Cheers to 10 Years: Liquid Riot freshens up look for next decade

May 30, 2023Chris Crowell

ICYMI: Craft Brewing Business turned 10 this year, and we are celebrating our 10th anniversary with craft breweries that also launched in 2013. In Cheers to 10 Years, we’ll learn how these brewing businesses have made it work for a decade, and how they plan to keep it going. Cheers to 10 Years!

Liquid Riot launched in 2013 as Maine's first craft brewery & distillery hybrid — a trendsetter in the realm of alcoholic drink diversification.

"We were Maine's very first brewery-distillery hybrid and since then many breweries, distilleries, and a handful of hybrids have entered the market," says Hannah Martin, Marketing & Sales Director. "Over the years we’ve been able to expand our distribution footprint to four new states, gain national recognition for our beer and spirit products, and be able to focus more on using local ingredients.

Keys to making it 10 years? Martin points to prioritizing people, "whether that be our employees, our customers, or our community partners." That last part is just as crucial, as Liquid Riot's shift to "local" over the years touches all aspects of the business.

"Whether that be working with local farms and purveyors for our food program, using all Maine-sourced ingredients for our whiskeys, or using local artists and companies for our packaging and printing needs."

The market, of course, is much different than it was in 2023. And with more local producers and so many more non-local canned cocktails on the shelf, Liquid Riot is refreshing its company logo and packaging as part of its 10-year anniversary celebration. This new branding is being designed by Warren Cathro, Liquid Riot's long-time graphic designer.

Liquid Riot has paid homage to Maine's history of prohibition since its founding. The updated branding will remain true to the brewery's original inspiration, however, it will feature a more modern and streamlined appearance with a focus more on the liquid aspect of its name, rather than past riots. Each canned beer and spirit bottle will display new signature art. The updated branding also extends to brewery merchandise and subtle updates in the resto-bar.

While the official rebrand launch is June 2nd, grocery and liquor stores across the state got a sneak peek when the first wave of updated cans reaches their shelves.

Now, let's celebrate! Liquid Riot has planned an entire week of interactive events, tastings and celebrations leading up to the anniversary weekend. Kicking off the festivities today, they will co-host a Tiki Cocktail Class with Vena's Fizz House (who is also celebrating ten years in business) and they will end the week with an anniversary party at their 250 Commercial Street property.

For beer lovers, there are specialty releases such as with a collaboration with Kittery's Tributary Brewing called 10-Year Promise. They will package a special edition of Primus, the brewery's very first beer they ever brewed.

The Anniversary Party features an oyster pop-up with Sopo Seafood on the patio, food and drink specials, first come first serve commemorative glassware,10-Year Promise and Primus on draft & 4-packs to-go, merchandise, and live music.

For the entire calendar of Anniversary Events and details, visit the Liquid Riot Facebook page here.

Cheers to 10 years! If your brewery is turning 10 and wants to cheers, drop me a line at [email protected]. Tell me your story …

• What's changed over the last 10 years?• Key turning points or decisions to note?• Are you making any changes to prep for the next 10?

Here are some more Cheers to 10 Years features: