Today, Westerly-based Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island (Grey Sail) and Groton, Connecticut-based Outer Light Brewing Company (Outer Light) jointly announced a formal partnership.
“Grey Sail’s acquisition of Outer Light enhances the Westerly brewery’s regional portfolio of craft beer and spirits,” Grey Sail says in a press release. “This acquisition represents the union of two brands committed to the local community, quality products and sustainability.
“We are excited to be embarking on this new partnership,” said Jennifer Brinton, owner of Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island. “Over the past nine years, Outer Light has been a leading force in the Connecticut market, sharing with Grey Sail the like commitment to local, quality craft brewing. We are in the process of working together to strengthen the brand as partners with a shared vision in our community.”
Grey Sail says that the partnership will expand Grey Sail’s production capacity and enable the staff to work together to enhance the offerings of both companies.
“This is an exciting leap for OLBC. We’ve dedicated the last decade to crafting exceptional beer while focusing on our commitment to the community. I know this partnership will continue to expand Outer Light’s legacy while staying true to our core values,” said Tom Drejer, owner of Outer Light Brewing Company.
Day-to-day operations at Outer Light will continue to be overseen by Tom Drejer (OLBC) and Daniel Rivera (GSB) while the taproom will continue business-as-usual as a gathering place for local beer lovers and trivia buffs. Outer Light will continue to be distributed by its wholesale distributor partners in Connecticut and Rhode Island, and will begin distribution in Massachusetts.
Outer Light, founded in 2015, offers four year-round offerings including Lonesome Boatman™ Ale, Libation Propaganda™ Coffee Stout, SUBduction™ IPA and Cloudbreak™ Double IPA, as well as several seasonal beers.
Founded in 2011, Grey Sail’s lineup of ten core beers, led by Captain’s Daughter™ Double IPA, are offered in retail stores, bars and restaurants in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey. Four years ago, they founded South Country Distillers, a craft distillery, offering spirits made from grain to glass on their Westerly campus.