Springfield investors buy, to move Trout River Brewing

SPRINGFIELD

A group of Springfield-area entrepreneurs, Vermont Beer Shapers, announced that it has purchased the brew recipes, equipment and name of Trout River Brewing Co. of Lyndonville.   The group will be opening its brewery in the One Hundred River Street facility in downtown Springfield.

Vermont Beer Shapers is a local company created by Trevor Billings, Gabe Streeter and Kelen Beardsley, who have been interested in developing a brewing business for some time.  According to Beardsley, this was an opportunity to purchase an existing Vermont brand. “Trout River is an established name in Vermont and is known for great beer.  We’re looking forward to continuing the traditions of the brewery, while working to make it our own.”

Beardsley said that equipment has been moved to Springfield and work will be starting soon on renovations for the new brewery space. He said that they hope to have the new facility up and running this winter. Initially, the focus will be on the production and distribution of beer.  There is the potential of a tasting room or even a brew-pub in future years, he added.

Claremont Savings Bank provided the financing for this project. Beardsley added that Vermont Beer Shapers also appreciated the help they received from Springfield Regional Development Corp. and its Small Business Development Center. Beardsley said, “There was a tremendous amount of support from the local community to help us with this project, we are extremely excited to bring this business to our hometown.”

Trout River Brewing was started in 1996 by Dan Gates.  Terms of the sale were not disclosed.