Page 13 - Leisure Living Magazine: July 2021 Edition

Master Brewers In The Spotlight Meet Owners Chris and Carl Krueger of
Put-in-Bay Brewery and Distillery
“Cheers and Beers to 25 Years!”
By Sherri Roth, Food & Feature Writer
“We are having a hard time believing it’s been 25 years!” exclaim Chris and Carl Krueger, owners of the Put-in-Bay Brewery and Distillery on Catawba Avenue. In 1996, the husband- and-wife team opened the island’s first brewery in the historical red brick building that once housed the volunteer fire department. “We were so young when we first opened,” reflects Chris. “Carl was 31 and I was 30, and we had a 2-year- old! We took on a lot of debt and responsi- bility at such a young age. Both of our families, our banker (with whom we
still have a relationship), and our
island family were very support-
ive, and we are very grateful
for that!”
Since their 1996 open-
ing, the brewery has been
expanded with a back
enclosure and an open-air
patio. In 2013, after Carl’s
intense research and study
of the art of distilling, a
beautiful copper still was
purchased from Germany.
Carl and Chris took great
care during these additions
to preserve the historical feel
of the building. “We love the red
brick. It pays tribute to fire houses everywhere!” Chris exclaims, noting that Carl is a long-time Put-in-Bay volun- teer firefighter.
These days, the Put-in-Bay Brewery and
Distillery is a “must do” for both locals and visitors who enjoy craft brews and island spirits. From the original refreshing Summer Brew, to tasty fruit beers like Watermelon Wheat, to heartier stouts such as Pass Out Bourbon Stout, there is a brew for everyone. Additionally, the brewery embraces the fall season with the production of Pumpkin Spice Lager and Oktoberfest. All of the beers
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Chris and Carl Krueger
Continued on page 16
crafted in-house pair wonder- fully with