Independent craft breweries in the United States often contribute to military causes. Some of the breweries have taken their support one step further with national collaboration beers and campaigns. Others have gone so far as to name their businesses and beers after military references. Here are some organizations that recognize, support, and give back to soldiers through beer.
Mad Bomber Brewing Company
The founders of Mad Bomber Brewing Company (Hayden, Idaho) are United States Army veterans, and the cozy taproom pays homage to that background in its military-themed decor. Two of their beers, Fatman IPA and St. Nicholas Pale Ale, were named after two of the founding members killed in the war, and 50 percent of the sales from these two beers is donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. Other noteworthy beers include the Crossfire IPA, Carbon Stout, Claymore Double IPA, and Silver Land Double IPA. As if that’s not enough, the brewery was voted Best Local Brewery of 2015 by The North Idaho Business Journal.
Talisman Brewing Company
After the head brewmaster of Talisman Brewing Company retired from a career in the United States Air Force, the long-time homebrewer indulged in his passion for beer and started a brewery in Ogden, Utah. Their beers range 4–10 percent ABV, so there’s quite a variety to be found here. We recommend The Dagda, an IPA with 65 IBUs and a piney, floral, grapefruit character, as well as the Season Ale Blood Orange Honey Wheat. They offer a 15 percent discount on their swag to veterans as a thank-you for service.