Former Evil Genius brewmaster, Jon Defibaugh, launches a GoFundMe campaign for his own upcoming brewery, Last Drop. Hopes to shake up industry stereotypes, and shape the future of beer culture.
After his departure from previous employers, Evil Genius Brewing, long-time local brewmaster Jon Defibaugh decided it was time to branch off on his own.
“Like many others who work in the industry, I have long dreamt of opening my own brewery. What always held me back from following this dream is the beer industry itself. The environment within the beer industry has historically been one of exclusion, racism, homophobia, and blatant sexism. As a straight, white male, I know I have been granted opportunities that females, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community would never have the chance to see,” said Defibaugh.
Thus, “Last Drop Beer,” was born. The beer industry had a reckoning of sorts, earlier this summer. Reports of sexual assault, racism, homophobia, and much more, found Instagram user @ratmagnet outing local breweries for their behavior. Two of Defibaugh’s previous employers are named. As a result, Jon is adamant about being a company that provides equal and fair opportunities to all people from all walks of life:
“We want to create exceptional beer that can be enjoyed by anyone, from the biggest beer connoisseurs to the people who just want to have a great beer with their friends. Our main goal at Last Drop is to open doors and create new paths for all people, so that those who have been marginalized within the beer industry can have equal access to opportunities. We want to be a part of the future of craft beer! We strive to create equality driven, quality focused beers brewed for every body.”
And to put his money where his mouth is, Defibaugh will be working closely with inclusion specialist, Kelly Meerbott. She will be guiding the Last Drop team in building an inclusive corporate structure from the ground up, and to avoid creating a toxic work environment, as happens so often in the beer industry. Defibaugh is even doubling down and $1 of ALL case sales will benefit different BIPOC and LGBTQ+ organizations.
Equal*ity IPA – The foundational hazy IPA, and a representation of what Last Drop brewing stands for as a company. Juicy and dank asf, this can is the culmination of over a decade of intensive research by brewmaster Jon Defibaugh. Bold, yet balanced, with notes of lime zest, fresh peach, and candied apricots, all framed by a creamy mouthfeel, low bitterness, and a bright, fruity finish. A portion of all sales from this beer will be donated to the Michael James Jackson Foundation, whose main goal is to provide education grants for BIPOC people within the beer industry.
Trans*form Double IPA – The foundational hazy Double IPA, and our pledge to help create a better world for everyone. Doubly as dank and juicy as our regular IPA, this beer represents a constant evolutionary journey towards the perfect low bitterness DIPA. This beer is a continual research project by our brewmaster Jon Defibaugh, crafted with a constantly rotating variety of cutting edge hops. A portion of all sales from this beer will be donated to The Trevor Project, a LGBTQ+ suicide hotline.
Last Drop will proudly brew their beers at New Trail Brewing in Williamsport, PA. Brewmaster Jon Defibaugh will be overseeing all recipe development and processes to ensure the highest quality product. While there isn’t a physical location (YET), fans will have no problems getting their mittens on this new beer as it will be available where you currently purchase beer!
The product should be available in PA by the first week of November. Starting Tuesday, September 7 2021, Last Drop will be launching a reward based GoFundMe campaign, offering exclusive membership to the Last Drop Cult as well as custom merchandise and artwork from house artist NTEL.
The reward structure is as follows:
$100 – cult member status, sticker pack, 20% off all merch
$250 – all of the above, plus hand tie dyed t-shirt, 2 teku glasses
$500 – all of the above, plus hand-embellished and signed LAST DROP print from house artist NTEL
$1000 – all of the above, plus yearly in-house brewdays
$2500 – all of the above, plus custom artwork designed by house artist NTEL
$5000 – all of the above, plus you get to help conceptualize, develop, design, and name a future LAST DROP BEER!
Be sure to follow them @lastdropbeerco on INSTAGRAM for updates and exciting announcements!
