St. John Brewers

2017-07-28
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St. John Brewers

2017-07-28

After 12 years Cheech and Kevin of St John's Brewing are still living their dream running a brewery operation on St. Johns Island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. While visiting the Tap Room, just off Cruz Bay, we had a chance to sit and talk with the two about the past 12 years and got a glimpse into what makes them successful. The two first met 20 years ago as freshman at the University of Vermont. After graduation, they started down the normal path of landing 9-to-5 careers, but soon became frustrated with the unfulfilling routine. After taking a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands they envisioned a different future. They quit their jobs, sold everything and headed for the tropical paradise of St. Johns Island, which is 70% National Park owned land. Having relocated to St. John, they soon had a longing for some good craft brew, so they bought a 5 gallon homebrew kit. After tasting their first batch they realized their next goal. They experimented with some recipes, got good feedback from friends and then took a blind leap of faith going from 5 gallon batches to 3,100 gallon batches (100 barrels). They partnered with Shipyard Brewing Companys master brewer, Peter Pugsley, who believed in them and was willing to take a chance on supporting their dream.
Fast forward 12 years and they now distribute 9 varieties of beer, a hard cider and three sodas in several Northeast states and they operate The Tap Room in St. Johns. Theyre happy making beer, selling beer and being good neighbors says Cheech. They are in no hurry to fall into the trap of growing too rapidly which tends to cripple some breweries. They're among the happiest brewers we ever met. They are ever conscious of their original goal of living in the tropical paradise of St. John's and serving good beer. Ive always believed, success is knowing when you have enough, and appreciating what you have. I love their website photo showing the two on the beach with a keg at their office. Who needs anything more than that? The beaches of St. Johns are amazing, and are that much more magical standing waist deep in gin clear water with a cold local craft brew in your hand. In the past years they have started brewing boutique sodas: root beer, ginger beer and an energy drink they call Green Flash. Theyre expanding to an on-site 5 barrel system which will directly serve their tap room while they continue to contract brew and distribute 3,600 barrels annually in cans and bottles to thirsty islanders and many northern fans who enjoy the tasty tropical brew. Normally only available in bottles, we had the extra pleasure of enjoying their brews on tap: Island Hoppin IPA, Liquid Sunshine , Mango Pale Ale, Coffer Stout and we finished it with a yummy ginger beer to go.
In 2015, a fire that started in a laundromat in the same building took out their original tap room. Kevin, Cheech, staff and their customers all escaped but they lost everything. Not even considering altering their plans they immediately sketched plans to expand their operation. They are nearing the end of reconstruction and will be expanding their foot print in the original location. Kevin talked about the recent changes in regulations and the new sin tax imposed by the USVI, but he takes all it in stride and he sees a bright future ahead. They brew what they like and they are seeing growth in the local market including a new homebrew club which they have supported. They support local causes, they make tasty craft brew, they live in paradise and they've been friends for over 20 years. Ah the sweet taste of success. Make sure you stop in for a bite and a few cold pints upon arriving in St. John's.