Manny's Beer: Where To Buy The Canned Version

Georgetown Brewing Company's Manny's Pale Ale is a popular beer in Seattle, Washington. It was previously only available on tap at bars and restaurants, but in May 2020, the company announced a limited release of the beer in cans. This decision was made to support pandemic-impacted workers in the food and beverage industry, with all proceeds from the sales of Manny's Cannies going to local non-profit organizations. While the original release was expected to last six weeks, some people are now wondering if and where they can still purchase Manny's beer in cans.

Manny's beer cans are limited edition

The release of Manny's Pale Ale in cans was a significant event, as the founders of Georgetown Brewing, Manny Chao and Roger Bialous, had famously vowed never to put their popular pale ale in bottles or cans. For 17 years, Manny's was only available on draft, as a way to show their gratitude to the bars and restaurants that first gave their business a chance. However, the pandemic changed their plans, and they decided to use the canning of Manny's as a way to give back to the community.

The limited edition cans of Manny's Pale Ale were available for a six-week period starting on May 23, 2020. The beer could be purchased at the Georgetown Brewery and select stores in Washington state. Each can featured a unique red packaging design. The six-week run of Manny's Pale Ale in cans was expected to be the first and only time the company would offer their flagship beer in this format. However, Manny Chao hinted that while it was the plan at the time, there was always a possibility of changing plans in the future.

The release of Manny's Pale Ale in cans was met with excitement and anticipation from customers, especially those who found it difficult to get to bars and restaurants. The sales of the limited edition cans helped raise funds for various non-profit organizations, including Plate Fund, Big Table, We Are Yakima Fund, and others, with the goal of supporting workers in the restaurant and bar industry. The Georgetown Brewery aimed to raise between $250,000 and $300,000 to be distributed across the state of Washington.

Georgetown Brewing Company's decision to can Manny's beer

Manny's Pale Ale, crafted by Georgetown Brewing Company, was initially only available on draft, reflecting Manny's vision of fostering a social drinking experience in bars and restaurants. However, in May 2020, the company made the unprecedented decision to offer Manny's in cans for the first time. This shift was largely attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, as bars and restaurants faced significant challenges, and consumers sought the convenience of canned beer.

Prior to the pandemic, Manny's beer was exclusively sold as a draft-only production, encouraging patrons to visit local establishments and enjoy the beer with friends. This strategy also served as a way to support the bars and restaurants that had initially served Georgetown Brewing Company's beers. However, when the pandemic hit, it disrupted the usual operations of these venues, and consumers were no longer able to gather and socialise as freely.

Recognising the impact of the pandemic on the hospitality industry, Georgetown Brewing Company decided to can Manny's beer as a temporary measure. This decision was a departure from their traditional approach, but it was driven by a desire to adapt to the changing landscape and support the struggling bars and restaurants that had supported them over the years. All proceeds from the sales of "Manny's Cannies" were donated to non-profit organisations focused on aiding workers in the food and beverage industry affected by the pandemic.

The limited-edition cans of Manny's beer were made available at the brewery and in stores, with the initial run expected to last for six weeks. This decision sparked excitement among fans of the popular Seattle beer, who had long requested the addition of Manny's to the company's canned offerings. The release of Manny's in cans during the pandemic can be seen as a strategic move by Georgetown Brewing Company to meet the evolving needs of their customers and the community while staying true to their roots and supporting the industry that helped establish their success.

Manny's beer cans are available in Washington stores

Manny's Beer, the popular pale ale from Georgetown Brewing, was made available in cans for a limited time in 2020. This was a notable departure from the usual draft-only distribution of the beer, which was previously only available in kegs. The decision to can the beer was made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as a way to support pandemic-impacted workers in the food and beverage industry.

The canning of Manny's Beer was initially intended to be a one-time occurrence, with proceeds going to charity. The limited release was expected to last for six weeks, starting from May 23, 2020, when the cans first became available at the Georgetown Brewing facility. After this initial release period, Manny's Beer was to be available in Washington stores by May 27, 2020. This marked the first time that Manny's Beer was available for purchase outside of bars and restaurants, providing beer enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to enjoy this iconic Seattle brew at home.

