The Journey of Appalachian Mountain Brewery
Introduction
Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB) is an independent craft brewery located in Boone, North Carolina. Founded in 2011 by two friends, Sean Spiegelman and Nathan Kelischek, AMB quickly made a name for itself by producing high-quality craft beers and being deeply involved in the local community. The brewery’s mission is to combine great beer with a commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
The Next Steps
AMB has recently undergone a major change – it has become an independent brand. In late 2020, Kelischek bought out Spiegelman’s share of the company to become the sole owner of AMB. This move has allowed the brewery to take the next steps in its journey.
In an interview with Kelischek, he discussed what the future holds for AMB now that it is an independent brand.
Expansion Plans
One of the biggest changes Kelischek wants to make is to expand AMB’s footprint. Currently, the brewery distributes its beers only in North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina. However, he intends to take the brand wider across the Southeastern United States. He has plans of expanding the brewery’s production capacity, introducing new styles of beer, and establishing a new taproom in an urban area.
Community Engagement
A core part of AMB’s mission is to engage with and give back to the local community. Even as they expand, Kelischek wants to ensure that the brewery remains rooted in and connected to Boone. He plans to continue partnering with local non-profit organizations and to deepen relationships with the local farming community. AMB’s sustainability efforts and use of locally-sourced ingredients have been a hallmark of their brand – something Kelischek wants to further build upon.
COVID-19 Adaptations
Like many businesses, AMB has had to adapt to the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the early days of the pandemic, the brewery shifted its focus to canning and home delivery. Since then, they’ve put in place safety protocols to ensure the safety of their staff and patrons. While the pandemic has been tough on the business, Kelischek is proud of how his team has responded and is optimistic about the future as things begin to normalize.
Conclusion
AMB has come a long way since its founding in 2011. The brewery’s commitment to sustainability, quality, and community engagement has helped it stand out in a crowded field. As an independent brand, Kelischek sees many opportunities for growth and expansion while staying true to the core values of the brand.
As AMB continues its journey, it will be exciting to see what new flavors and collaborations they will introduce, and how they will continue to make an impact in their local community and beyond.
