Through their journey as homebrewers-turn-industry leaders, the Shelton brothers have become an undeniable force in changing the landscape of beer and brewing. From introducing countless rarely seen styles to avid drinkers, to stirring up some controversy along the way, the trio of siblings from Belchertown continue to make their mark on the world of craft beer.
The Shelton Brothers – John, Bruce and Michael – were born and raised in Belchertown, Massachusetts and had a strong passion for beer that began when they were just 18 years old. This passion led them to become pioneers in the craft beer movement, and they are widely regarded as the fathers of craft beer in the United States. In 1989, they founded the Shelton Brothers company, which has grown to become one of the most influential craft brewing companies in the world.
In bringing attention to little-known brewers from across the globe and reigniting passion for nearly forgotten styles like Gose and Lambic, the three Shelton brothers also established a company that changed the face of beer and brewing—but not without controversy.
The brothers had a clear vision in mind: to bring high-quality beer to the American market. As craft beer specialists, they began importing beers that were, even at the time, considered offbeat and difficult to find in the United States. They introduced exotic styles and flavors, such as sour beers and Saisons, to American taste buds.
In the early days of their business, the brothers searched out brewers who produced distinctive and rare beers, such as Gose, Lambic, and Saison. These beers had high-labor processes, but the brothers sought out these brewers for their commitment and passion for creating unique styles that required special processing. Many of these beers had been forgotten or deemed too difficult to make in the U.S. The Shelton Brothers wanted to honor and showcase the special qualities of these beers, and believed in the power of these beers to transform the American craft beer market.
They were so successful in importing these obscure beers that they were able to build relationships with brewers and cultivate a personal bond with them, meaning they could trust and rely on them to produce the same quality of beer each time. This resulted in some of the most distinctive beers in the country and connected the Shelton Brothers with some of the finest breweries in the world.
The Shelton Brothers had a passion for bringing quality beer to the American market, no matter the cost. To make sure their beers didn't suffer from processing and handling issues, they had to work hard and remain vigilant in their pursuits for the perfect beer. They visited each brewery personally, tasted each beer, and checked for any signs of potential problems. They handled each shipment personally, traveling across the globe and ensuring each brew met their standards of quality.
The Shelton Brothers were not afraid to make decisions that sometimes flew in the face of the status quo. They were known to push back on brewers if they produced substandard beers that were below their high standards. This level of devotion to the craft helped to establish a level of trust between the brothers and the brewers and importers they dealt with.
The brothers were also credited with helping to create the craft beer laws that are now recognized across Europe, America, and worldwide. In their mission to bring a wider range of beer styles to the US, the brothers had to push for the development of laws that allowed for foreign beer to be imported into the US. They worked with the government and lawmakers to develop legislation for the importation of specialty beers, and allowed for the introduction of these unusual styles such as Gose, Lambic, and Saison to the market.
The Shelton Brothers’ passion and dedication to bringing the highest quality beers to the American market impacted the craft beer industry immensely. They pushed for the introduction of new beer styles and paved the way for other craft brewers to do the same. Their emphasis on quality created a sense of excellence that is now recognized within the craft beer community. Their legacy continues to this day, and without their centuries of hard work, craft beer as we know it today would not exist.
The Shelton Brothers’ passion and commitment to excellence helped to change the face of beer and brewing, from their hometown of Belchenrtown, Massachusetts to the rest of the United States and beyond. By bringing attention to previously unseenstyles of beer and supporting brewers who committed to producing exceptional beers, the Shelton Brothers have helped to create a craft beer culture in the