'Lighten Up' on New Year's Resolutions: Manage Weight & Help the Community by Having a Beer

SILVER SPRING, Md., Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Beer enthusiasts seeking to manage their weight in the New Year need not cut tasty brews out of their diets entirely. Instead, resolve to add Hook & Ladder Brewing Company's new lower-calorie beer to shopping lists in 2008. Hook & Ladder LIGHTER(TM) is not just a crisp, flavorful and refreshing beer; it's also one of the lowest- calorie light beers on the market, with just 94 calories in a 12-ounce bottle. As with any of Hook & Ladder's three brews, by picking up a pint or six-pack of Hook & Ladder LIGHTER(TM), consumers automatically provide donations to burned firefighters and burn survivors in their community.

Started by a volunteer firefighter and his business-minded brother, Hook & Ladder was founded on the mission of building a business while giving back to each community in which their beers are sold. Through contributions from Hook & Ladder and its wholesale partners, A Penny in Every Pint(TM) donates $4 from each barrel sold to local burn centers and firefighter burn organizations dedicated to assisting in the recovery and rehabilitation of burn survivors. A Penny in Every Pint(R) has raised over $20,000 in the past 18 months alone.

Packaged six-pack bottles of all three of their brews -- the Gold Medal Winning Hook & Ladder Golden Ale(R), the darker Backdraft Brown(R), and the new lower-calorie ale Hook & Ladder LIGHTER(TM) -- recently hit store shelves from Virginia to Maine. Initially, Hook & Ladder bottles will be available at most Hannaford Supermarkets, Big Y, Total Wine & More, Harris Teeter, Joe Canal's and Kappy's Fine Wine and Spirits. Through the new A Quarter in Every Case(TM) program, Hook & Ladder and its wholesale partners donate 25 cents locally from each case sold to the same burn organizations.

Hook & Ladder was founded by Rich Fleischer, a 15-year firefighter and brewer, and his brother Matt. "We've formulated all three of our beers so that each has a distinct flavor profile," said Rich. "Hook & Ladder LIGHTER(TM) pairs nicely with lower-calorie foods like fish, shellfish and chicken for people who want to enjoy a flavorful light beer with a sensible meal."

Based on Hook & Ladder sales figures, it is evident that consumers appreciate the fact that the beer they drink gives back to their local heroes. Hook & Ladder is one of the fastest growing craft brewers in the country and reports an increase in sales of 450 percent over the past year. In October 2006, Hook & Ladder had just one wholesale distribution partner and was available only in the D.C. market. Hook & Ladder brews are now available in 12 states and Washington, D.C., distributed by 42 wholesale partners. The brewer will expand its distribution into upstate New York and South Carolina in January.

Year-round, adults over 21 can log on to www.hookandladderbeer.com/donate.html to make a direct contribution to Hook & Ladder's charitable efforts. To find Hook & Ladder in a local bar or restaurant, visit the "Bar Locator" on the Website. Currently available from Virginia to Maine, Hook & Ladder plans future expansion nationwide.

Hook & Ladder Brewing Co. (www.hookandladderbeer.com) is the beer company that gives back to the community. Recognizable in bars and restaurants by its signature firefighter ax and fire hydrant tap handles, Hook & Ladder brews are currently served in over 300 bars and restaurants from Virginia to Maine. A portion of every pint sold goes to organizations dedicated to the rehabilitation and recovery of burn survivors and burned firefighters.