Our hope is that 50 Back demonstrates to the people in the military — past, present and future — that they are appreciated. We consider them American heroes.

– PAIGE HALEY, CO-FOUNDER, 50 BACK LAGER

By Barbara M. Houle SPECIAL TO THE TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

There are plenty of reasons to try 50 Back, an American-style lager that recently hit local retail shelves.

Co-founders of the company are Paige Haley and Kimberly Rogers, both of Pepperell. They developed the recipe, put the beer to the test and, last year, contracted with Olde Saratoga Brewing Co. in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., to brew and bottle it.

For every purchase of a six-pack of 50 Back, the company donates 50 percent of the proceeds to charities committed to supporting veterans and active duty service members and their families.

The women said the idea of 50 Back is a way to say “thank you” to all of the active troops and veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much to protect our nation and freedom.

Haley said, “Our hope is that 50 Back demonstrates to the people in the military — past, present and future — that they are appreciated. We consider them American heroes.”

Rogers said when she thinks of a hero, she thinks of her father, who was a U.S. Army veteran and a courageous police officer.

“His heroism lives on in my heart,” she said.

Austin Liquors, with locations at 20 Boston Turnpike, White City Shopping Center, Shrewsbury, and 117 Gold Star Blvd., Worcester, is the first retailer in the area to stock 50 Back.

Rogers said, “Austin is very supportive of our cause.”

Dylan G. Thomson, beer manager at Austin Liquors, has scheduled beer tastings of 50 Back at the Shrewsbury and Worcester locations.

Shrewsbury tastings: 4 to 7 p.m. March 31; 1 to 4 p.m. April 16; Worcester: 5 to 7 p.m. April 14.

A six-pack of 50 Back costs $7.99. Rogers describes the beer as “a great craft lager with slight citrus in the beginning, a touch of sweetness and a clean finish. Absolutely no aftertaste.”

Visit www.50back.com for more info about the company and the military charities it supports.

You also can donate directly to the charities.

And you can shop!