Samuel Adams has opened applications for its annual Brewing & Business Experienceship, providing mentorship to craft brewers through its philanthropic programme, Brewing the American Dream.
Samuel Adams founder Jim Koch with Rich Bloomfield, Greg Williams, and Zachary Day of Funkytown Brewery
The brewery has also announced the imminent release of a collaboration brew with 2023 Experienceship winner, Funkytown Brewery.
The Experienceship annually offers one promising craft brewer access to unmatched resources and guidance. The engagement culminates in the creation of a special beer developed alongside experts at Samuel Adams’ Boston Brewery.
This year’s collaborative concoction is an easy-drinking pale lager that clocks in at 5% ABV, using San Francisco Steam yeast and Motueka and Tettnang hops in the kettle. The limited-edition brew will be available on tap at Samuel Adams Boston Brewery and Pilot Project Brewing in Chicago from the first week of May.
“Since our win in July last year, we’ve seen our dreams come to life in an indescribable way,” said Rich Bloomfield, co-founder of Funkytown Brewery.
“The experience we’ve had with Samuel Adams has been transformative for our business, and we remain deeply motivated by the recognition and resources Brewing the American Dream continues to provide us.”
Inspired by Jim Koch, a pioneer of the craft beer movement and founder of Samuel Adams, the Brewing & Business Experienceship has been empowering brewers since its inception in 2012. In addition to the collaboration brew, all winners are embraced into the Brewing the American Dream family for ongoing mentorship far beyond the initial win and brew day.
Jennifer Glanville Love, director of partnerships and collaborations at Boston Beer Company, said: “It has been an incredible journey thus far welcoming Funkytown Brewery into our Experienceship Hall of Fame. They are the epitome of what our programme is all about — passionate and hard-working craft business owners with unbelievable ambition.
“We look forward to continuing our support of their successful journey as we open up our family once again this year to identify a new brewer who is just as deserving.” To find out more about the 2024 Experienceship, click here.
