'Deduct' Some Stress Before April 15 with Hook & Ladder, The Less 'Taxing' Beer

SILVER SPRING, Md., April 2, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Can you claim a tax deduction for your next pint of beer or six-pack if a portion of every purchase is donated to local community charities?

Probably not, but consumers can feel good knowing that when they purchase any of Hook & Ladder Brewing Company's three beers during tax season (and year-round), they are giving back to their local fire and rescue community. In each market that mission-based Hook & Ladder beer is sold, a portion of all sales go to local burn centers and burn foundations dedicated to the recovery and rehabilitation of burned firefighters and burn survivors.

"While we don't advise beer enthusiasts to claim a 'beer deduction' on their tax returns, our customers can unwind during tax time and support their hometown heroes by enjoying Hook & Ladder brews," said company CEO Matt Fleischer. "The mission behind Hook & Ladder products is driving our success, which in turn helps us aid the brave men and women of the fire and rescue 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. Hook & Ladder and its wholesale partners donate a portion of all sales to local burn centers and firefighter burn organizations through the A Penny in Every Pint(TM) and A Quarter in Every Case(TM) programs. A Quarter in Every Case(TM) donates 25 cents from each case sold and A Penny in Every Pint(TM) donates $4 from each barrel to local burn organizations. These efforts have raised over $30,000 in the past 18 months alone.

Based on sales figures, it's 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 500 percent over the past year.

Hook & Ladder produces three beers: Backdraft Brown(R), Golden Ale(R), and Hook & Ladder LIGHTER(TM).