Rocket Republic poised for launch with Mr Beer collaboration and community support

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The American Dream is alive and well in Rocket City, as Rocket Republic Brewing Company collaborates with Mr. Beer, garnering community and financial support for much-needed facility expansion.

In 2003, local Brewmaster, Eric Crigger, received his first-ever father’s day gift, never suspecting it would change the course of his life entirely; a Mr. Beer kit. The home brewing experience sparked a passion in Eric and wife, Tatum, which – fast-forward 11 years—has today become the craft beer sensation known to locals as Rocket Republic Brewing Company.

The Madison, Alabama couple, together with support from partners John and Lynn Troy, began brewing their first commercial craft beers at a local brewery in August of 2013, with the official launch party close behind, introducing Rocket Republic beer to the public that September. Eric’s creative craft brews were so well-received that the couple quickly realized a brewery of their own would be necessary very soon.

“We knew right away (only two months into contract brewing) that with how fast we were growing, we needed to get our own space up and running,” says Tatum Crigger, co-owner and campaign manager for Rocket Republic’s recently launched Indie Gogo campaign to raise funds for the build-out of the new facility. “Originally, we thought we’d have at least a year before we had to make a decision like that, which is why we decided to contract brew in the first place. But supply and demand became the issue, and we realized if we wanted to keep growing, we were going to have to get our own space with our own equipment ASAP.”

Growing too fast – a “problem” most entrepreneurs only dream of, and a challenge the Crigger’s embrace whole-heartedly as they reach for the stars. And the stars could not be any better aligned for Rocket Republic on this mission, it seems, as they have partnered with the world’s largest producer of home brewing systems, Mr. Beer, in a collaborative effort to raise the needed funds for the brewery expansion.

A Mash Made in Heaven

In August, 2014, Mr. Beer contacted Eric Crigger to collaborate on their first Pro Brewer’s Series kit, bringing the dream that began over a decade ago, with that first Father’s Day gift, full circle.

“We wanted to partner with a craft brewery that started with our own product,” explains Mr. Beer Marketing Assistant, Sarah Scott, “so Rocket Republic was a perfect fit.”

The first Rocket Republic beer recipe featured in the Mr. Beer Pro Brewer’s Series kit will be the Astronut Brown Ale, but the collaboration doesn’t stop there.

Constellation Collaboration

On October 14, 2014, Rocket Republic Brewing Company launched a crowd funding campaign to raise needed funds for the remaining expenses associated with getting the new facility up and running, and the new taproom open to the public. Included among the many perks contributors will receive at different donation levels is the one-of-a-kind opportunity to participate in the creation of new craft beer recipes. Through Constellation Collaboration, 12 new brews will be created, one for each sign of the zodiac. Participants get to vote on the ingredients that will be used in the beer crafted especially for their zodiac sign. When the project is complete, the winning beer will become a featured Mr. Beer kit recipe.

“Part of the fun of making beer – whether it’s with a Mr. Beer kit or in a 30 barrel tank – is sharing that with people,” says Brewmaster, Eric Crigger. “Constellation Collaboration allows people to connect with us and have a say in that process.”

In keeping with the Rocket Republic motto, this will truly be a beer created for the people, by the people.

The new facility will enable the local, family-owned brewery to increase production to meet soaring demand, expand packaging and distribution, and make their uniquely hand-crafted beers available to the public in a social setting, via their own taproom.

As of this reporting, Rocket Republic has signed a lease on their future “home”, purchased all the necessary equipment to establish their own brewhouse, and is now raising additional capital via crowd funding to complete the build out of the new facility.

Connect with Rocket Republic Brewing Company on Facebook to follow their progress toward this goal and show support, or make a contribution at the Indie Gogo campaign.

One small sip for man; one giant taste for mankind.

**Jenn Finnell is a freelance journalist and champion of small business, American ingenuity, and great craft beer.

Contact Info:
Name: Tatum Crigger
Email: Send Email
Organization: Rocket Republic Brewery
Website: http://www.rocketrepublicbrewing.com/

Release ID: 66317

CONTACT ISSUER
Name: Tatum Crigger
Email: Send Email
Organization: Rocket Republic Brewery
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