Freeport, Grand Bahama – Despite all the gloom and doom in Grand Bahama, the Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company continues to thrive in the second city! In fact they are currently featured in Southern Boating’s May issue now on newsstands.

The internationally distributed magazine reaches more than 150,000 readers and has an annual subscription base of 47,000. According to the magazine’s website http://southernboating.com, the monthly magazine is “written for those who enjoy an active, family-oriented, boating lifestyle by an editorial team enjoying literally hundreds of years of personal, hands-on boating experience.”

Southern Boating is the largest boating magazine in the southeastern United States and has more than 38 years of history in the business. Most importantly for the brewery, the magazine caters to “a well-heeled boating audience equally dedicated to long-distance cruising, coastal boating, recreational fishing, and water sports.”

“These are the tourists we see three or four times a year in The Bahamas,” noted James “Jimmy” Sands, CEO of Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Co. Ltd. “Whether they dock in Nassau, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Exuma, etc … we want them to sip a Sands!” The well-known entrepreneur is the main focus of the four-page spread in the magazine’s May issue, which also highlights Bahamian cruising grounds, culture, events and cuisine.

“We chose Jimmy and his brewery because of our keen interest in Grand Bahama and because of his well known entrepreneurship for Bahamians,” said Marilyn Mower, Southern Boating’s Editor. “I think our readers would enjoy touring the brewery when they visit Grand Bahama, and let’s face it we like the beer too!” Mower is a keen boater herself and lives on a small motor yacht in Florida; she flew in to Grand Bahama to interview Sands at his multi-million dollar brewery.

“I found myself talking to a passionate brewer who is so very proud to be Bahamian,” she noted. “Jimmy and his team were so welcoming to me, I was able to see the entire brewing process and they made sure I sipped a Sands as well as the wonderful High Rock.”

‘Tapping an Idea’, the feature article on the brewery, recounts the history of Sands and his family’s history in the wine and spirits business and highlights his passion for brewing a truly Bahamian beer. “For four years I sat on the beach turning ideas over in my head, planning the details of how I would build a brewery when my non-compete clause expired” says Sands in the Southern Boating issue.

To read the entire article interested persons can click on to the Southern Boating website at http://southernboating.com and scroll down to featured articles. “We are very proud to be featured in Southern Boating” said Sands. “Its great to see all our hard work being appreciated by our neighbors, I’m an extremely proud Bahamian today!”

References: Marilyn Mower, “Tapping an Idea,” Southern Boating 01 May. 2010

Bahamian Brewery & Beverage Company lives up to its commitment!

Freeport, Grand Bahama - At a press conference held at the Bahamian Brewery & Beverage Company in early December 2009, owner and CEO James “Jimmy” Sands publicly apologized to Bishop Cecil Kemp, who is the owner and builder of the Lighthouse in High Rock, Grand Bahama.  ”When I produced the High Rock (beer) it wasn’t in my wildest dreams that I would cause a ruckus in the community, and I regrettably see that I’ve caused a stir and I truly apologize to Mr. Kemp for putting the lighthouse on the label,” stated Sands to the media.

At the time the Brewery chose not to defend the lighthouse logo and instead change it, to avoid any problems in the community that they had chosen to work in.  “There are different elements in the community and we really do not wish to cause offense,” said Sands.

In keeping with their commitment the Brewery has now introduced a new label and package on its High Rock beer, and bottled the first batch of newly labeled beer this week.  The new packaged products will hit the market in April, once the existing stock is depleted. “High Rock has surpassed our expectations,” said Mr. Lynden Johnson, Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company Sales and Marketing Manager.  “It has been received very positively by the Bahamian people who can’t seem to get enough!”

High Rock New Cases come off the line!

High Rock beer was launched as the company’s fourth beer product in November 2009.   The newest addition was touted as a higher end lager, delivering a crisp and refreshing taste with a bolder constitution.  “Lager beer is the most common beer made in the world.” said Johnson. “Using the method of slow acting yeast to ferment during storage gives High Rock its unique richer taste.”

The new High Rock label colours have remained the same but the lighthouse feature has now been replaced by a sea buoy, a mariner’s navigational beacon used by boaters, ships, etc.  In keeping with the nautical theme, Sands has managed to highlight his families’ love of the sea and their passion for island life.

Since opening in late 2007, the Bahamian Brewery and Beverage has had continued success with all its products: Sands, Sands Light, Strong Back and their malt-beverage, Triple B. “We finished bottling the newly labeled High Rock a few days ago,” said Johnson, “and we expect the old labels may become a bit of a collectors item for our loyal customers.”

——-

Brewery INFO:

Grand Bahama’s “Truly Bahamian” brewery opened in 2007 with the launch of its first beer SANDS.  The 20-acre brewery is located at the intersection of Queen’s Highway and Grand Bahama Way and is a 100% Bahamian owned business. The brewery also produces Triple B, a natural malt drink, sold via Asa H Pritchard Distributors, as well as STRONG BACK, SANDS LIGHT and HIGH ROCK. Bahamian Brewery and Beverage team currently employs just over 60 staff and expanded its operation into Nassau in 2008, opening a capital-based distribution centre at Kelly’s Liquor Store on Wulff Road. All Bahamian Brewery & Beverage products are also available at Bristol Wines & Spirits locations, Simms Brothers, Jimmy’s Liquor Store and truly Bahamian restaurants and bar locations.

