Armstrong Brewery Opens as Members-Only

"What we wanted to do was have a side of the business that was much like a boutique vineyard," says Armstrong. "We want to be able to cater to a specific group of people. The model is already there, we’re just doing it with beer." With an entry-level membership beginning at just $30 a year, there is a smaller barrier to entry than typically found at a winery or other "mug clubs."

Armstrong is producing extremely limited series, one barrel at a time. Currently, the chocolate cherry stout is on tap to be released next month, but the future will bring a rye whiskey porter in July, as well as a traditional lambic in May 2014. Once membership grows, the plan is to yield two or three varieties at a time, providing different flavors to the members first, and the general public thereafter.
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