Narragansett Brewing Company Today and Yesterday

Narragansett Brewing Company has been a staple of the Rhode Island community for over 90 years. Founded in 1890 by H.H. Styles and two other investors, the company initially focused on producing ales and porters.

The company's early success was largely due to its high-quality products and innovative brewing techniques. Narragansett's beers quickly gained popularity throughout the region, and by the 1920s, the company was producing over 100,000 barrels of beer per year.

In the 1970s, Narragansett Brewing Company faced significant financial struggles, ultimately leading to a decline in production and distribution. The company's iconic beer, Narragansett Lager, was even briefly discontinued in 1975.

Narragansett Brewing Company was the largest lager beer brewery in New England by 1959, producing 1 million barrels annually.

Under the leadership of Haffenreffer, the company implemented marketing strategies and expanded its market presence. In 1944, Narragansett became the official beer sponsor of the Boston Red Sox, a partnership that significantly boosted brand visibility through radio broadcasts.

This sponsorship continued for over two decades, with Red Sox announcer Curt Gowdy popularizing the slogan, "Hi, Neighbor, have a 'Gansett!" The company relocated to a new plant in Cranston in 1951 to accommodate increasing demand.

However, by the early 1960s, Narragansett faced increasing operational costs and aging facilities, which led to a decline in market share. The company began to evaluate strategies to maintain its market position, including potential mergers and acquisitions.

In 1965, the Falstaff Brewing Corporation acquired Narragansett Brewing Company for $17 million in cash and $2 million in Falstaff common stock. Two days prior to the sale, the U.S. government initiated an antitrust lawsuit against Falstaff, citing concerns that the acquisition could reduce competition in the New England beer market.

The Narragansett Brewing Company is still family-owned and operated, now in its fifth generation. Founded in 1890, it is one of the oldest breweries in the United States.

The company has undergone significant changes over the years, including a decline in popularity in the mid-20th century and a near-bankruptcy in 2003.

Narragansett Brewing Company has expanded its reach beyond traditional markets in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

The company launched in Wisconsin in 2012, marking its first step into the Midwest region.

In 2015, Narragansett entered markets in Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, including major cities like Pittsburgh and Erie.

Distribution expanded further into Georgia by 2018, and in August 2020, the company began distributing in Indiana.

Narragansett's product lineup, including the flagship Narragansett Lager, Del's Shandy, and seasonal offerings, is widely available in cans, bottles, and on draft.

Consumers can use the company's online beer finder tool to locate products near them.

Narragansett partners with retail chains, local stores, and bars to make its beers accessible.

Within New England, Narragansett Lager is often recognized as a regional macro-scale American lager product, comparable to mass-produced brands like Budweiser or Pabst Blue Ribbon.

In most markets, Narragansett Lager is known for its affordability.

The Narragansett Brewing Company has appointed a new head brewer, Lee Lord, who is the first woman to lead the team. She's a fan of barley wine, German-style beers, and amber ales.

Narragansett's new brewery in Providence will be a state-of-the-art facility with 13 tanks, more than any other Rhode Island brewery except for the Isle Brewers Guild in Pawtucket. The brewery will specialize in small-batch beers.

Head brewer Lord is thrilled to be at Narragansett and build on the brand's storied heritage. She's enjoyed collaborating with Mark Hellendrung, the man who revived the brand.

The new brewery will include an indoor taproom bar and outdoor patio beer garden with views of Narragansett Bay. It's an impressive space that will be perfect for enjoying a cold 'Gansett on a warm day.

Narragansett's signature lager will continue to be brewed at North American Breweries in Rochester, New York, but the new brewery will focus on creating new craft beers.

Narragansett Brewing Company has a new home in Providence, Rhode Island, where it will brew its signature lager and other small-batch craft beers.

The brewery is located on the India Point waterfront, an 18,000-square-foot space that will include an indoor taproom bar and outdoor patio beer garden with views of Narragansett Bay.

Mark Hellendrung, the president of Narragansett Beer, has been working on this project for 16 years, and it's finally coming to fruition. He's thrilled to bring the brewery back to Rhode Island.

The new brewery will specialize in small-batch beers, with 13 tanks, more than any other Rhode Island brewery except for the Guild in Pawtucket.

Head brewer Lee Lord is excited to be a part of the team, bringing her expertise in brewing barley wine, German-style beers, and amber ales.

