10 Things You Might Not Know About Garage Beer
10 Things You Might Not Know About Garage Beer
Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce are now co-owners of Columbus-based Garage Beer
Garage Beer has carved out a niche as one of those easygoing, no-frills brews that doesn’t try too hard—and that’s exactly the point. It leans into simplicity, nostalgia, and a bit of tongue-in-cheek attitude, thanks to co-owners Jason & Travis Kelce.
But there’s more going on with this upstart brewing operation and here are 10 things you might not know about Garage beer
It Started In An Actual Garage (Sort Of)
The name isn’t just marketing fluff. The brand was born out of Braxton Brewing in Covington, Kentucky. The founders, the Rouse family, literally started their brewing journey in their family garage. Garage Beer was envisioned as an homage to those Saturday afternoons spent tinkering with engines with a cold, simple lager in hand.
The Kelce Connection
If the brand feels like it’s everywhere lately, thank the NFL’s favorite brothers. Jason and Travis Kelce became significant investors and the “faces” of the brand in 2024. Unlike many celebrity endorsements that feel like a paycheck, the Kelces actually fit the beer’s fun and unpretentious vibe.
It’s Not Just One “Flavor”
While the flagship is a small-batch Light Lager, they’ve branched out. They offer a “Lime” version that avoids the artificial lime taste for something more reminiscent of a squeeze of real fruit. Both sit at a crisp 4% ABV, making them the ultimate session beers.
It’s “Small Batch,” But Not “Crafty”
The brand occupies a weird, cool middle ground. It uses high-quality ingredients and small-batch brewing techniques, but it intentionally avoids the “Craft Beer” label. They aren’t trying to challenge your palate; they’re trying to quench your thirst.
The “No-Nonsense” Stats
For those who track their macros as closely as their fantasy football stats, Garage Beer keeps it lean:
- Calories: 95
- Carbs: 3g
- ABV: 4% It’s built to compete directly with the “Big Three” light beers, but with a bit more soul in the recipe.
It’s A Midwestern Success Story
Garage Beer’s biggest audience is concentrated in the Midwest, particularly in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, where it is currently the largest craft beer company in the state. While the brand recently expanded distribution to all 50 states, its core following remains rooted in its founding region
The Can Design Is Intentionally Retro (And So Are Their New Stubby Bottles)
Notice the minimalist white can with the bold, blocky lettering? That’s a deliberate callback to the “generic” beers of the 1970s and 80s. And they’ve just introduced retro stubby bottles (think an even more retro Coors Banquet bottle).
They’re All About “Crushability”
In the brewing world, “crushability” refers to how easy a beer is to drink quickly without getting fatigued. Garage Beer uses a specific carbonation level and a clean finish to ensure that the second sip is just as refreshing as the first.
It’s The “Anti-IPA”
The founders have been vocal about the “IPA fatigue” hitting the market. While they respect the science of a good hazy, Garage Beer was designed for the person who is tired of pondering a beer’s ‘hop menu’. It’s a return to simplicity.
They Make Hilarious Beer Ads And Marketing Videos.
Garage Beer has built a reputation for its high-energy, comedic marketing that often parodies traditional beer commercials and highlights the brand’s “no-nonsense” persona. Their campaigns frequently feature Jason Kelce in over-the-top scenarios, ranging from Predator parodies to DIY infomercials and Super Bowl ads.
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