Birthin' a Brewery: The Rise of Monkey Wrench Brewing: Introduction

I know it's been a while, dear loyal readers, but I'm back to spread the sweet gospel of Atlanta's newest brewery, Monkey Wrench Brewing.  This post will be the first in a series detailing the foundation process of MWB.  As I'm a part of this process and a representative of the brewery, I have a unique opportunity to be privy to what it takes to transform an idea to reality with regards to opening a craft brewing operation.  So in this post, let's get to know Monkey Wrench, its brand, the beer, and its illustrious crew.

Peace, love, hops, monkeys. 

Monkey Wrench Brewing is the brainchild of head brewer and founder Wayne Baxter.  Wayne, who had been home brewing in Snellville, GA for 15 years prior to deciding to make the commercial leap, found inspiration for MWB's name hanging on his tool rack one fateful brew day.  In addition to the connotations of ingenuity, handiness, and hard-work, the name allows us to use monkeys in our marketing materials, and what evil SOB doesn't like monkeys? I don't want to brag or anything, but Wayne has also won several prestigious brewing competitions in the Atlanta area, including a best-of-show selection at Peach State Brew Off for his Merry Monkey Christmas Ale.

Wayne (left) and fellow monkey-man Ashton stirring the mash (go Bruins!)

Wayne's vision for MWB has and will continue to be one of strong community involvement, an emphasis on the outdoors, and simply a place where the neighborhood can hang out after a long day and enjoy some great brews.  Speaking of brews, MWB is looking to launch with a extremely approachable, well-balanced IPA called Hop Monkey in the coming months. 

Keg collar design for MWB's first offering: Hop Monkey IPA

In addition to Hop Monkey, some possible brews in the pipeline include (names tentative):

• Honey Ginger Ale
• Pumpkin Spiced Porter
• Merry Monkey Christmas Ale
• Monkey Mamma Milk Stout
• Monkey Monocle UK Style IPA

Now that you've been introduced to the big guy, the brand, and the brews, let's meet the rest of the Monkey Men crew:

Joseph Dreher- Graphic Design/Marketing

Heeeeey Joe

 MWB is very lucky to have a resident graphic designer in Joseph Dreher (but you can call him Joe).  Originally from Pennsylvania (don't worry, he's a rabid Braves fan. Boo Phillies!), Joe attended SCAD and Georgia Tech where he got his learnin' in.  He's also designed content for several Atlanta start-ups, before being snagged by Wayne in 2011. 

Ashton Cheatham- Sales and Marketing

Look at that beard!

Ashton, a long time Atlanta craft beer enthusiast, used to smuggle craft beer from Nashville during Georgia's beer Dark Ages a couple of decades ago.  Our man Ash also has ample experience working in beer retail as the long-time craft  manager for a local package store. 

Brent St. Vrain- Business Development

Brent was born to work for a craft brewery, as he was raised by a 6-pack of wild beers at the foothills of the Colorado Rockies.  An avid fisher and surfer, Brent brings his 15 years of international business development to the MWB table.  We are not worthy.

Adam Bruckman- Sales and Marketing

That's me. In addition to leading the Na'vi rebellion and cracking complex mathematical problems while a janitor at MIT, I have also worked for two European breweries, led tours for Terrapin, been home brewing since 2005, and am in the process of beating Skyrim. 

Now that you know about us and what we represent, in subsequent posts I intend to keep you all informed about all the fun antics we're experiencing while going through the motions of becoming Atlanta's newest beer-producer.  We'll cover such kooky topics as meeting with distributors, procuring government approvals, working with our contract brewing company, choosing a brewery location, etc. etc.  So as always, thanks for reading, and until next time, I bid you a fond cheers.