[Ed. Note: Broke this news a while back. I’ve been told from a source close to the brewery that, despite production in NH, the beer will actually not be sold in the NH market to start.]

(Chicago, IL) – (10/20/2010) – Goose Island Beer Company announced an agreement to have beers brewed at the Redhook Ale Brewery (NASDAQ: HOOK) facility in Portsmouth, NH over the next three years.

“Brewing beer at Redhook Ale Brewery in Portsmouth is an important first step in the long term growth of Goose Island, said John Hall, president of Goose Island. “The Portsmouth brewery’s track record of quality control and trusted brewing methods makes them an ideal partner to Goose Island during this expansion period.”

With more than 20 percent growth in 2010, Goose Island has almost reached the capacity of its Fulton Street brewery in Chicago. Built in 1995 for a maximum output of 100,000 barrels annually, the brewery is now capable of producing 130,000 barrels (four million gallons) of beer. “The capacity increase this agreement will provide us is necessary to meet the growing demand for Goose Island’s beers in the short term,” continued Hall. “More importantly it allows us time to plan for a future expansion facility here in Chicago, one that will bring new jobs and beers to the Chicago community for many years.”

“Redhook is thrilled about enhancing its partnership with a great, growing brand like Goose Island, said Robert Rentsch, brand manager for Redhook Ale Brewery. “I know our Redhook brewers are excited about bringing the same passion for brewing the highest quality beer to Goose Island’s beers as well.”

Goose Island currently has its brewers working on pilot batches of Honker’s Ale and Goose Island India Pale Ale in Portsmouth, and plans to have beer coming out of the brewery by no later than January 2011.

About Redhook Ale Brewery:

Redhook Ale Brewery has been at the forefront of the domestic craft brewing segment since the company’s formation in 1981. Redhook brews a variety of craft beer styles, including: Long Hammer IPA, Redhook ESB, Copperhook Ale, Blonde and seasonal offerings, Mudslinger Spring Ale, Rope Swing Summer Pilsner, Late Harvest Autumn Ale and Winterhook Winter Ale. Redhook beer is brewed in its breweries, one in the Seattle suburb of Woodinville, Wash., and the other in Portsmouth, N.H. Redhook’s
specialty beers are available in both draught and bottles and are distributed nationally through a network of wholesale distributors. For more information, visit http://www.redhook.com.

About Goose Island Beer Company:

Founded in 1988, Goose Island is one of the Midwest’s first craft breweries, and is acclaimed for creating world-class ales made with the waters of Lake Michigan and Midwestern malts. Goose Island has captivated the hearts, imaginations and palettes of beer drinkers with award winning ales – including 312 Urban Wheat Ale, Honkers Ale, India Pale Ale, Matilda, Pere Jacques, Sofie, and a selection of seasonal, and barrel-aged releases including Bourbon County Brand Stout, the original bourbon barrel aged beer. For more information, visit http://www.gooseisland.com.