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“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

TIMELINE-1992-1996

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

TIMELINE-2003-2006
TIMELINE-2007-2011

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
TIMELINE-2012-2014
TIMELINE-2014-2024

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

90's inspired blue t-shirt

SHOP NOW
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