I am often asked by customers if I have heard of new breweries who just opened. While I wish I could visit every new brewery that comes online, it wouldn't leave much time for my job at this one. The question of whether or not I have heard of them is usually followed by: "Do you think they are going to do better? You guys afraid of competition?" And so on.
Since the Nano Brew law passed in 2011, some incredible breweries have popped up around New Hampshire—including us. With so many new places opening, some may think it would cause rivalry, emulation, competition, or even jealousy. Yet, that couldn't be further from the truth.
So, I answer their questions the same way each time:
There is no competition in works of passion. You either have it or you don't; the passion makes the product unique. Anyone willing to open a business and showcase a product that demands a great deal of time, effort, thought and passion has my admiration, and my business. Our goal here at Able is create the best beer we can; beers that we love. It is simply a privilege to share that work with you.
We brewers are driven by a dedication to create a products we are proud of and enjoy; not a product that is slightly better than the guy next door. After all, what is “better” changes from person to person. I believe there is a simple unspoken respect with all brewers: if you put all of yourself into a product (not literally), then you have done your job. I look forward to finishing my first beer design and getting it on tap so I too can share my work with fellow NH brewers.
While there may be some friendly rivalries, this is not a cut throat business. We love and respect one another’s work, and raise a glass to anyone willing to take the leap. For this very reason, I am happy to be a part of this company and industry. It’s just fun.
With that, I’ll cheers my next pint to creating something that is designed shared and enjoyed, not gloated over. After all, beer always tastes much better with friends than with enemies.
-Jake
Renaissance Man
