Cape May Brewing Company co-owners and Villanova alumni Ryan Krill and Chris Henke met as freshman in the fall of 2001. Quickly becoming friends, the two stayed close throughout their University experience and remained buddies in the years after.
“As we approached the University’s 175th anniversary, we wanted to plan a year-long celebration that was fun and engaging for all Villanovans,” says Villanova’s Director of Presidential Initiatives and Events, Christine Quisenberry. “Lots of activities are scheduled on campus, and we wanted to be sure to find ways to include our alumni throughout the region and around the world in this celebration, too. That’s where Ryan and Chris come in.”
The values and principles instilled by Villanova to the brewery’s co-founders have become guiding forces throughout the development and growth of Cape May Brewing Company. The brewery’s commitment to community, their dedication to sustainability, and their devotion to quality all have their roots in Villanova’s most fundamental principles of Veritas Unitas Caritas: truth, unity, and charity.
“They have stayed connected to Villanova as alumni,” Quisenberry continues, “and the way they have built their business and invested in their community reflects on their time at the University.”
“It’s a pretty big thrill to be asked to do this for our alma mater,” Krill says. “Villanova gave us a great education and lifelong friendships. Being asked to be part of this moment in the school’s history is both exciting and humbling. It’s great to have a chance to give something back to the school that gave us both so much.”
“It’s a big deal,” Henke says. “It’s a great connection to have. A lot of the Villanova guys are big fans of CMBC, so it’s been really great that they’ve asked us to be a part of the 175th anniversary.”
A classic Pale Ale, Demisemiseptcentennial Ale — “Demisemi” for short — is brewed with a sampling of German Pilsner malt, CMBC’s house ale yeast strain, and a hefty dose of Centennial hops. The result is an easy-drinking and imminently quaffable brew, perfect for cheering the Wildcats to victory this basketball season.
“Ryan and Chris took the idea of an anniversary beer and created something special,” Quisenberry says of Demisemiseptcentennial Ale. “We’re thrilled that it will be available to our alumni and friends in Pennsylvania and New Jersey!”
The release at the Tasting Room on January 25th will be attended by Villanova alumnus, Cubs outfielder, and Cape May native Matt Szczur. That evening, CMBC will be hosting a Pint Night with $1 from each pint being donated to the Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation. Several years ago, Szczur donated marrow through the Foundation, saving the life of a young girl in the Ukraine named Anastasia. Since then, Szczur and his wife Natalie have donated much of their time in the offseason to this worthy cause.
In addition to the release in CMBC’s Tasting Room, Demisemiseptcentennial Ale will also be available on Friday, January 27th at the Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation’s Second Annual Szcz the Day Dinner. Held at the Cape May Convention Center, the fundraiser is hosted by Szczur, with CMBC signing on as the official beer sponsor.
Demisemiseptcentennial Ale will be distributed to better bars and restaurants throughout the region. For more information on Cape May Brewing Company, see www.capemaybrewery.com or call (609) 849-9933.
About Cape May Brewing Company:
Once upon a time, 20-something Ryan Krill earned a six-figure salary working in finance and real estate development in Manhattan, while his college roommate, Chris Henke, designed commercial satellites. During a summer weekend at the Jersey shore, they brewed a batch of beer with Ryan’s dad. “Should we open a brewery?” Ryan asked, only half-serious. But, by the following year, the three guys had secured a space at Cape May Airport where they concocted a makeshift brew system and honed their beer-making skills. In 2011, they started with one client. Today, there are hundreds of accounts in Jersey and Pennsylvania proudly serving the guys’ award-winning recipes. And CMBC’s fearless leaders have never looked back.