More than 350 people gathered Sunday morning at Lawson’s Finest Liquids in Waitsfield, Vermont, to watch Mad River Valley native Paula Moltzan compete in the giant slalom at the Winter Olympics, and to support a fundraiser for the Warren Fire Department.
The brewery hosted a breakfast and watch party, serving pancakes, sausage, and bacon prepared by the Warren Fire Department, with all donations benefiting the department. Lawson’s Finest Liquids as well released a limited-edition IPA, dubbed “Paula’s World,” in honor of Moltzan, a sponsored athlete.
“For us, Here’s exactly what this building is for — it’s a community event, it’s a community space, and what an awesome event to put on and celebrate our hometown hero Paula Moltzan,” said Lawson’s Seth Talmon, the brewery’s vice president of sales.
While Moltzan and other top U.S. Skiers did not medal in Sunday’s event – gold went to Italy’s Federica Brignone, with Sara Hector of Sweden and Thea Louise Stjernesund of Norway sharing silver – the event drew a large crowd and generated significant community support. Lawson’s Finest Liquids expects the “Paula’s World” IPA four-packs to sell out quickly.
The brewery plans to continue selling the limited-edition beer until supplies are exhausted, according to reports. The event highlighted the close relationship between Lawson’s Finest Liquids and Moltzan, as well as the brewery’s commitment to community engagement.
