Our Story

Our Story - The Guy on the Orange Bike

For much of his career, Tom Ruff was a highly successful recruiter, matching talented people with better opportunities. Then came the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic and, like many others, Tom began to reflect deeply on his own life. Soon, he resolved to follow his own advice and explore one of his longtime passions—craft beer. Oddly enough, around this time, Tom started experiencing severe stomach issues and chronic inflammation. The culprit? Gluten.

Tom discovered that his love for IPAs clashed with his newly diagnosed gluten intolerance. Out of necessity, he dove into the world of gluten-free beer. Unfortunately, the options available on the East Coast were limited and disappointing—too sweet, too artificial, and nothing like the great craft beers he had enjoyed for years. During a year of extensive networking and research, Tom learned that he was not alone: nearly one in three American households now avoid gluten when possible, and the gluten-free beer industry is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

Sensing both demand and opportunity—and dismayed by the social divisions, environmental destruction, and unrest sweeping the world—Tom sold his recruiting company and turned his energies full-time toward launching our brewery, Orange Bike Brewing. The name honors the bicycle he rode around Portland with such freedom and joy, often with his daughter Lula, during his time as a stay-at-home father.

Located in what was once an early 1900s coat and apron factory in Portland’s East Bayside neighborhood, we brew and serve gluten-free beer that rivals the world’s leading craft beers of any kind. Our quality is achieved through premium ingredients, proprietary recipes, and a historic brewing system designed by the rebel independent brewer Peter F. Austin, known as the “Godfather of Craft Beer.”

Our Values

We are committed to making world-class beer (naturally gluten-free) and intend to make our brewery a center and symbol of positive change in Maine and beyond. With a focus on the triple bottom line—social, environmental, and financial—our team is committed to setting a new standard within the craft beer industry.

Join Us for the Ride

We invite you to enjoy our outstanding gluten-free beer for yourself, become a part of our community, and help us make a positive impact. Together, we can create a space where everyone feels that they truly belong and where the joy of great beer and great company can thrive.