Churchkey Can Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Brewing |
| Founded | 2012 in Seattle, United States |
| Founder | Adrian Grenier, Justin Hawkins |
| Headquarters | Seattle , United States |
| Products | Beer (Pilsner-style lager) |
The Churchkey Can Company was a brewery established in 2012 in Seattle, United States, by actor Adrian Grenier and former Nike designer Justin Hawkins. The brewery took its name from its signature beer, which required a can opener known as a "church key" to be accessed.
Brewery history
Situated in Seattle's SoDo district, Churchkey was launched by Hawkins and Grenier, the latter recognized for his performance in Entourage. The two met in 2010 in Portland, Oregon, and the beer formula was crafted with assistance from local homebrewers. Unlike many microbreweries, part of the startup capital originated from investors in the technology sector.
Production was halted in 2013 due to quality complications linked to excessive internal can pressure. After adopting a more conventional 12-ounce aluminum can design in 2014—while still requiring a can piercer—the brewery recommenced its operations.
Churchkey beer
Churchkey produced a single Pilsner-style lager featuring 29 IBUs and an alcohol content of 4.9% ABV. It was sold in 12-ounce recyclable steel cans manufactured by Ball Corporation. Each six-pack included a reusable churchkey can opener. Initially distributed exclusively within Seattle and Portland, the brand expanded its reach to Los Angeles by 2015. By June 2018, PitchBook had classified the company as "Out of Business."
The packaging design paid homage to steel flat-top cans from the 1930s through the 1960s, necessitating a can piercer or "churchkey" to open—a practice largely replaced by aluminum pop-top cans. This vintage-inspired approach sought to set the brand apart, although some consumers described it as "the most hipster beer in the world," indicating varied reactions in the market.
See also
External links
- (2016 archive)