Welcome to our “Meet The Brewer” series! Where we interview brewers in Pennsylvania, from breweries small to large. Let us know if you know anyone who should be featured, email us at info@breweriesinpa.com.
Space Cadet Brewing Company is a Philadelphia‑based brewery that was launched in the fall of 2024. The brewery uses a single‑batch philosophy, where each beer is brewed only once in limited quantities. Their beers are more hop‑forward and sessionable, with low ABV for easy drinkability. Without a taproom for now, Space Cadet contracts its brewing and distributes across the greater Philadelphia region.
Richie Tevlin is the owner and brewer at Space Cadet Brewing Company. Read more to find out his introduction to craft beer, where he sees the craft beer industry heading, and more!
What was your introduction to craft beer?
My introduction to craft beer was during my time at Penn State in 2012, right when the craft beer industry was booming. All my professors were using case studies of breweries to teach us about various business concepts, and the stories behind these breweries were incredibly compelling. I was captivated by the narratives of entrepreneurs like Ken Grossman and Sam Calgione rigging old dairy equipment together and fighting to change laws just to operate.
At the time, I was feeling a bit lost, but these stories inspired me and made me realize that this was something I could pursue. I wasn’t even 21 yet, but I felt a strong calling to dive into the industry. I knew that if I dedicated myself to it, no one would have an advantage over me. So, during my sophomore year, I decided to give it the old college try, and I’ve never looked back.
How did you get started as a brewer?
I started homebrewing when I could, continued reading all about the industry, and during my summers and winters off, I interned at Keystone Homebrew (RIP) and Stable 12, washing kegs. My friend from high school, Ben Carbutt’s older brother, Chris, was a founder there, and it was really my first introduction into production brewing. I learned very quickly that you should always wear a dust mask when milling grain and denim jeans did not mix with the wet conditions inside the cellar.
After I graduated from Penn State, I contacted every brewery on the East Coast and begged them to hire me. Nobody wanted to hire a 22-year-old with zero experience. I think I must have sent 1,000 emails that summer. Everybody wanted help, but no one was willing to pay. Eventually, Flying Dog offered me a job as an overnight Filter Technician making $13/hour. I was now officially a brewer.
What style allows you to be the most creative, and why?
Right now, the only beers I am brewing are hop-forward styles because that’s what’s selling. While many people discuss the nuance of lagers and the strides the industry has made in exploring those styles, I truly believe that hops offer an endless exploration of flavor and complexity. All of my beers are clean and drinkable, as I want the customer to not only enjoy what they’re drinking but also to think about it. That’s where I’m focusing all of my creative energy these days.
What was the first beer you ever brewed, and what did you learn from it?
The first beer I ever brewed was an amber ale from a homebrew kit I got at Keystone Homebrew. I quickly learned that I hated homebrewing; I didn’t have the setup or the space for it. Initially, I even debated and interviewed for brewery sales jobs after college because I was afraid I might always dislike brewing. However, after just a few days at Flying Dog, I knew I had made the right decision to go into the production side. It’s far more enjoyable to brew on equipment designed for the task and in a space, you can completely spray down with a hose. While homebrewers are the soul of our industry, it just wasn’t for me. I’ve heard many chefs have similar experiences, it’s hard to drive a Kia when you’re used to driving a race car all day.
Where do you see the craft beer industry heading in the next few years?
The craft beer industry is at an inflection point right now. Recent data shows a 5% drop in sales over the past year, and it seems like we’re hearing about more breweries closing than opening, which hasn’t really happened since the craft brewing revolution began. Craft beer has matured, with systems in place that support breweries and entire industries that work symbiotically with craft brewing. However, as everyone feels the crunch of a slowing economy and a general shift towards more sober lifestyles, those who are over-leveraged are starting to struggle.
I anticipate continued consolidation as some brands look for a way out while others seek affordable options to expand. However, craft brewers are innovative and resourceful, and I believe that in 2-3 years, the industry will be in a much healthier place.
There has been a lot of discussion around distilleries in recent years, particularly those producing beverages at the same ABV level as beers, like hard teas and seltzers. These brands have gained a significant advantage by being allowed to sell through beer distributors. I foresee legislation in Pennsylvania that will permit alcohol producers to make beer, liquor, cider, and wine within the same facility. If these beverages are treated equally by consumers, it only makes sense that they be treated the same in production. Overall, I expect to see more open regulations regarding alcohol continue to be rolled out in the coming years.
Describe what it’s like to be a brewer in Pennsylvania.
Being a brewer in Pennsylvania is truly special. Living in Philadelphia and the surrounding Southeastern PA region, I’ve witnessed how craft beer has been an integral part of the community for over three decades, with iconic brands like Victory, Yards, Iron Hill, Sly Fox, and Troegs. There are so many brands that people here have grown up with; their parents grew up with them, and these breweries continue to thrive.
The community of craft beer lovers in this area is vibrant and supportive. People actively seek out local brews and go out of their way to support the industry. In an ever-changing world where conversations often revolve around challenges and uncertainty, it feels incredibly rewarding to be part of something that brings joy to others. I personally feel that love and support from the community, which makes being a brewer here all the more fulfilling.
What is the inspiration behind your beer names?
If you’re unfamiliar with Space Cadet Brewing, we operate as a single-batch brewery, meaning all of our beers are brewed once and never repeated. Each can features a single-panel comic of our mascot, Space Cadet, on various adventures as he trains for his journey to space. This concept makes our cans collectible, as we advertise on our website how many cans are currently in the market, promising that these limited-edition beers won’t return.
When you line up the cans, they create a storyboard of Space Cadet’s adventures. Everything we do from a branding perspective revolves around this theme. Our beer names often draw inspiration from the illustrations, or we might develop a name first and then create the illustration to match. I have a collection of concepts for future beer names and illustrations that we plan to roll out over the next year, and I’m excited to see how they all come together!
What is your favorite beer to drink right now?
I’ve been drinking a lot of my own beer recently, haha. I don’t have much of a social life right now, but I do justify going out occasionally if I can find a place selling my beer. Forget what Biggie said, I’ve only been getting high on my own supply!
What is the most important lesson you learned in the beer industry so far?
The most important lesson I’ve learned from the beer industry so far is that you get out what you put in. Sometimes, I encounter people who believe that craft beer should be able to sell itself, assuming the public will automatically support them. However, the titans who built this industry, like Jim Koch and Garret Oliver, have spent decades not only selling their beer but also promoting the idea of craft beer to the masses.
We need to approach this industry with a sense of purpose; the more effort you invest, the greater the rewards. We’re trying to embody this principle with The BrewedAt Podcast, where we host not just brewers but also local influencers and personalities. Our goal is to get craft beer into the minds of Gen-Z and the next generation of craft beer enthusiasts, who we will rely on to keep this vibrant community alive for years to come.
Thank you to Richie for talking with us! Make sure you follow Space Cadet Brewing on Facebook and Instagram to see all the latest beers and what they have going on!
