Gray Brewing Company is a true family business. In operation for 160 years and currently run by fifth generation family, Gray Brewing is the nation’s oldest family-owned bottling company. Creating locally sold specialty beers and handcrafted gourmet sodas, Grays is perhaps best known for their spicy Belfast Ginger Beer, a recipe taken directly from Gray Brewing’s founder’s recipe book that remains the same today.

Staying true to their family values and local roots, Gray’s is proud to call Janesville home and works hard to support the community by giving back. KANDU is grateful to be on the receiving end of Gray’s unwavering generosity and dedication to family and community.

“Having been in business in Janesville since 1856, our company knows the importance of a strong community and supporting local. It’s because of this that we choose to support KANDU; you give so many opportunities to people in our community,” said Sarah Running, a sixth generation Gray who currently works alongside her father and brother at the bottling company. “We have loved supporting KANDU over the years and believe your organization is one of the most important in our community.”

Gray Brewing embodies the “support local” ideal: there is rarely a community event in Rock County that doesn’t involve Gray Brewing. From serving up root beer floats at the Janesville Farmers Market, a tap takeover at a Beloit SkyCarp game, and a permanent spot at Music at the Marv, to an Olympics-themed booth at KANDU’s own Grapes & Hops event, residents know they can count on Gray Brewing to be serving up delicious beverages at local events.

Following years of collaboration, Gray Brewing will continue to be a valued presence at Dragons on the Rock, KANDU’s annual dragon boat race and community festival at Traxler Park on September 17. In addition to making sure attendees don’t go thirsty, Gray’s is also sponsoring a Keg Toss with all proceeds benefiting KANDU clients. Sarah says festivalgoers can be excited for an exclusive release, too. “We will again feature a specially made beer just for this event…stay tuned for what that will be!”