CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Unknown Brewing Company, a craft brewery located in Charlotte’s South End, is pleased to announce a new Head Brewer, Chris Wertman. Wertman has worked at The Unknown since June 2016 and was promoted this month from Assistant Brewer to Head Brewer at the brewery.
Owner Brad Shell has been running The Unknown Brewing Company for over 3 years and has been the master behind all of the unique beer creations. During this time, Shell has also been working with Wertman as his assistant, grooming him to be ready to help take over some of Shell’s duties as Head Brewer. Chris brings a seriousness to his brewing and excels at the analytical side. While creativity and pushing the boundaries will remain an important factor behind the beers brewed by The Unknown Brewing Company, Shell recognized the need to promote someone from within to heavily focus on the quality of their craft. Positioning The Unknown as a creative, yet serious brewery is the important next step to help move the brewery forward.
“It takes a lot for me to entrust my entire dream to one person,” said Brad Shell, owner of The Unknown Brewing Company. “I’ve never given this much trust to someone, but I have a lot of faith in Chris. His dedication to the craft and his technical expertise is the perfect backbone that we need here at The Unknown. While we will always have fun making beer, we are also very serious about making great beer, and Chris is the one to help instill that as we continue growing and expanding.”
A Pennsylvania native with nearly 10 years of brewing experience, Wertman began experimenting with homebrewing during his time in the United States Navy. After completing his service in the Navy, Wertman earned a Bachelor of Science in Fermentation Science, providing him with the tools necessary to master the chemistry of fermented beverages. Deciding to persue a career as a professional craft brewer, he then joined The Unknown Brewing Company team in June 2016. Wertman’s military background has contributed greatly to his professionalism and dedication to excellence in his craft.
“Since he started with us, Chris has demonstrated his passion and knowledge of the brewing process,” said Brad Shell, owner of The Unknown Brewing Company. “He quickly rose through the ranks and I’m honored to have him take over as Head Brewer with The Unknown. I know his dedication to the craft, his technical expertise and his love for great beer will greatly move our brewery into the future.”
The Unknown Brewing Company is located at 1327 South Mint Street in Charlotte, NC. For more on The Unknown’s hours of operation, brewery tour schedule and special events, visit www.unknownbrewing.com or call 980.237.2628.
About Unknown Brewing Company
The Unknown Brewing Company, located in Charlotte’s South End neighborhood and just three blocks from Bank of America Stadium, is a local craft brewery that made Charlotte its home in 2013 when owner Brad Shell opened the 22,500-square-foot brew house. The Unknown Brewing Company’s culture is about breaking the mold and making exceptional beer, which includes a variety of unique seasonal and mainstay brews. For more information, visit www.unknownbrewing.com.