Our Story

OUR STORY

Location, Location, Location...

as told by Jennie Gutierrez

Chris and I had always discussed that the location of our future brewery would be in a building that needed to be loved and brought back to life. We found that in our current location on the corner of Fowler & MLK. We have always loved this little church building, and thought it could be gorgeous when brought back to life. We asked if it was available… and to our surprise, it was!
She was a little rough. There were windows that needed to be replaced, a leaky roof, and two drop ceilings hiding our beautiful original beams and some furry friends! We learned that our little church was built in 1953 by the First Assembly of God. Throughout the years she had also been used as a thrift shop, a print shop, and a soap factory as well as having some empty times while looking for the right owners. We appreciate the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) for their help in revitalizing our little church. From the little glimpses of history found during remodeling, to the new design as a brewery, we hope you will join us. We want to bring the community back together in this space, to feel the fun, and to taste the beer!

The kettle, tun & Tanks...

Bringing the brewing community together from 1,282 miles away!

We’ve been doing a lot with a little at Swamp Cat Brewing Company. And a brewery out of Long Island, New York helped make our dreams come true. Mark Scoroposki & Ben Kossoff, owners of Garvies Point Brewing & Restaurant located in Glen Cove were upgrading their brewhouse system and looking for a good safe home for their original equipment. Garvies Point Brewery also happens to be the craft beer supplier for Citi Field where the New York Mets play. 

Mark & Ben made the transaction smooth and easy. We shook hands and promised to take care of their original equipment.  We invited fellow brewer, Ryan Carruth, from Riptide Brewing Company in Bonita, Florida to come along and inspect the tanks. 

Logistics was a bit shaky. The tanks drove down in a tractor trailer but now, how to get them into our brewery? There was hoisting, pulling, and doors taken off, to get the equipment into the building. It was definitely a gritty situation. But the bright and shiny metals are now housed in their new home.  We have two vessel brewhouse brew kettle, mash/lauter tun and fermentation tanks. Three of them from Garvies Point & two from Riptide Brewing in Bonita. The brewing family is a small community with big hearts. Community, integrity & fun!

Chris….the Sailor,
the Dad & the Brewer​

27 years in the United States Navy cemented a few things for Chris Gutierrez: a commitment to family, community, and the art of brewing. The steadfast and compassionate endurance of the Gutierrez family, and their unwavering support across numerous deployments is a testament to the man Chris is and the character he inspires. 

As a retired Surface Warfare Officer, he acquainted himself with beer styles and brew techniques on every available continent; it afforded him unique insight into what it means to push the bounds of creativity as a hop-forward brewer. Chris’ time stateside was no exception, as he tested and tinkered with his love for homebrew. Every father’s day dinner was undoubtedly enjoyed at a local brewery, and without fail he would ask: “what do we like about this place?”

Long before Swamp Cat Brewing Company was a reality, Chris understood and appreciated the art and science of the brewing process, as well as the products of this historic trade. His desire, backed by faith in his ability to lead and execute, has burned like a wildfire in the back of his mind… until now. Our passion at Swamp Cat Brew Co. is encapsulated by our philosophy: “What inspires you and what are you going to brew about it?”

Chris has networked and shared his passion whenever and wherever possible. His wife, Jennie, always endorsed the potential for a “someday” brewery, and his children grew up alongside this notion, long-entertaining different names and logos. After 27 years of service, Chris’ vision has begun to manifest into the reality that is Swamp Cat Brewing Company. Establishing a presence in the emerging market of Southwest Florida, Swamp Cat Brew Co. aims to be the keystone brewery of the Gulf Coast and a destination for brewers the world over.

Swamp Cat Brewing Company’s mission is simple and straightforward: create the finest craft beer that captures the pulse and character of Southwest Florida while contributing to the communities who support our mission, creating value for the broader area, and having fun along the way. Community. Integrity. Fun.

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Pour on the Flight Club Membership Benefits!

Be a part of the Big Cat pack! Drink & merch discounts! VIP invites to special events, beer releases, etc.! Membership levels starting at $49. Enrollment is valid for 12 months and open to all beer lovers! Limited memberships for the Big Cat Level.

Big Cat Level

$299 .00

Panther Level

$99.00

Cub Level

$49 .00

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The brewing of our beer comes from years of study and pursuit of the best ingredients and recipes. Designed and curated under the watchful eye of Chris – our Brewmaster extraordinaire!
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Pour on the Flight Club Membership Benefits!

Be a part of the Big Cat pack! Drink & merch discounts! VIP invites to special events, beer releases, etc.! Membership levels starting at $49. Enrollment is valid for 12 months and open to all beer lovers! Limited memberships for the Big Cat Level.

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