New Englands 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.
Who founded Geary Brewing Company?
Geary Brewing Company was founded by David and Karen Geary, pioneers who helped launch the American craft beer movement from their home base in Portland, Maine. They partnered with British-trained brewer Alan Pugsley as their first master brewer—an influential figure often referred to as the "Johnny Appleseed" of American craft beer. Pugsley played a key role in shaping the industry, having gone on to help start over 100 craft breweries across the United States.
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.