So, What Got Us Here?
It all started during Christmas of 2007. I casually mentioned an interest in brewing beer at home—and, to my surprise, I was gifted a Mr. Beer kit. It wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, but I gave it a shot. By early 2008, I brewed my first batch. Was it the best beer I’ve ever had? Absolutely not. But I made it myself—and that satisfaction lit a fire in me. I knew I had found something I wanted to explore further.
The Evolution Begins
Not long after, I upgraded to a proper brewing setup from my local homebrew shop. I started brewing on the stovetop, and my beers began to improve with every batch. Friends were shocked when they found out I had brewed the beers myself—and even more surprised at how good they tasted. That kind of feedback was motivating. I was hooked.
Life Interrupted
Just as I was gaining momentum, life—as it often does—had other plans. As a soldier in the U.S. Army, I received deployment orders to Iraq. Brewing had to be put on hold.
In May 2008, I left for pre-deployment training. For every soldier, that period includes a lot of “hurry up and wait,” so I brought books with me—all about brewing. Hops, grains, water chemistry, fermentation, recipe formulation… you name it. I had the time to study, re-read, and mentally prepare for the brewing journey ahead.
The Sickness Sets In
By summer 2009, I returned home with a head full of brewing knowledge—and very little practical experience. So, I jumped back in. This is the part where I often say homebrewing is a sickness—because I kept buying gear, brewing constantly, and refining my process. Then, another curveball: a second deployment just nine months later.
Eventually, I came home for good—and over the next 14 years, I brewed constantly, perfected recipes, upgraded equipment (again and again), and kept dreaming about opening a brewery. If you’re curious about how this obsession unfolded, I actually documented it all in a YouTube video blog over the span of 11 years.
👉 Watch the YouTube Journey Here
Warning: some of it is a little cringe-worthy today (we’ve all learned a lot), but it’s a great snapshot of how far the craft has come—and how much the science of beer continues to evolve.
Homebrewers, Unite
If you’re a homebrewer yourself—or just thinking about getting started—I highly recommend checking out the online community at BrewTubers.com. It’s a fantastic group of creative, passionate brewers pushing the boundaries of style and technique. They’re a big part of what keeps the homebrew movement alive and growing.
Welcome to the Journey
We’re excited to finally share this dream with you. Chubby Mermaid Brewing Co. is the result of years of learning, tinkering, failing, and trying again. Out of the three businesses I’ve owned, this one has been the most complex—and the most expensive—but it’s also the most fulfilling.
Below you’ll find a few videos chronicling the brewery’s buildout and opening process. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast, a fellow brewer, or just curious, we hope you enjoy the ride.
Thanks for being part of our story.
Cheers!