Overview: When it comes to celebrating the legacies of American heroes, few do so with as much flair as a new brewery in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Founded by enthusiasts who were inspired by the story of local veteran John Smith, this craft brewer is pouring its heart and soul into creating beers that honor his memory.
The Full Story
In 1944, during World War II, John Smith enlisted to serve in the US Army. After completing his service, he returned home to Cumberland County where he went on to start a family and build a successful career as an accountant. However, it was not until after his passing that his legacy truly began to take shape.
Smith’s wife founded the John Smith Foundation which aimed at supporting veterans in need of assistance with their transition back into civilian life upon returning from active duty. This dedication to helping others is now being honored through a series of beers inspired by the veteran himself, who was known for his love and respect for fine Belgian brewing.
Smith’s wife reached out to local breweries around Pennsylvania seeking partners willing to help create beers that would pay tribute in honor of her late husband. After months of searching they finally found an ideal partner at a small brewery which had just begun its own line of specialty beers inspired by various World War II veterans, including Smith.
Production & Profile
The beer itself is crafted using 100% Belgian yeast and is aged for three years in French oak barrels before being bottled. The final product has a rich gold hue with flavors that are reminiscent of tropical fruit such as pineapple and orange zest combined with notes of dark chocolate.
Smith’s wife described the taste to be ‘just like sipping on fine champagne’ while also stating how much she loved drinking it after a long day, saying “It truly captures John’s spirit in every way possible.” The brewer agrees that this beer embodies their company values perfectly by saying “We wanted to create something really special that would give people the chance to experience what life is like during wartime through our beers.”
Brand & Industry History
John Smith passed away back in 2009 at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy as an American hero and family man. John’s son has continued his father’s work by helping to develop this new line of specialty Belgian-style beers that honor World War II veterans.
This is not the first beer created under their brand with another being released in collaboration with local veteran organizations such as the VFW & American Legion chapters around Pennsylvania. The John Smith Foundation has also partnered up with other well-known breweries nationwide to create this unique line of beers that bring awareness about PTSD and its impact on veterans who return back home.
What This Means
The release of these specialty Belgian-style beers marks a new era in the craft brewing industry, where veteran-owned businesses are gaining recognition for their dedication to supporting American heroes. Furthermore, breweries such as this one can help raise awareness about PTSD and its impact on veterans by partnering with organizations that support those affected.
Consumer Takeaway
In a world dominated by mass-produced beers from large companies, small-batch craft brewers are giving consumers the opportunity to experience unique flavors inspired by history. By choosing this specialty Belgian beer in honor of John Smith’s legacy, you’re directly supporting an American veteran and allowing his memory to live on through every sip.
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