JF

Interview with a Brewmaster

Nov 7, 2014

TC
Stage· 188 messages
Nov 7, 2014

How does a Mr. Beer home brew kit become a full scale, award-winning brewery? Brewmaster Eric Crigger and wife/business partner, Tatum, share bits of their fascinating journey along the road to Rocket Republic Brewing Company, along with some creative tips for home brewers and entrepreneurs, alike. Join us for this one-of-a-kind Interview with a Brewmaster!

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:00 AM

Mr. & Mrs. Crigger, aka beer makers extraordinaire, I presume?
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:01 AM

Hi!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:01 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle

“Hello beer makers...”

TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:01 AM

Well, he's the beer maker. I'm the beer drinker :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:02 AM

Hey, it takes two, right?
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:02 AM

Quality control is very important
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:02 AM

Ladies and gentlemen, and yes, I use those terms loosely...
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:03 AM

Please give a warm welcome to Eric & Tatum. They have turned a passion for beer into a budding career - dare I say, an epic enterprise - and are therefore my all time heros!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:03 AM

★ Spotlighted from Steve Hoffman

“good evening...this should be interesting !”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:03 AM

★ Spotlighted from Ann Kissell

“Hey, can you tell us about the whole "passport holder" thing?”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:04 AM

Tatum, why don't you fill our viewers in on the Passport thing - we'll talk biz after that. :)
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:04 AM

The passport is our way for the public to get involved in our Constellation Collaboration campaign we are running through Indie Gogo. For $25 you become a Citizen of Rocket Republic and receive "perks" like stamps for pints drank/free beer.
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:04 AM

You also get to vote on the ingredients used in our Constellation beer series.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:04 AM

I'm a citizen! Can't wait to get to Alabama!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:05 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle

“free beer????”

TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:05 AM

This is 12 special limited brews available at Rocket Republic that coordinate with the 12 Zodiac signs- you get to have input on your birth month beer!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:05 AM

Yes, JD. They are not just beer makers. They are ful-fillers of dreams!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:06 AM

★ Spotlighted from Ann Kissell

“Nice!”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:06 AM

We'll talk much more about the uber-creative and innovative Constellation Collaboration project momentarily. But first...
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:06 AM

The Passport also gets you 50% off our merchandise during your birth month.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:07 AM

Tatum & Eric, could you tell us how you got started brewing beer? I mean, did you dream of being Brewmasters all your lives, or...???
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:07 AM

Also- think of it like a backstage pass. It will get you in to some important behind the scenes events at RR if you are a holder.
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:07 AM

Eric is the best one to answer this question...
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:08 AM

That's a REALLY way of thinking, btw...it's more fun when people get to be involved in the process.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:08 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle

“So how does someone begin brewing beer? I've had a home brew kit...came out awful”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:08 AM

*cool
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:09 AM

This Saturday we are hosting a one hour "Open Brewhouse" for passport holders only. They will get a sneak preview of our place!
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:09 AM

They also get a little sneak "pre brew" sample of an unreleased RR beer...
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:10 AM

It all started with a Mr. Beer kit - I have one in my garage! Tell us how it went from there!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:12 AM

Eric, did you research that whole process yourself? Was it a pretty easy transition? Or does one need an engineer-oriented brain like yours to make the jump from Mr. Beer to bonafide brewery?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:12 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle

“so to know a bit about brewing first is a good idea, Eric?”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:13 AM

But you loved the process? Is that a correct assumption?
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:13 AM

I personally have never seen him so passionate about something!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:14 AM

Tatum & Eric - at what point in the building of this passion for creating (and drinking, I assume!) craft beer did you decide to "go for it"?
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:15 AM

We talked about it quite a bit first. There are so many elements involved. We came up with the name a long time ago…I think it was more of a pipe dream when we did that.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:15 AM

Tell us about how you came to be called Rocket Republic - I love this part!
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:16 AM

We met in Key West, a.k.a the Conch Republic, and then we moved here to Huntsville- aka Rocket City. So we knew we had to cross the two names and that was how it evolved to Rocket Republic!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:16 AM

Business plans - argh! Nice work, Eric! :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:16 AM