The brewery will produce about 2,500 barrels of small-batch craft beers a year, with a focus on seasonal offerings like Fest Marzen Lager and mash-ups with beloved regional brands.

The brewery will be open to the public by Memorial Day weekend, with soft opening dates in April.

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Narragansett Brewing Company has a strong marketing and advertising presence, with a focus on its Rhode Island roots and nostalgic brand image. The company's iconic "Natty Light" branding is a nod to its past success and appeal to a younger demographic.

The brewery's use of social media has been key to its marketing efforts, with a strong presence on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. This allows them to engage with customers and promote their products in a targeted and effective way.

By leveraging its brand image and social media presence, Narragansett Brewing Company has been able to successfully reposition itself in the market and appeal to a new generation of beer drinkers.

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In 2005, a group of Rhode Island investors led by Mark Hellendrung acquired the Narragansett Beer brand and began a brand revitalization process.

This process involved recreating the original recipes with the help of former Narragansett brewer Bill Anderson. New packaging and branding for the lager were developed, and the new iteration was released to the Southern New England market in Spring 2006.

The company expanded its product line to include limited craft offerings contracted to third-party breweries in Providence, Rhode Island and Pawcatuck, Connecticut.

By 2017, Narragansett had become New England's fifth-largest and the country's 37th-largest craft brewery, with nearly two-thirds of its production dedicated to the Rochester-produced lager.

The company relocated its craft brewing operations to Pawtucket, Rhode Island in 2017, and then to a new 18,000-square-foot brewery and taproom in Fox Point, Providence, Rhode Island in 2021.

Here are some key milestones in Narragansett's brand revitalization:

Narragansett Brewing Company is now ranked as the 27th largest craft brewery in the United States, with distribution expanded to markets outside of New England.

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Narragansett Brewing Company has a rich history of beer-making, and it's no surprise they've made some savvy acquisitions over the years.

In 2010, the company was acquired by Jack Abrahams and Ken Horwitz, who have since led the brewery's resurgence.

The acquisition brought new life to the brewery, allowing them to expand their product line and distribution channels.

Narragansett Brewing operates as a large-scale independent craft brewing company, producing less than 6 million barrels of product annually.

The company's primary brewery and taproom is located in Providence, Rhode Island, where they operate corporate offices and serve as the flagship taproom for the brand.

The Fox Point brewery in Providence serves as the company's production hub for small-batch and specialty beers, while large-scale production for Narragansett Lager is contracted to the Genesee Brewing Company in Rochester, New York.

This hybrid approach allows the company to maintain cost efficiencies for its high-demand products while maintaining a local Rhode Island brewing presence through limited craft production.

Narragansett Brewing has expanded its product offerings to include a variety of styles, including Narragansett Atlantic Light Lager, Del's Shandy, Fresh Catch, Autocrat Coffee Milk Stout, and Narragansett White Christmas Winter Warmer.

Here are some of the notable products from Narragansett Brewing:

The Narragansett Brewing Company has officially acquired an 18,000 sq. ft. building in Providence, Rhode Island, which will serve as the company's new headquarters.

This new brewery will include an indoor taproom bar and outdoor patio beer garden with views of Narragansett Bay, making it a unique spot for beer enthusiasts.

Mark Hellendrung, the president of Narragansett Beer, is thrilled to bring brewing operations back to Rhode Island in such a perfect location.

The new brewery will produce about 2,500 barrels of small-batch craft beers a year, with a focus on specialty beers and seasonal offerings.

Narragansett's flagship Lager will continue to be brewed at North American Breweries in Rochester, New York, but the new brewery will allow for more creative freedom and experimentation with new beer styles.

Here are some of the new beers that will be available at the new brewery:

Narragansett Brewing Company was founded in 1890 in Providence, Rhode Island by three local guys who wanted to make a beer that would quench the thirst of their neighbors.

The company's original brewery was located near the waterfront, where the founders could easily transport their beer to local bars and restaurants.

In the early 1900s, Narragansett became the largest-selling beer in New England, with its iconic cream ale being brewed and enjoyed by people all over the region.

The company's popularity continued to grow, and by the 1940s, Narragansett was being sold in 29 states across the country.

However, the rise of national breweries in the mid-20th century led to a decline in Narragansett's sales, and the company eventually went out of business in 1982.

Luckily, a group of local investors revived the brand in 2005, and Narragansett Brewing Company has been brewing beer in Providence ever since.

Today, Narragansett is still committed to using only the finest ingredients and traditional brewing methods to create its signature beers.