When local journalism meets local beer, something powerful happens — especially in Spokane, Washington, where The Spokesman-Review and No-Li Brewhouse joined forces to launch the First Amendment beer. The partnership isn’t just a marketing stunt; it’s a reflection of civic values, community connection and a bold vision for journalism’s future.
Aaron Kotarek, GM and chief operating officer of The Spokesman-Review, made it clear from the start: this was more than a gimmick. “I’m a craft beer aficionado,” he admitted, joking that it helped build the bond between him and the No-Li team. The beer, branded with imagery of the Spokesman’s iconic tower and an eagle carrying the newspaper, offers more than refreshment. “As you found out in Orlando [at the Mega Conference],” Kotarek said, “the First Amendment beer tastes like freedom.”
For John Bryant, co-founder of No-Li Brewhouse, the collaboration stemmed from years of shared vision. “Over the last decade, we’ve struck up a relationship with Rob Curley at the Spokesman Review and then more recently with Aaron,” he said. “We’re a brand that’s a disruptor… and I think what Aaron and Rob and the Spokesman Review and journalism is so needed is that the customer — that's what they want. They want local stories.”
Jack Bryant, John’s son and the brewery’s brand strategist, added context to the beer’s design. “Tying the two together, they’re Spokane staples — No-Li and Spokesman Review,” he said. “We brought out this one beer… helping with the design process… and bringing that to the conference, bringing it to Spokane and getting the word out around the country.”
The power of shared space and shared stories
The cultural cross-pollination of media and brewing creates something unique — a platform for public discourse. “There’s a lot of synergy between our two companies,” Kotarek said. “What John and his family do is encourage mature conversations regarding maybe things you shouldn’t talk about — sports, religion or politics.” He emphasized the role of the brewery as a town square: “I can go into his brew house and… have a conversation with [someone] about things that are going on in Spokane.”
John Bryant echoed that idea. “Otherwise, this just becomes vanilla — nothing against USA Today… but it doesn’t unify you locally by neighborhood, by city, by region. And that’s what craft beer does, and that’s what local journalism does.”
Jack Bryant agreed, linking beer and community outreach. “We’re pretty much just always looking for ways to support the community… like the fire fundraiser we’re doing right now or the Spokesman Review,” he said. “It’s just all about bringing people together.”
Kotarek sees these interactions as part of a larger mission tied to the paper’s nonprofit transition. “What we’re doing right now, we’re just swimming in the same lakes, we’re tilling the same fields, and we’re expecting a different result,” he said. “We feel the philanthropic dollars that we can generate, parlayed with the current revenue streams… is going to put us on a pathway toward ultimate sustainability.”
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A toast to the First Amendment
The partnership is as much about values as it is about visibility. For Kotarek, the Spokesman-Review’s First Amendment mission is central. “Who’s going to keep our elected officials accountable? Who’s gonna provide the stories that are local, credible, relevant, essential and differentiated?” he asked. “Just imagine, without us, what those communities would be like. I think they would be much worse off than they are today.”
Jack Bryant reflected on the symbolic weight behind the name. “The First Amendment allows for the opening of conversation and bringing people together to, you know, talk over a beer and talk through their differences,” he said. “Be able to do that freely.”
John Bryant sees it as a philosophical challenge. “If you want a healthy downtown… and a local unifying power and energy, why people come to Spokane, well, then you need a First Amendment beer,” he said. “It permits you to disrupt. It does permit you to challenge authority.”
His words carried a note of defiant optimism. “Love is not a weak word. Love is not a Valentine’s Day card. Love is a badass individual who has confidence, who will fight for what they believe in, and they do it with respect.”
The Spokane model
With civic tension high after a tragic shooting in nearby Coeur d’Alene, Kotarek praised the role of journalism in healing and unity. “Let’s not let one unfortunate incident define who we are because that’s not who we are,” he said.
The First Amendment beer stands as a symbol of freedom, yes, but more importantly, of collaboration. Of showing up. Of telling the truth. And maybe, of building a better world one pint — and one page — at a time.
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