HOOK & LADDER BREWING CO. ROLLS INTO THE TWIN CITIES

The Twin Cities newest brew gives back to local communities with its “A Penny in Every Pint”® and “A Quarter in Every Case”® donation program for Minnesota firefighters and hospital burn centers.

St. Paul, MN. – Hook & Ladder Brewing Company, a Washington, D.C.-area venture started by a volunteer firefighter and his business-minded brother, is bucking negative economic trends and experiencing tremendous growth this year – despite the fact that the mission-based business donates a portion of all sales to charity and continues to face the industry challenges of escalating transportation and ingredient costs. The company’s recent expansion into Minnesota, a state with a rich craft beer culture, demonstrates the Hook & Ladder brand’s ability to distinguish itself within the expanding craft beer market. Hook & Ladder’s brews will be available in the Twin Cities February 1st, 2010.

Hook & Ladder was founded on the mission of building a business while giving back to each community in which its beers are sold. Hook & Ladder and local wholesale partner, Wirtz Beverage Minnesota will provide donations to Twin Cities area burn centers and firefighter burn organizations through the A Penny in Every Pint® and A Quarter in Every Case® programs.

A Quarter in Every Case® donates 25 cents from each case sold and A Penny in Every Pint® donates $4 from each barrel. Rich Fleischer, a 15-year volunteer firefighter and head brewer for Hook & Ladder states, “In addition to selling award-winning beers, we’re also giving beer enthusiasts in Minnesota a chance to give back to their local heroes in the fire and rescue service every time they pick up a Hook & Ladder brew. That’s what sets us apart from other beers in this extremely competitive industry.” These efforts have raised over $75,000 in the past 30 months alone.

Hook & Ladder’s steady growth is gaining attention in the brewing community. Initially distributed by just one wholesale partner in only the Washington, DC area, Hook & Ladder is now distributed by wholesale partners in 27 states around the country. According to industry statistics by the Brewers Association, Hook & Ladder experienced 688% growth in 2007, the biggest percentage increase among craft brewers providing beers solely through a distribution network.

Hook & Ladder brews two trademark beers. The Great American Beer Festival Gold Medalist Golden Ale® and Backdraft Brown®, which recently received a 95 point rating from Draft Magazine. In March, the company will be releasing their third style, Flashpoint Pale Ale. Currently Flashpoint Pale Ale is only available in their variety pack along with a limited edition Belgian Dubbel Anniversary Ale that was brewed to celebrate their five-year anniversary.

For more information please go to Hook & Ladder’s web site.

If you are interested in carrying Hook & Ladder’s products contact: Wirtz Beverage Minnesota, Beer Inc: www.wirtzbeveragegroup.com.