Maine's First Craft Brewery!
Geary Brewing Company, founded in 1983 in Portland, Maine, is New England’s first craft brewery and holds federal brewers license number 13. Known for its traditional approach, Geary’s began as an open fermentation English-style brewery, bringing authentic, heritage-inspired ales to the U.S. long before craft beer became a movement. Today, it continues to honor its roots while embracing a range of modern styles—and is proudly one of only three breweries remaining from the original 13 licensed.
The Geary Story
Geary Brewing Company was founded by pioneers David and Karen Geary, who helped ignite the American craft beer movement in Portland, Maine. They partnered with first master brewer Alan Pugsley—an influential figure often called the "Johnny Appleseed" of craft beer for his role in launching over 100 breweries across the U.S.
Now in its third generation, the brewery continues its storied legacy under the stewardship of father-son duo Alan and Nathaniel Lapoint. Together, they maintain the brand's historic roots while guiding it into a new era of craft excellence.
Celebrating 40 Years of Original Pale Ale!
To Celebrate 40 Years of Maine's first craft beer Geary Brewing is partnering with the Maine Lobster Community Alliance to support its Lobstermen Leadership Program. A percentage of every case sold goes directly to helping local lobstering small businesses across the state.
The Lobstermen’s Leadership Program serves as a “business school for the bays,” bringing the next generation of lobstermen off the water and into a program focused on business management, global markets, policy engagement, and industry advocacy, ensuring Maine’s lobster industry remains resilient, informed, and strong for decades to come.
We Built The Past! We are Shaping the Future!
Geary Brewing proudly stands by the motto "Built the Past! Shaping the Future!" as a reflection of its legacy and vision. As the brewery that ignited Maine’s craft beer revolution, Geary’s helped shape the beer landscape of the Pine Tree State. In 2017, Alan and Robin Lapoint purchased the brewery with a deep respect for its historic roots and a bold commitment to its future. Under their leadership, Geary’s has embraced new technology and brewing innovation, allowing it to honor its English-style traditions while expanding into contemporary styles and continuing to drive the craft beer movement forward.