The decision to can Manny's Beer, even temporarily, was a significant shift for Georgetown Brewing. Founders Manny Chao and Roger Bialous had previously vowed never to put their popular pale ale in bottles or cans, wanting to preserve its exclusivity in the on-draft market. However, the pandemic prompted them to reconsider, as they recognised the need to support the struggling food and beverage industry. All profits from the sale of the cans were donated to various non-profit organisations in Washington State, including Big Table, The Plate Fund, and the We Are Yakima Fund.

While the canning of Manny's Beer was intended as a limited-time offering, there is always a possibility that Georgetown Brewing could decide to bring it back in the future. As Manny Chao himself noted, "I've been burned by saying never, so I am not going to say that." For now, though, Manny's Beer remains primarily a draft beer, available on tap at bars and restaurants throughout Washington State.

Manny Chao and Roger Bialous's vow to never can Manny's Pale Ale

Manny Chao and Roger Bialous, co-owners of the Georgetown Brewing Company, have vowed to never can their flagship beer, Manny's Pale Ale. The pair started the company in 2002 with an initial investment of $200,000, and Manny's Pale Ale was the first and only beer they offered for the first two years of business. Within the first year, the company broke even with 80 restaurant and bar accounts.

Manny's, as it is affectionately known, is a popular American Pale Ale, with a 5.4% ABV and about 160 calories. It is made with a careful selection of Northwest hops, premium barley, and unique yeast, giving it a rich and complex malty middle with a snappy hop finish. It has hints of citrus and fruit, and is described as crisp, clean, and smooth.

During the pandemic, Georgetown Brewing briefly sold Manny's in cans, with all proceeds going to local non-profit organizations supporting pandemic-impacted workers in the food and beverage industry. However, this was a one-time occurrence, and the company has stated that they have no plans to can Manny's Pale Ale again. They believe that keeping it as a draft-only beer helps them stay connected to the foundation of their business—the bars and restaurants that first served their beer.

For fans of Manny's Pale Ale who prefer their beer in cans, the company does offer other varieties in canned form, such as their Bodhizafa IPA, Lucille IPA, and Roger's Pilsner. These beers are available in 12 oz cans, providing a convenient option for those who want to enjoy Georgetown Brewing's craft beers at home.

Manny's beer cans to support restaurant workers

Manny's beer cans were introduced to support restaurant workers during the pandemic. Manny Chao and Roger Bialous, the founders of Georgetown Brewing, had initially decided not to sell their flagship beer in cans or bottles. However, when the pandemic hit and bars and restaurants were forced to shut down, they wanted to find a way to give back to the industry that had given them their start.

During the pandemic, Georgetown Brewery saw a sharp spike in the sale of their canned beers, and so they decided to start canning Manny's Pale Ale as well, with all proceeds going to support bar and restaurant workers. The beer was canned for a limited time, with the first cans coming off the production line on May 23, 2020, and available for purchase at the brewery and in stores across Washington state. The company hoped to raise $250,000 to $300,000 to be spread across the entire state.

In a statement, Chao and Bialous said:

> "When we started canning beer at Georgetown Brewing, we figured leaving Manny’s Pale Ale as a draft-only beer would help us stay connected to the foundation of our business: the bars and restaurants that first served our beer. If you want a pint of Manny’s, you have to go out, be social and support your local bar or restaurant. That’s why, for our first 14 years in business, we only sold kegs. It was also our excuse to drink beer at bars and call it work... Now, more than ever, your local bar and restaurant need your help. They have always been there for you. They have fed you, they have provided shelter, they have kept you hydrated... and your favorite bartender has listened to every one of your stupid stories. It’s time to return the favor. 100% of our profits from the sale of Manny’s cans will go to support bar and restaurant workers throughout the state of Washington."

The proceeds from the sales of "Manny's Cannies" went to various local non-profit organizations, including Plate Fund, Big Table, We Are Yakima Fund, and others, all geared towards supporting pandemic-impacted workers in the food and beverage industry.

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