Amy & Thomas Deverson

We started hanging out, going to gigs at the Foundry, and UCCC events, and he was unlike anyone I had ever met with his love of life and adventure. If I had never come to UC and met Tom, then I would have just stayed at home and carried on the expected trajectory.

Tom was already into homebrewing at the time, and I remember his flat being full of his brewing equipment.

Thomas: There are so many variables that had to go right for us to meet, fall in love, start a family and now this brewery.

After Amy went home, we did long distance for six months before I went to visit her in Connecticut. I stayed with Amy’s family for a couple of months over our summer break and had my first-ever American Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Amy: After I graduated in 2011, I came back to Christchurch post-earthquakes. I was excited to come back as I thrived at UC and became an independent person, which was really empowering. I really value having spent time in pre-earthquake Christchurch. I fell in love with myself, Thomas and New Zealand. While Thomas finished his study, I started working as a pre-school relief teacher allowing us the time to travel and go on adventures.

After a stint back home in New Zealand with Wigram Brewing Company, we then returned to Connecticut where I started working with Two Roads Brewing Company, a bigger, more resourced brewery in Amy’s hometown. They were the most established operation I had worked in, brewing 24/7 and validating both my knowledge and experience. Amy worked in the tap room and gave tours, so it’s a time we both look back on fondly.

We then ended up back in Colorado, and I serendipitously met someone looking to start his own brewery but lacking the knowledge. He gave me a tour and said he would be in touch. Ten minutes later, I hear him calling me back down the street, asking if I could give him a hand with something. I was able to help train him, plus get experience tiling, welding and building as we set up the taproom – all skills I have brought back here to use in creating Renegade.

I also spent some time with Three Boys Brewery here in Christchurch. Every town and city we have lived and worked in has contributed to my taste and knowledge to bring our Brewery to life.

Over the years, it almost happened several times, but things hadn’t worked out. Thomas was looking for a business partner, and we’d never before come to the realisation that I could fill that role too!

Thomas: The fact that we actually made it happen is the biggest highlight of it all. The awesome feedback from our customers and having fun in the space is also super validating.

Do you have any goals for this first year?

Thomas: We’ve pretty much achieved them! Opening and turning over an acceptable amount of money to pay the bills was a big one. We have worked hard to get to this point but didn’t do this to become millionaires, we just wanted to enhance our lifestyle while doing something we love and believe in.

What about for the next five?

Thomas: At this moment, as we have a young daughter, all we want is a balanced life. Spending time at the beach, chilling with family, working on our house, and now having this incredible avenue at the brewery to be creative and support this lifestyle.

We hope for Renegade to be a community-engaged space where everyone is welcome. A spot for all of the weird!

Seeing regulars coming in and enjoying our beer is so special. We don’t necessarily have plans to open another spot, but we are always chasing creative outlets, so you never know.

What is the first beer you recommend to customers?

Thomas: Renegade IPA. To me, this is the epitome of beer. It’s old school West Coast of America style and sessionable. It’s the result of all of the beers I have tasted and brewed over the years.

Amy: Try Mega Juicy. It’s modern, hazy, juicy, fruity and not bitter.
 

Check out Renegade Brewing here!