National Premium Beer is currently brewed under contract by Heavy Seas Brewery in Halethorpe. This arrangement is in place as a result of The National Brewing Company's decision to outsource the production of their iconic beer. While it may be surprising to some, the National Premium brand is now completely independent and has no connection to the present-day National Bohemian, which is owned by Pabst.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to explore the world of beer and its many breweries. I have come across various situations where breweries have chosen to contract out their production to other facilities. This can be done for a variety of reasons, including cost-effectiveness, capacity limitations, or simply a desire to focus on other aspects of the business.
In the case of National Premium Beer, the decision to have Heavy Seas Brewery brew their beer is likely a strategic move by The National Brewing Company. By partnering with Heavy Seas Brewery, they are able to take advantage of their expertise in brewing while still maintaining control over the recipe and brand. This allows The National Brewing Company to continue offering National Premium Beer to their loyal customers, while also benefiting from the resources and capabilities of Heavy Seas Brewery.
It's worth noting that contract brewing is not uncommon in the beer industry. Many smaller breweries, and even some larger ones, choose to contract out their production to other facilities. This allows them to focus on other aspects of their business, such as marketing, distribution, and customer engagement, while still being able to offer their beer to consumers.
While some may argue that contract brewing takes away from the authenticity of a beer, I believe that it ultimately comes down to the quality of the product. If the beer remains true to its original recipe and is brewed with care and attention to detail, then it can still be a great beer regardless of where it is brewed.
In my personal experience, I have come across many examples of contract brewing where the end result is a fantastic beer. The key is to find a brewery that shares the same dedication to quality and craftsmanship as the original brewery. If this alignment exists, then the beer can maintain its integrity and continue to delight consumers.
To summarize, National Premium Beer is currently brewed under contract by Heavy Seas Brewery in Halethorpe. This arrangement allows The National Brewing Company to continue offering their iconic beer to consumers while benefiting from the expertise and resources of Heavy Seas Brewery. Contract brewing is a common practice in the beer industry, and as long as the quality and authenticity of the beer are maintained, it can still be a great product regardless of where it is brewed.