Thank You New Belgium

Originally Posted - Wednesday, May 26, 2010

So what's it like starting a brewery in the shadow of one of the largest craft breweries in the country? To be honest, I was nervous from the start. Even though we have a different concept and target market for our beer, I was worried about being seen as invading on New Belgium's turf. I was happy to keep a low profile as we worked to get the brewery up and running but Fort Collins isn't that large and eventually we met Lauren Salazar and Peter Bouckaert at the Odell's expansion party. I did not expect the warm welcome and offers of help we received. Lauren set up a taste panel with our Saison and has introduced us to many other New Belgium employees. Despite being such a large company they genuinely believe in growing the craft beer industry and are willing to lend a hand to that end. It's impressive and humbling.

Thank you to all the New Belgium team, you guys rock.

-Gordon