they “look at what styles were made back in the day. That’s where the Fest, Porter, Bock, and Cream Ale come from.” In terms of popularity, though, the original lager comes in at #1, with the (non-historic, but decidedly delicious) seasonal Summer coming in second.
At the 3rd Annual Local Craft Brewfest, Naragansett will be sampling classic Lager, Cream Ale, the award winning Fest, and potentially some Summer Ale. If you’re passionate about beer, stop by, say hi, and have a Gansett.
Take a look at this video: Narragansett
This post was written by Tara Bellucci of Boston Food Swap, go check her out!
