Allagash 20th anniversary interview with Jessica Caruso

Allagash Brewing Company is celebrating 20 years of brewing beer in Maine on Saturday June 27th in Portland by hosting a street fair. There will be live music,entertainment, food and of course great beer. Tickets to the street fair can be purchased online at $10 per person, children 12 and under are free.

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I can’t make the street fair as it conflicts with a family vacation but I wanted to do something to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Allagash, I thought a series of interviews of long time Allagash employees would give us a glimpse at what it’s like to work for Allagash Founder, Rob Tod, and shine a light on the employees who keep us in the beer. Look for a blog post each day this week.

A big thanks to Sarah Spiegel at Allagash for helping me out with this project.

Cheers!

Chaddah

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Jessica Caruso. Photo Courtesy of Allagash Brewing Company

Name: Jessica Caruso

Year of Employment at Allagash: 2006

Job Title: Production Data Administrator

What is your favorite Allagash Beer?

Confluence, although White is also still my go-to after all these years.

Favorite Allagash Beer/Food pairing?

Any allagash while grilling out on a beautiful day.

Have you always had this job or other jobs in the company?

I have had a  number of jobs in the company. Retail/reception, office and inventory management; I also did order fulfillment for three years, was an assistant to Rob, an HR Generalist and now I’m a production and data administrator.

What is your favorite part of working for Allagash Brewing Company? or what is the most enjoyable part of your work day?

I’ve been given amazing opportunities to grow professionally and there is always something new. When I’ve learned there’s something that needs to be done, I’ve always said, “I’ll do it!” and then it sometimes turns into a department. There’s always a new adventure for me and I’m always challenged and I appreciate those opportunities. The people I work with are my favorite thing about working here as well.

What is your favorite memory from working at Allagash?

Some of my favorite memories are from when I was doing order fulfillment when the warehouse was still right across the street.  I sat by a window and could look out and see the warehouse guys getting trucks loaded and ready to go. This is when we were kegging to order every day. It was really the first faze of big growth here at Allagash. I was constantly talking to production about when kegs would be ready and timing over walkie talkie and waving at them through the office window. This was also when our company meeting would fit in our breakroom (When there were still only about  20 people in the company total).

Tell me a crazy or funny story about working for Allagash?

It’s hard to pick just one, but we’re always laughing.

What is it like working for Rob Tod?

Working for Rob is always an adventure. Truly. He is incredibly passionate and always happy and that definitely sets the tone for the whole company. I like being around that energy.

Chad Lothian

About Chad Lothian

Chad Lothian lives in Old Town, Maine. He is a craft beer enthusiast and homebrewer. Chad has travelled to brewpubs, breweries and brewfests all over New England.