3 Veteran-Owned Craft Beers to Toast Our Heroes

Three distinct craft beers are being highlighted to honor veterans this November 11, 2026, according to a review by The Massachusetts Review.

The selection focuses on brews that are either martially themed or produced by veteran-owned companies. These offerings range from crisp West Coast IPAs to spicy imperial white stouts, providing a spectrum of flavors for the holiday.

The Massachusetts Review reported on these specific selections, which include products from Captain Lawrence Brewing Co., Veterans United Craft Brewery, and Tactical Brewing Co. Each choice carries a specific connection to military history or service members.

The first recommendation is Hop Commander, an IPA from Captain Lawrence Brewing Co. based in Elmsford, NY. This 6.5% ABV West Coast style brew features a translucent topaz color and a piney aroma.

The flavor profile relies on a blend of Bravo, Centennial, and Citra hops to create a citrusy note and a crisp, dry finish. The brewery’s name honors the founder’s home street, which was named for a captain in the American Revolutionary War.

Veterans United Craft Brewery, located in Jacksonville, FL, produces Scout Dog 44, a 5.4% ABV Altbier. This veteran-owned establishment was founded by a former Naval flight officer. The beer pours a near-mahogany brown with a creamy beige head and a malty aroma. It is designed to lean toward the sweet side of brown ales while maintaining a roasty quality and a slight hint of hops in the finish.

The Scout Dog 44 name honors the 44th Scout Dog Infantry Platoon and its members who initiated the Military Working Dog Teams National Monument. This connection highlights the intersection of specialized military units and the craft beverage industry.

Tactical Brewing Co. in Orlando, FL, offers a more unconventional option with the Aztec Death Whistle, an 8% ABV Imperial White Stout. Founded by veterans, the company describes its mission as making “Strategically Chaotic Beer.” This copper-colored stout features a thick, creamy head and an aroma of coffee and lactose. The flavor profile is defined by a combination of white chocolate and a “lip-prickling heat” derived from habanero peppers and cinnamon.

Beer Name Brewery Style ABV
Hop Commander Captain Lawrence Brewing Co. West Coast IPA 6.5%
Scout Dog 44 Veterans United Craft Brewery Altbier 5.4%
Aztec Death Whistle Tactical Brewing Co. Imperial White Stout 8%

Veteran-owned small businesses heavily influence the American craft beer industry. By supporting these specific breweries, consumers engage directly with the transition of service members into the entrepreneurship sector.

Toasting with Craft Beers Across the Country — Steve Adubato