About
Our Story
Our journey is as unique as the non-alcoholic beer we craft. Founded by Caleb, a Marine turned humanitarian and entrepreneur, our ethos is shaped by his journey of service and innovation. He grew up in the Chicago-land area but has found his home in the Appalachians. See more about his journey in the timeline below.
Brian joined Bright Barrel as a co-founder in 2024. Growing up in Western North Carolina in a family that emphasized diligence, spent his early summers mowing lawns, painting homes, baling hay and finding satisfaction in honest work. He founded his own insurance business, and when he and Caleb met they immediately new their vision and values aligned.
Working closely with Bright Barrel is a crack team of brewers. These artisans brought their diverse experience together to create the perfect non-alcoholic beer.
Bright Barrel is not just creating a beverage; we are crafting an experience that reflects the spirit of adventure, resilience, and community that runs deep in the Appalachians.
Founder’s Story
The Journey of a Marine to Non-Alcoholic Brewer
The Marine Years
START HERE
2004-2008
Caleb’s experience with alcohol, like many, is complicated. As a Marine, drinking was more than a habit; it was a culture, a way to bond with his brothers-in-arms. The camaraderie was built around rounds at the bar, and that outlasted the uniform he hung up.
A Civilian Again
2008-2017
Transitioning to civilian life, he carried this culture with me. His early post-military career was marked by continued heavy drinking. He ventured into the humanitarian world and ultimately found himself back working in the Middle East as a humanitarian. The constraints on alcohol there, along with the mandates of the NGO he worked for, kept his drinking in check. It was a forced, yet necessary, respite.
Return and Relapse
2017-2022
Upon his return, he settled in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, where the thriving brewing culture beckoned. He found himself slipping back into unhealthy drinking patterns. With a young family and the busyness of American life he found it easier to just drink on my own and so he became what is known as a “gray area drinker”.
God and Community
2023
He tried to cut back first on his own. Shame led him to want to hide it, but isolation is dangerous. It was through programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Celebrate Recovery that he learned that he was powerless to control, and he needed God’s power and a community of authentic people to support him.
A Sister's Influence
2023
Now sober, he still missed the deep, complex flavors and aromas of a good ale. Sparkling water didn’t cut it. Then his little sister, who had recently embraced sobriety, introduced him to non-alcoholic beer. He was skeptical at first, remembering the lackluster taste of NA beers he had tried long ago. But to Caleb’s surprise, there were a few that actually mimicked what he had been missing.
The Triathlon Turning Point
2023
Around the same time, Caleb started training for a triathlon. This new goal brought a fresh perspective on health and well-being. He did not like the sugary hydration options he tried and so he started drinking these NA beers, savoring them after (and sometimes before) long runs or bike rides. The experience was exhilarating – a cold beer, high in electrolytes and good for recovery – without the downsides of alcohol.
Brewing a Dream
2023
Inspired by this revelation, he saw an opportunity. As he trained in the majestic beauty of nature with a community that cherished the outdoors, he realized he could introduce something unique – a non-alcoholic beer that life’s adventurers could enjoy. He wanted to share the freedom and joy he found in NA beer with people who love living life with a clear mind.
Crafting a Legacy
2023
And so, his non-alcoholic beer company was born. It was more than a business; it was a mission. A mission to offer a healthier, inclusive alternative for those who enjoy the simple pleasure of a crafted brew in beautiful places. It was a way to connect, to celebrate without compromise.
A Partnership Forged
2024
Caleb met Brian on a call to consult on insurance and it did not take long for the two to hit it off. Brian, intrigued with the potential for NA beer and impressed with the business model, joined forces and together he and Caleb have built Bright Barrel.