Case Study: Brewery Boosts Revenue with Freedomforge Merch Line

For breweries, merchandise is more than an afterthought. It is a way to extend the brand beyond the taproom, build community pride, and create an additional stream of revenue. One local brewery discovered just how powerful merch could be when they partnered with Freedomforge Custom Creations to launch a full line of engraved gear.

The brewery had tried merchandise before, mostly simple T-shirts and pint glasses. Sales were slow, and products often sat on shelves collecting dust. Customers liked the brewery’s logo but wanted something different, something with more substance and style. The owners knew they needed to elevate their approach, so they reached out to Freedomforge for help building a merch strategy that would match the rugged, authentic vibe of their brewery.

The solution was to offer gear that customers would actually want to use every day. Hats became the foundation. We produced Richardson 112 trucker hats with engraved Heritage Collection leatherette patches, each one branded with the brewery’s logo. To pair with the hats, we engraved twenty-ounce powder-coated tumblers, perfect for customers who wanted to represent the brewery on the go. The barware division added slate coasters and engraved rocks glasses for customers who preferred a premium touch, while the threads division rounded out the lineup with branded hoodies and T-shirts.

The response exceeded expectations. Hats sold out in less than two weeks. Tumblers quickly followed, with customers asking when new colors would be available. Hoodies and T-shirts became staples in the taproom, while coasters and glassware gave customers new ways to bring the brewery brand into their homes. In the first merchandise run alone, the brewery cleared over six thousand dollars in revenue. More importantly, the gear became walking advertisements, spreading the brand around town in a way that no pint glass ever had.

Customers weren’t just buying products—they were buying into the brewery’s story. Wearing a hat or carrying a tumbler with the engraved logo became a point of pride. Many came back asking about limited-edition releases, creating a steady demand for new designs. What started as an experiment in merchandise became a vital part of the brewery’s growth strategy.

This case study proves that the right gear, presented with quality and authenticity, can transform a brand. Instead of relying on disposable items, the brewery invested in products that would last and that customers would be proud to own. By choosing Freedomforge, they gained not only merchandise but also a powerful tool to strengthen their community, extend their reach, and grow their bottom line.

At Freedomforge, we believe merchandise should never be an afterthought. Done right, it is an extension of your brand and your story. Just like this brewery discovered, engraved hats, tumblers, and barware don’t just generate revenue—they build loyalty and pride that last long after the first pour.