Our History
In November 2007, Bill Drew and Jonathan Cort partnered to create Craggie Brewing Company, a hometown brewery, with passion for quality craft beer and strong community values. During the Summer of 2009, the co-owners asked Simone Seitz to join the Craggie family. In November 2009, two years after its inception, Craggie (or two guys, a girl and a brewery, as Bill refers to the team) opened its doors for business with significant local support and, some damn good beer!
A little bit about our name
Craggie was selected because it incorporated Western North Carolina’s historical culture. You will find images of the 1904 Old Craggy Line (a trolley that ran from downtown Asheville northward), Craggy Prison on River Road and Craggy Garden (the inspiration behind Craggie’s original logo created by Hamilton Cort, Jonathan’s brother) incorporated into a mural (painted by Alex Sacui) on the exterior of the building. As for the spelling of Craggy, well, the ie is used in place of y in honor of the partners’ Scottish/Irish heritage.
Bill Drew – Brewmaster/Owner
My passion for beer developed while studying abroad, sampling English and Scottish style beers. Once I returned to the States, I began trying any microbrew I could find. Through research (reading and tasting), I learned about styles, ingredients, brewing and brewing companies, and I cultivated the ability to discern how one beer differed from another by color, taste, flavor, and aroma. As my knowledge and palate evolved, Read more…
Jonathan Cort – Co-Owner
An Asheville native, I was aware of the emerging microbrew movement, and developed an appreciation for craft beers and a respect for the people who brewed them. At Brevard College, I discovered fermentation science in a biology class. Once I realized this was the same process that created my favorite beers, my focus changed Read more…
Simone Seitz – Business & Marketing
I grew up working in my family’s dry-cleaning business. After graduating with my first degree in communications (public relations), I worked in catering, event management/promotions and advertising/marketing. After opening a nightclub/restaurant, I shifted gears and Read more…
David Lee – Sales & Promotions
Hailing from Tennessee, I graduated as a Vol with a degree in business administration. I originally found success as a technical sales representative for manufacturers and Read more…
David “DJ” McCready – Intern
The Local Touch
Craggie is a brewery with a heart, which is evident from the causes it supports, the vendors it does business with, and the way it inspires giving. Craggie sells beer with a conscience – organic in craft and whenever possible, brewed with local ingredients. From building the brewhouse with as much reclaimed or recycled equipment as possible, to discounting Willibechers for those who choose to donate to select non-profits, Craggie Brewing’s Public House is a place where the community can gather to have a good time while doing good for others.
Look for this icon throughout the site to signify a local effort.
At Craggie Brewing Company, we foster our community’s quality of life through sponsorship or collaboration with other local organizations. Click here to check out who the folks at Craggie support.
