Irene Firmat, founder and chief executive officer of Full Sail Brewing Co., Hood River, Ore., was inspired by the beer varieties she encountered during European travels and wanted to introduce more American consumers to the concept of high-quality beer. The former department store buyer started the craft brewery in September 1987, with help from now Executive Brewmaster Jamie Emmerson, who has an organic chemistry undergraduate degree and master’s in brewing from Siebel Institute of Technology and World Brewing Academy. Along the way, the pair fell in love and have been married for more than 20 years.
Their personal relationship provided a clear focus for a business that is dedicated to better beer with a portfolio of six SKUs. Under its namesake brand, the company offers Full Sail Amber, India Pale Ale, Pale Ale and a rotating selection of lagers under the Ltd. series. It also offers the Session brand, which is packaged in 11-ounce stubby bottles, in Session Lager and Session Black varieties.