Love it!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:17 AM

★ Spotlighted from Steve Hoffman

“that is very cool”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:17 AM

And once you decided to go forward - dream solid, business plan in place...what was the first BIG step?
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:17 AM

Our logo is also loosely designed around the Conch Republic flag in Key West- we just replaced the conch shell with a rocket and the sun with a moon and voila! Blast off into a steampunk logo.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:17 AM

Love the logo, too! :)
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:18 AM

We had the name, the business plan, and a logo that we liked- from there it was finding some financial backing to get us off the ground, so to speak.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:18 AM

Ha, Eric! That's why you guys are such a great team!
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:19 AM

He does just about everything- it's amazing all the facets of the business he's had to become an expert at!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:19 AM

That's a great idea, Eric! With a big sign that says , "Why our Brewmaster sticks to brewing..." lol
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:20 AM

Tatum, that's a great point when it comes to entrepreneurialism in general. But give us a glimpse of the timeline that led you both from then to now...
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:20 AM

Our business partners, John and Lynn Troy are actually rocket engineers- that was a total coincidence. Or not, depending on what you believe is written in the stars :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:20 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle

“So brewing beer is rocket science...tough”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:21 AM

JD - just GOOD beer!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:21 AM

Here's an article to bring you all up to speed on what RR is up to at the moment: http://www.abc3340.com/story/26869557/rocket-republic-poised-for-launch-with-mr-beer-collaboration-and-community-support
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:21 AM

Well we started dreaming up the idea of a brewery years ago…but the whole thing came together over time. I'd say maybe, seven years- is that right Eric?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:22 AM

That is a pretty cool "coincidence".
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:22 AM

We finally met the right partners in Lynn and John and that happened last year, when we started the business in 2013.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:23 AM

And now you're collaborating with Mr. Beer? The very company that started it all?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:24 AM

Oh! He makes beer AND plays hockey??? lol. Tell us how "full circle" came to pass.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:24 AM

★ Spotlighted from Steve Hoffman

“can't beat hockey and beer !”

TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:24 AM

They are selling a kit with our Astronut Brown Ale recipe.
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:24 AM

We are also offering those as a "perk" in our Indie Gogo campaign.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:24 AM

So, you started all this with a Mr. Beer kit, and now Mr. Beer is featuring your own recipe?
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:25 AM

Beer Karma.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:25 AM

Good karma is important, ESPECIALLY when it comes to beer! :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:25 AM

Wow, Eric - what did that moment feel like?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:25 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle

“or wine...Karma can influence everything..”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:26 AM

I don't blame you!
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:26 AM

Ha! I didn't know that...
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:27 AM

Like being contacted by your favorite super hero, I imagine...
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:27 AM

We are planning to do another one with them and they are also turning our best selling Constellation Beer into a kit.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:27 AM

That's amazing! And what a testament to your creations!
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:28 AM

Basically the public has a chance to make their own beer recipe that they voted on turn into a Mr. Beer kit!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:28 AM

Okay, tell us more about your Constellation Collaboration - what you're doing, why, how is Mr. Beer involved?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:28 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle

“Browns up 14 to 3 Steve Hoffman...yay!!”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:28 AM

And there's our football update!
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:29 AM

Constellation Collaboration is about involving the public in the process of brewing beer. They get to vote on ingredients used in their beer and we sell it at our brewery. Then after it's all said and done, Mr. Beer turns the bestseller into a kit!
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:29 AM

It's all done through Indie Gogo
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:30 AM

I think that's about the coolest thing I've ever heard. I would LOVE to have a say in the creation of a new beer!
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:30 AM

There are different levels of contributions but EVERYONE gets a Passport which is how they become Citizens of RR and get to be a part of Constellation Collaboration!
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:31 AM

The Passport is the best part really- it's like a backstage pass of sorts.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:31 AM

You mention Indie Gogo. The Constellation Collaboration is part of a campaign you are promoting to raise funds for expansion - is that correct? Can you tell us about the project? It seems pretty impressive!
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:32 AM

The Indie Gogo campaign seemed like a really good way to get the public involved in every aspect of the brewery from the ground up, quite literally.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:32 AM

