With origins closely tied to oceanography, Aquatic Brewing operates true to its roots with a commitment to science and sustainability. Anchored on Cape Cod, Aquatic Brewing offers cold beer and a commitment to protecting the nearby ocean.
Sips o’ Science
Co-owners and brewers Alex Bergan and Greg Horning became friends while pursuing PhDs at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Falmouth. They were enrolled in a joint program in Oceanography / Applied Ocean Science and Engineering with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
After home brewing together and recognizing a lack of a strong beer scene in Falmouth, Bergan and Horning stayed in Falmouth and opened the doors to Aquatic Brewing in 2020. Maintaining a strong connection to nature and the environment was a given, inspired by their educational backgrounds and the coastal setting of the brewery.
Science plays a big part in the brewery’s ethos. As Bergan and Horning tell it, they “applied the rigors of science to the production of lagers and ales,” as “brewing is a science after all!” From the beginning, they made it a mission to build and maintain a strong connection to the rich history of the area and the community of science-based organizations all around them. The taproom routinely holds science talks dubbed “Sips o’ Science,” covering topics like nutrient pollution and innovations in fishing equipment that make fishing safer for local seals.
In addition to the science talks, the taproom acts as a community hub that hosts private and public events, including weekly live music and a fun run. Customers can purchase snacks in the taproom, take advantage of a rotation of local food trucks, or even bring in their own food from local eateries. Plus, the taproom is dog-friendly.
Kelp Beer? Kelp Beer!
Naturally, many of the beers are science and ocean themed, in both their names and how they are brewed.
Aquatic worked with a local kelp farmer, Chatham Kelp, to produce a beer with kelp (Holdfast, a Belgian strong golden ale: “this beer is sure to quench your thirst for the sea”). Bergan and Horning were able to head out on the boat to take part in harvesting the sugar kelp, a sustainable crop.
Other local collaborations include Pie in the Sky Coffee Stout made with Pie in the Sky Bakery coffee, roasted locally right in the Woods Hole village of Falmouth. They have also collaborated with other Cape Cod breweries on jointly brewed special beers including Bay to Bay State with Barnstable Brewing.
A bit less local, but ocean-themed, Aquatic brewed a New Zealand Pale Ale featuring the New Zealand hops Nelson, Radau, Mouteka, and Wai-ti. The beer’s proceeds benefit the Tawaki Project, protecting New Zealand’s Fiordland penguins who live in Southwest New Zealand’s coastal forests.
Brewing Sustainability
At Aquatic Brewing, sustainability is deeply embedded in all their operations. Not only do they host science talks, they walk the walk.
Among the many ways in which they embrace sustainable practices, Bergan and Horning generally brew more lagers in the winter, an energy efficient practice because ambient winter temperatures reduce the need for refrigeration because lagers ferment at a cooler temperature than ales. The solid waste byproducts of the brewing process make their way to a local farm, where goats and chickens feast on the spent grain. Yeast and hops are diverted from the waste stream. Electricity comes from community solar sources. Grain bags that cannot be recycled are reused as trash can liners. Water used to cool the beer is reclaimed for cleaning and sanitizing. The taproom serves as a pickup spot for the local community supported fish share. And finally, Aquatic Brewing coordinates groups of volunteers for Falmouth beach cleanups.
Aquatic Brewing is at the forefront as the beer industry as a whole increasingly values sustainability. While you enjoy their delicious beer, you might even learn a thing or two!
Please drink responsibly and do not drink and drive.
