On May 12 the island of St. Croix celebrates the grand opening of a brand new craft beer brewery.
Leatherback Brewing Company has been months in the making with hard working team buttoning up a repurposed warehouse space in Frederiksted. Situated near the airport in the William Roebuck Industrial Park, Leatherback Brewing’s buzz has been building as the brand was rolled out in late 2017 with plans for a Spring opening.
The beer makers were brewing by March and distribution thorough the island has steadily increased.
“People are excited for this opportunity,” says Packy Gilbert, one of Leatherback Brewing’s partners. “Independent brewing from people who love St. Croix and quality beer is something to celebrate!”
“We are dedicated to producing an authentic Virgin Islands and Caribbean product and doing it with as much homegrown involvement as possible, supporting local farmers and creating uniquely Caribbean versions of traditional beers” says Aaron Hutchins, the other managing partner.
Gilbert and Hutchins and their experienced brewery team will celebrate next Saturday, May 12, with an open invitation party at the brewery featuring six delicious beers and several bands and food trucks.
“We currently have Luke Slupesky and Misfits of Funk booked with a few other surprises in store,” adds Ivy Hunter, retail and marketing manager for the brewery. “We’re excited to have some of the most popular local food trucks attending including Killer Tacos and Love Croix Ice Cream scheduled and there will be brewery tours and lawn games.”
The St. Croix Chamber of Commerce leads a 10:30am ribbon cutting at the completely renovated warehouse that now features a palm grove and outdoor bar. The public is invited to join.
The entire Leatherback Brewing Company staff is looking forward to a meaningful and memorable first day followed by many more at the brewery that is certain to become an island destination after this weekend.
ABOUT LEATHERBACK BREWING COMPANY
Founded in 2017, Leatherback Brewing Company was founded by partners with diverse paths through the craft beer universe but a shared love of St. Croix. With distribution throughout St. Croix, the brewery and tasting room are located in the William Roebuck Industrial Park on the south side of the island. Leather Back Brewing offers several styles of beer with some featuring local ingredients. Visitors can tour the facility and learn about the brewing process and the tasting room features an indoor and outdoor bar with a family friendly atmosphere.
The company’s namesake, the Leatherback turtle, embodies the spirit of the company perfectly. Leatherback turtles are born on just a few of the beaches in St Croix and, although they may roam thousands of miles exploring the distant seas, they always return to give life to the next generation. St. Croix is a special place and Leatherback Brewing Company supports the island environment and the outdoor island lifestyle.