Glenbrook Brewery Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary with Revolutionary Beer® Collaboration with America’s Oldest Distillers
250th Anniversary Ale project brings together two New Jersey institutions to honor the people, places, and spirit that shaped the birth of the nation.
Morristown is widely known as “the military capital of the American Revolution.” General George Washington and the Continental Army endured two critical winters here, including the legendary encampment at Jockey Hollow. The town is also home to the Ford Mansion, Washington’s headquarters from 1779–1780, and Fort Nonsense, a strategic overlook built to protect the region. These sites are preserved as part of Morristown National Historical Park, the first National Historical Park established in the United States.
“For us, this isn’t just about a beer—it’s about telling a story,” said Darren Cregan Co-Owner Creative Director of Glenbrook Brewery. “Morristown played a pivotal role in America’s fight for independence, and as a local brewery, we felt a responsibility to bring that history to life in a way that’s meaningful and celebratory.”
The beer itself draws directly from Revolutionary-era brewing traditions. While camped at Jockey Hollow, Continental troops are believed to have used spruce tips with molasses and yeast to create a simple, warming mead to endure the harsh winters. Glenbrook’s commemorative beer, Spruce Run, is a modern nod to that early craft, featuring rich notes of pine and molasses.
To complete the historical connection, Glenbrook aged the beer for nearly a year in apple brandy barrels sourced from Laird & Company. “The result is a flavor profile that is both unique and inviting, with a warmth of apple and depth from America’s original spirit” said Heath Traver Co-Owner and Head Brewer.
Founded in 1698, Laird & Company is America’s Oldest Distillers and remains family-owned and operated in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The Laird legacy began with William Laird, who introduced apple brandy to the region, and continued through his great-grandson Robert Laird, who served in the Revolutionary Army under George Washington. In a remarkable historical link, Washington himself requested and received the Laird family recipe for “cyder spirits,” making him the only known outsider ever entrusted with the formula.
“The story of Laird’s is truly American and Jersey history in a bottle,” said Gerard Laird-Dunn, Executive Vice President and 10th generation Laird family for Laird & Company. “To collaborate with Glenbrook Brewery on this once-in-a-lifetime anniversary is both an honor and a celebration of our shared heritage.”
“250th Anniversary Ale. Established 1776” will be released as a limited-edition offering inspired by colonial-era ingredients and brewing techniques, featuring a commemorative logo and custom can artwork.
The official 250th anniversary logo was designed by Kraus Marketing, a close neighbor of Glenbrook Brewery, as part of a broader Morris County Tourism campaign titled “250th Anniversary of the Revolution.” The campaign includes the website morriscounty250.morristourism.org, which highlights Morris County’s critical role in the Revolutionary War, along with all of the community events throughout 2026 leading up to the national anniversary on July 4, 2026.
“History lives and breathes in Morris County, and the American Revolution is part of our everyday landscape,” said Sarah Neibart, on behalf of the Morris County 250th Steering Committee. “This collaboration captures the spirit of the 250th perfectly – rooted in history, proudly local, and just a bit fun. It’s a reminder that our Revolutionary story isn’t something to admire from a distance; it’s something to gather around, share, and yes, toast.”
Together, Glenbrook Brewery, Laird & Company, Kraus Marketing and Morris County Tourism invite the public to raise a glass to 250 years of independence, innovation, and the enduring American spirit.
The official beer launch (or drop) is Friday 2/6 and will be available to go in cans 2/12.
About Glenbrook Brewery
Glenbrook Brewery is a craft brewery based in Morristown, New Jersey, dedicated to creating high-quality, small-batch beers inspired by local history, community, and storytelling. Revolutionary Beer® is a register trademark of Glenbrook Brewery LLC
95 Morris Street, Morristown, New Jersey – 973 206-1712 – email: info@glenbrookbrewery.com glenbrookbrewery.com
About Laird & Company
Founded in 1698, Laird & Company is the oldest licensed distillery in the United States and the producer of America’s original spirit, apple brandy. Still family-owned, Laird’s remains a cornerstone of New Jersey and American distilling history.
1 Laird Road, Scobeyville, New Jersey – 732 542-0312 – email: sales@lairdandcompany.com lairdandcompany.com
About Kraus Marketing
Formed in 2008, Kraus Marketing is a Full-Service Marketing Agency with Offices in NJ, NYC, & FL.
As a full-service digital marketing agency, we take your campaign or project from initial concept to completion, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully crafted along the way.
HQ – 40 Pine St, Morristown, New Jersey – 973 998-5742 – email: info@krausmarketing.com krausmarketing.com