ABOUT US
— Ramstein beer reflects the marriage of German tradition and American innovation —
The History of Ramstein
Founded in 1996, High Point Brewing Company is America’s premier brewer of German-style Lagers and Wheat Beers. The founder and driving force of Ramstein Beer is Greg Zaccardi, an award-winning brewer who trained and brewed professionally in southern Germany
After immersing himself in German brewing culture and technique, Greg returned to the United States to brew Ramstein Beer. Ramstein Beers are brewed with the same care and precision that Greg learned in Germany. In fact, the malt, hops and yeast Greg uses to make Ramstein Beer are imported directly from Bavaria. Greg found a special brewer’s yeast used only by a small brewery in Bavaria and he convinced the brewery to let him use the special yeast for Ramstein Beer.
The unique complex character of Ramstein Beer is a result of this private yeast and of course, his traditional brewing methods. Ramstein Beer was named after the town of Ramstein in Germany, which has a large American population and home of Ramstein U.S. Air Force Base.
Ramstein’s Environmental Impact
Sustainability is important to Ramstein—that’s why it recycles its grain.
As part of Ramstein’s commitment to environmentally conscious practices, it donates the spent brewer’s grain to a local farmer, where it’s repurposed as nutritious feed for livestock. By giving the byproducts a second life, Ramstein helps reduce landfill impact while supporting New Jersey’s local agricultural community. Ramstein also participates in a CO2 reduction program designed to lower the brewery’s carbon footprint and operate more efficiently. From grain to glass, Ramstein values eco-friendly choices that protect the planet and strengthen the community.
MEET THE BREWMASTER
— The Man Behind the Brews —
Greg Zaccardi was born and raised in Montclair, NJ. Before beginning his endeavors involving High Point Brewing Company, he was a Research and Development Chemist and an Environmental Scientist working for USEPA. Greg saw the steady growth of craft beer interest on the West Coast, and he began to home brew his own beer. He watched as the expansion of craft beer started to slowly make its way toward the East Coast, and he interpreted this as an opportunity to make a unique style of beer.
German wheat beers were his favorite at the time, and he decided to take an apprenticeship in Southern Germany as a brewer. Once he finished, he decided to come back to the US and put together a business plan. Greg test-marketed his prototype beers. Based on the overwhelming positive response and awards, he decided to open High Point Brewing Company by selling stock to friends and family to open the brewery you know and love today—Ramstein.
