Founded on a Love of Craft Beer
Left Hand Brewing was founded in 1993 by Air Force veterans Eric Wallace and Dick Doore, who were frustrated by the lackluster beer options available, and embarked on a journey to elevate the U.S. craft beer scene. Their passion and dedication led to the establishment of Left Hand Brewing, the first brewery to operate in Longmont. The organization has expanded to include a tasting room and outdoor beer garden that hosts live music and events, and a location in Denver. Left Hand Brewing has witnessed firsthand the successes and often formidable challenges that the craft beer industry has and continues to face.
Declining craft beer sales, the ongoing consolidation of beer distributors, and a saturated marketplace all contribute to a difficult environment. Furthermore, the industry grapples with the growing influence of multinational corporations acquiring independent breweries, the expansion of chain stores, and the decline of local liquor stores.
However, this isn't the first time the craft brewing industry has felt pressure from larger entities. In the late 1990s, the craft brewing industry experienced “The Shakeout,” with industry reverberations that lasted for several years.
As they did in the 1990s, Left Hand Brewing is responding today. The organization has devised a unique solution: a consolidation platform to empower their brand and other craft beverage companies. This initiative is designed to benefit the entire Colorado craft brewing and beverage industry—from owners and employees to the communities they serve. This philosophy reflects what Eric Wallace, Left Hand Brewing’s co-founder and CEO says about the company’s ethos: "flavor-driven, employee-driven, and community-driven."