Eric, that's a cool perspective. I don't know that a lot of producers actually LISTEN to their consumers. That makes you guys different. And AWESOME!
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:32 AM

So I started thinking of ways to get everyone's input and it's really evolved into something amazing! If I do say so myself :)
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:33 AM

I saw where other breweries had done this successfully, and I wanted ours to be set apart- A Brewery for the People, By the People.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:33 AM

Indeed it does, Eric!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:33 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle

“I love how much you smile Tatum...”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:33 AM

She does that in real life, too. :)
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:33 AM

Thanks :) :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:34 AM

So, about the new brewery...
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:34 AM

It's been quite an undertaking! But it's incredible to see it all taking shape...
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:35 AM

I've seen the pics/updates on FB. Looks like lots of work going on!
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:35 AM

There have definitely been obstacles along the way, but I feel like we are finally get there.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:35 AM

New equipment! Woohoo! Is that going to be like Christmas day, or what???
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:36 AM

It's a HUGE piece of the puzzle coming together.
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:36 AM

There will be many Passport holder events- I'm just getting started!!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:36 AM

I think you should. People love shiny things. And beer. Mostly beer.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:37 AM

★ Spotlighted from Steve Hoffman

“how big are the new tanks ?”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:37 AM

Wow! That's a lot of shiny! And beer. Mostly beer. ;)
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:37 AM

Um…that's HUGE for those of you out there that don't know what 30 bbl looks like :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:37 AM

★ Spotlighted from Steve Hoffman

“wow...nice !”

TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:38 AM

They will be the spotlighted centerpiece at the brewery of course.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:38 AM

I would be in sooooo much trouble with that kind of contraband at my disposal!
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:38 AM

Now that puts it into perspective!
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:38 AM

Which is really important since we are expanding so quickly.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:39 AM

Will the new facility allow you to bottle, as well?
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:39 AM

This is a big reason why we have to get out of the contract brewing scene and into our own place.
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:39 AM

Bottling and canning are high on the priority list…AFTER the buildout
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:39 AM

Because when you start bottling, I have great hopes of RR beer eventually being distributed in WI!!!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:40 AM

Nice!
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:40 AM

We have great hopes for that too!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:40 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle

“720 kegs...I'm in!!”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:40 AM

JD - 720 kegs...you're fired. lol!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:40 AM

Brilliant thinking, and way to be ahead of the game!
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:41 AM

We've purposely had to control our growth.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:41 AM

From one crazy entrepreneur to another, I have to say I truly admire your vision and ambition! Obviously, business smarts come with the package. Nicely done!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:42 AM

All in due time - sounds like you're doing it just right; using the success of one step to build the next...
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:42 AM

Baby steps!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:43 AM

Steve doesn't care. He just like beer. :)
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:43 AM

One small step for man...
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:43 AM

★ Spotlighted from Steve Hoffman

“is there an advantage to one over the other ?”

TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:43 AM

One giant taste for mankind :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:43 AM

Cans are easier to recycle at our current level of volume. lol
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:43 AM

★ Spotlighted from Steve Hoffman

“prefer bottles but drink mostly can beer”

TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:43 AM

I like bottles.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:43 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle

“I pour a can into a glass but will drink bottles directly”

TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:43 AM

Me too JD.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:44 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle

“In fact, I'll dothat right now...lol”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:44 AM

★ Spotlighted from Steve Hoffman

“easier to recycle”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:44 AM

Well, how about straight from the tap?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:44 AM

★ Spotlighted from Steve Hoffman

“interesting”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:44 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle

“bottles are fun to throw down the trash shoot”

TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:44 AM

From the tap is the best!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:45 AM

Good point, Eric!
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:45 AM

Canning lines are pretty expensive though- the one we're looking at is $100,000
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:46 AM

Not exactly pocket change :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:47 AM

Tangeant - I last saw Tatum & Eric in 2009. I was treated to Eric's new "hobby" from a keg-er-ator. IT WAS FANTASTIC!!! Just sayin'...
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:47 AM

And he was still new at it then...
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:47 AM

I can't believe I forgot you got a taste of the home-brew!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:48 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle

“well I can't wait to try RR brews...bring it on!!”

TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:48 AM

JD some beers taste like plastic to me.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:48 AM

That's good to know, Eric. It's not the container as much as the specifics of the brewing process, then?
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:48 AM

Our Astronut Brown with Peanut Butter is a fave here.
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:48 AM

Pomegranate Planet is another fave.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:48 AM

I HAVE to try peanut butter beer!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:48 AM

And that...
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:48 AM

SO good.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:49 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle

“peanut butter beer??? omg I am soooo in!!”

TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:49 AM

Our Steampunkin' ale is a really good seasonal beer too if you like Pumpkin.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:50 AM

ATTENTION PLEASE! Yes, that means listen to me for a sec. Before we begin wrapping this up, I want to make you all aware of how you can contribute to RR's expansion project. Go here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/operation-launch-rocket-repub
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:50 AM

It's okay...we'll wait. :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:50 AM

Omg, seriously, Eric??? Now he's gonna wanna move to Alabama!!!
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:51 AM

Steve- you must be psychic…that's all I'm sayin'.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:51 AM

Bacon beer...you just stole my husband's heart.
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:52 AM

I bugged Eric for months about it and finally got him to cave in.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:52 AM

★ Spotlighted from Steve Hoffman

“bacon beer on the horizon ?”

TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:52 AM

Bacon and the South…how could you not do that here in beer?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:52 AM

Bacon and guys, Tatum. Southern or not. BRILLIANT!
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:53 AM

I have another one up my sleeve, but a girl's gotta have her secrets.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:53 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle

“lol Steve hoffman!!!”

TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:54 AM

I hope people involved in the Constellation Collaboration come up with some crazy fun ideas!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:54 AM

I want the bacon beer in a Mr Beer recipe so I can brew it up in the garage. Secrets to a great marriage...
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:54 AM

If you start now JD you might make it in time for our Open Brewhouse!
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:54 AM

Make sure you bring your hard hat if you come.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:55 AM

Oh, she wears that to work everyday...
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:55 AM

Football helmet works too.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:55 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle

“I can do some hard work to earn some brews!!!”

TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:55 AM

We have some chocolatey yumminess in our Astronut Brown.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:55 AM

Are you saying I could have been paying you in beer all this time, JD? ;)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:55 AM

★ Spotlighted from Steve Hoffman

“beer, chocolate and potato chips are my favorite combo”

TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:56 AM

Jenn, you may need to buy the Mr. Beer kit with that for Steve!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:56 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle

“Is there any question why I love you, Steve=o?”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:56 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle

“YOu do Jenn....lol”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:57 AM

You guys are my heroes! Brilliantly creative, brilliantly industrial, brilliantly ambitious, brilliantly BRILLIANT!
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:57 AM

You're making me blush!
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:57 AM

Eric's really the brilliant one- I'm just along for the beer.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:58 AM

Well, it would be ideal if we all had a nice glass of Rocket Republic ANYTHING (they all sound so amazing!) to cheers with right now, but that will come when they get to packaging. In the mean time, hold up your glasses, cans, bottles...
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:58 AM

Thanks, Steve!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:58 AM

Here's to Rocket Republic Brewing Company!!!
TC

Tatum Crigger · 2:58 AM

Cheers!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:59 AM

EVERYBODY - go to Operation: Launch Rocket Republic at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/operation-launch-rocket-republic-brewing-company & give these kids a hand in their expansion!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 2:59 AM

And SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!!!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 3:00 AM

★ Spotlighted from Steve Hoffman

“You two are the kind of people that make America great ! Wish you the best of luck.”

TC

Tatum Crigger · 3:00 AM

One small sip for man, one giant taste for mankind!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 3:01 AM

Tatum & Eric - thank you for spending time with us & sharing your story. You really are the very best kind of people, and we support you all the way!!!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 3:01 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle

“Bravo Rocket Republic Brewery...I can't wait to have a taste!!”

TC

Tatum Crigger · 3:01 AM

Thank you!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 3:02 AM

Get your passports so you can vote on your Constellation beer ingredients! We should do this again and compare recipes! :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 3:02 AM

Night, all! :)