“WE ALWAYS SET OUT TO BREW GREAT BEER…BUT IT WAS REALLY JUST AN EXCUSE TO BRING OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TOGETHER TO ENJOY MORE OF LIFE.” FRED FORSLEY • SHIPYARD FOUNDER / CEO
A MESSAGE FROM OWNER FRED FORSLEY
Hard to believe it has been 30 years since we started brewing on India Street in Portland. Where does the time go? What started as a an idea in a small space in Kennebunk has now become an international brand. Here's a little note of thanks from Fred Forsley for all the folks who have supported us along the way, and all the folks to come.
TIME FLIES WHEN YOU'RE HAVING FUN
1992 - 1996
Jan 15, 1992 Fred & Gordon Hurtubise envision a brewpub and deliver a down payment to brewing expert, Alan Pugsley, to build a 7 barrel brewery in Kennebunk, ME
June 17, 1992 Federal Jack's opens in Kennebunk
Oct, 1992 Alan Pugsley & Fred Forsley become official partners and Alan takes on roll as Master Brewer for Shipyard Brewing Co.
March 1, 1993 First 22 oz. bottling done by hand in Kennebunk. The original Shipyard Ship logo and all original Shipyard label art work were created by local Maine artist Ken Hendrickson. Ken went on to create fan favorite labels for Pumpkinhead and Summer Ale among others.
April 24, 1994 First brew at Shipyard in Portland
May 10, 1994 First keg sold from Shipyard in Portland
1996 Summer Ale And Pumpkinhead Ale introduced in bottles
2003 - 2006
2003 Stockholm Beer And Whisky Festival: Blue Fin Stout Wins Gold
2004 Capt'n Eli's Root Beer 4-packs introduced
2004 OLD THUMPER THUMPS CALIFORNIA!
Los Angeles County Fair: Best of Show and 1st Place
West Coast Brewers Festival: 1st Place
California Brewers Festival: 1st Place
2006 UK International Beer Championship: Prelude Special Ale - Top 50 Beers in the World
2007 - 2011
2007
San Diego County Fair: Export Ale - Best of Show & Gold
West Coast Brewers Festival: Chamberlain Pale Ale - 1st Place
2008 California Brewers Festival: Pumpkinhead Wins 1st Place
2010 Shipyard voted Best Beer in New England by NECN
2011 Brewery expansion in Portland
2012 - 2014
2012
Shipyard and Sea Dog cans introduced
First Bourbon Barrel Series beer introduced
2013 Shipyard receives Down East Readers' Choice for Best Beer
2014
Black IPA introduced
Sea Dog Sunfish introduced in bottles
Florida Sea Dog Brewery opened
2014 - 2024
2014 Sea Dog Brewing Co location opens in Florida
2017 Shipyard expands sales in UK with Marston's Brewing
2023 Shipyard becomes #1 American Craft Beer brand sold (by volume) in UK
2023 Shipyard Tasting Room opens in Sanford, FL
2023 Ronnie Simpson Attempts the Global Solo Challenge on the Shipyard Brewing
2024 Smashed Pumpkin wins National Grand Champion - US Beer Tasting Championships
SHOP OUR 30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY MERCH
Celebrate 30 years of Shipyard with some of our limited edition merchandise!
Vintage long sleeve Shipyard shirt in cream
Sky blue "Cheers to 30 Years Celebratory Beer" koozie
