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This beer leads the way

Commemorative beer glass crafted by former Army Ranger

A bottle cutter and some careful sanding result in a one-of-a-kind beer glass. Photo credit: Narrows Brewing

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Last August, former Army Ranger, Justin Shine, of the 2nd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, attended a benefit release party at Narrows Brewing Company on 19th street in Tacoma to highlight Narrows Brewing's latest achievement, "Lead the Way IPA."

The party was to raise funds for the Pointe du Hoc Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting Army Rangers and their families. By the end of the night, Shine had discovered a new favorite beer and had made a new friend in Scott Wagner, the managing partner of Narrows Brewing Company.  Says Shine, "I enjoy the variety of great beer offered at Narrows Brewing."

So impressed with the event and the beer and the folks at Narrows Brewing, Shine decided to do something truly special and unique to commemorate the brew and the day.

Using a kinkajou bottle cutter, Shine cut the top off of an empty bottle of Lead the Way IPA. Then he sanded the cut edge carefully and thoroughly to make it safe and comfortable for drinking. The result was a one-of-a-kind beer glass that memorializes a good evening, a great beer and a lasting friendship.

Shine says he was inspired to create the glasses" ... for Scott and the Brewery because of their generous donation and support of the Pointe du Hoc Foundation and the Ranger Regatta."

The Pointe du Hoc Foundation is, according to their website (www.pointeduhocfoundation.com), "an all volunteer organization formed in 2011 ... (that) partners with government and community leaders, local and national businesses, and friends of the battalion, providing support to Rangers and family members who served honorably in the unit."  Their mission is to "honor the courage, fortitude, and selfless sacrifices of 2nd Battalion Rangers and their families who have served in the unit from WWII to the present."  They do this by providing "benevolent support through educational funding, life skills development, counseling and employment assistance."

Every year, with the support of Narrows Brewing and other local businesses, the Pointe du Hoc Foundation sponsors the Ranger Regatta, a fundraiser co-sponsored by the Tacoma Yacht Club and featuring a reception and Puget Sound Regatta culminating in a salmon bake at Wollochet Bay in Gig Harbor. You can learn more about the foundation and upcoming benefit and volunteer opportunities by visiting their website at www.pointeduhocfoundation.com.

The Narrows Brewing Company, located on the Sound at 9007 S. 19th St. in Tacoma,   takes great pride in the art of brewing and strives "to ensure that every glass of Narrows beer is exceptional." They do this by endeavoring to "mind the details, handle our yeast with care, and never rush a batch that needs more time."  The result is a truly unique and exceptional brew that now has an exceptional glass to go with it.

Wagner has this to say about Justin Shine and his creation: "I consider Justin a good friend. I would drop everything to help him and his family if they ever are in need. It is easy to support guys like Justin; they are great Americans. One of the glasses that Justin made is proudly displayed in my office."

To learn more about the Narrows Brewing Company and their commitment to their craft and their community, just visit their website at www.narrowsbrewing.com. Be sure to click on "beers" to find out what's currently on tap in their waterfront tasting room.

NARROWS BREWING COMPANY, Noon to 6 p.m., Sunday; 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; Noon to 11 p.m., Friday through Saturday; 9007 S. 19th St., Tacoma, 253.327.1400, www.narrowsbrewing.com

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