At a press conference held at the Bahamian Brewery & Beverage Company attorney for the brewery Fred Smith (centre) showed the media the current label and noted that the symbol will change in early 2010. He also recommended that interested persons keep the labels as a souvenir, as it will now become a collectors item. Also pictured are owner and CEO of the brewery James Sands (left) and Bishop Kemp's attorney, Constance Mac Donald. (Photo: Erik J. Russell / Keen i Media Ltd.

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama — At a press conference held at the Bahamian Brewery & Beverage Company Wednesday, December 9th, owner and CEO James “Jimmy” Sands publicly apologized to Bishop Cecil Kemp, who is the owner and builder of the Lighthouse in High Rock, Grand Bahama.  ”When I produced the High Rock (beer) it wasn’t in my wildest dreams that I would cause a ruckus in the community, and I regrettably see that I’ve caused a stir and I truly apologize to Mr. Kemp for putting the lighthouse on the label,” stated Sands to the media. 

With both his attorney and the Minister’s attorney Constance Mac Donald present, the trio explained that they had come to an agreement with the Minister and no compensation had been made to the Bishop.

Attorney Fred Smith noted that the company believed Kemp and McDonald did not have a strong legal argument and they were prepared to defend the matter but his client agreed to change the logo due to his work in the community. “Because we are brewing beer in the community,” said Smith, “it is Mr. Sands’ desire to work with the community.  There are different elements in the community and we really do not wish to cause offense, since it is that not big of a deal for us, and it is a very big deal for Mr. Kemp.  He is part of the community, why cause offence? We don’t want to fight about something that there’s no need to fight about.” 

The lighthouse on the High Rock beers will remain on the product until early next year, allowing the company the time to choose another nautical symbol to place on the beer.

Accepting the apology on behalf of her client, attorney Constance Mac Donald, said at the company had done everything that Bishop Kemp had  requested and she was satisfied with the changes being made.  In closing the press conference, Sands noted when asked, that he seemed disappointed to change the label. “I face more challenges daily than to apologise to someone. Anybody can get into a scrap but I talks a good person to get out of one.”

“Lager beer is one of the most popular beers made in the world,“ said Lynden Johnson, Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Sales and Marketing Manager. “High Rock will be our higher end lager using the method of longer maturation which gives HIGH ROCK a wholesome quality.  Allowing the slow acting yeast to ferment during storage gives it more body – much like a European beer.”

The name of the newest beer to join the Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Co. family, HIGH ROCK, was derived from the 2006 competition launched by brewery owner James “Jimmy” Sands.  This unique contest allowed all Grand Bahamians to submit their ideas for “Truly Bahamian” beer names – even before the brewery opened! 

The competition offered contestants a chance to win $3,000 for their ideas.  When the brewery opened “Sands” was the first name chosen and then “High Rock” the second name.  At the time two local ladies had submitted this name, Ethel Bethel and Garnell Frith, and thus won $1,500 each.

High Rock Premium Beer was named after the High Rock Township, a small and hospitable community in the eastern end of Grand Bahama.  “High Rock is a place where you can relax on a Sunday afternoon, while sipping on your favorite cocktail and enjoying the ocean breeze,” noted James “Jimmy” Sands, Bahamian Brewery Owner and President. “As you drive through the area, you are greeted by many locals and feel a sense of community, much like what we are trying to create at our brewery facilities and with our business practices.“

High Rock bellows “Truly Bahamian” from its smooth finish to its original bottle design.  The lighthouse on the label and bottle cap are reminiscent of an out island feel, and there is in fact a lighthouse in the High Rock community.  Its distinctive green bottle is not only a great “green” colour but is also a “green” environmental product as it is recyclable. 

Notably though, for fans waiting for the next great brew, High Rock’s taste is pure and aromatic.  The longer aging process gives it a slightly darker golden colour as well as a wholesome quality.  Brewed with no sugar, it delivers a pure taste with a smooth finish.

Sands noted “I am ecstatic to present yet another beer to The Bahamas. We have had great success with Sands, Sands Light, Strong Back and even our malt-beverage, Triple B.  I am confident that our premium lager will have a similar impact on the market.”

Since opening in late 2007, the Bahamian Brewery and Beverage team has been steadily growing from 14 to now just over 60 employees.  Though all products are produced and bottled in Grand Bahama, the brewery has also expanded its operation into Nassau, opening a capital-based distribution centre at Kelly’s Liquor Store on Wulff Road in April of this year. This new distribution centre and the brewery in Grand Bahama are also the collection points for the brewery’s ongoing recycling of bottles programme.

“With the holiday season approaching, what better way to show our appreciation, to our many loyal distributors,” noted Johnson,” than by introducing the newest Truly Bahamian Premium Beer, High Rock, to them and saying thank you for their continued support of our brands.”       Johnson also released that High Rock  beer will be available for sale on Thursday, November 19^th at Jimmy’s Liquor Store, Bristol Wines and Spirits Freeport and at all Truly Bahamian Liquor stores and restaurants throughout Grand Bahama.

The Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company has always held a special place for keeping it “Truly Bahamian” and is on a mission to make all of its products Bahamian sensations.  “We had great success with the Sands beer launch in late 2007” noted ‘Jimmy’ Sands, “and the local support here in Grand Bahama has been incredible.  I am hoping they will embrace High Rock the same way! So I will launch it here first and then in 2010 take it the rest of The Bahamas.”

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bahamian-Brewery-and-Beverage/112140192531?v=info