In an industry where resilience is often tapped like a keg of IPA, Article Fifteen Brewing Co., a South Shore brewery heralded for its veteran roots, has announced it will no longer fill pints for its local patriots. Economic hardships have foamed up and spilled over for the Rockland establishment, with the brewery citing inflation, surging costs, and regulatory hurdles as the culprits behind its forthcoming shut down.
According to the Patriot Ledger, the brewery broke the news with the a sobering Facebook post: "It's been a fun ride, but every road comes to an end. The burdens of inflation, rising costs of materials, and equipment maintenance, combined with the constant regulatory challenges presented to us since our move have made it clear that we had to make the hardest of decisions." Article Fifteen Brewing intends to keep its taps flowing on Fridays and Saturdays until the end of the month, inviting patrons to help them "drink up and say goodbye to our home away from home."
In a venture steeped in service, Article Fifteen opened its doors back in 2017 in Weymouth, only to relocate to 406 VFW Drive, Rockland, MA, in the summer of 2022. Beyond just beers, the brewery founders Leo David Reardon and Laramie Struble shared a kinship steeped in military valor, with both serving as Combat Medics following the aftermath of 9/11—Reardon taking on roles as an EMT, Firefighter, and Rescue Technician, and Struble joining the fray with the elite 82nd Airborne Division. This legacy of service extended into their business, fostering a communal taproom for veterans and locals alike.
As a testament to their ethos, the brewery's website states, "We proudly operate Article Fifteen Brewing as an home away from home for those who also gave of themselves to the country and community." But even this proud homage to service and camaraderie wasn't immune to the pressures that have seen similar small businesses tap out.
While Article Fifteen Brewing Co. may be closing its doors, its spirit—a blend of patriotism, dedication, and craft—will remain a poignant chapter in Rockland's narrative, resonating with the loyal patrons who became part of its extended family. For now, those looking to raise a glass in honor of the brewery's service-driven journey have only until month's end to savor the final pours.
