If you live in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area I’m sure you’ve seen Hutton and Smith Brewery apparel around town, and you’ve probably had a beer or two of theirs. If not, then you should stop what you’re doing and go try one of their beers at their tap room on East MLK or at one of the dozen restaurants around town that have their beers on tap.

About a year and a half ago I met with Joel and Melanie Krautstrunk about helping them brand a business they were going to start in Chattanooga called Hutton and Smith Brewery. Joel and Melanie both come from a Geology background, so the name is to recognize the founders of Geology, Hutton and Smith. They told me during the meeting they were both planning to quit their jobs to pursue their dream of owning a brewery. This sounded like a pretty lofty goal to me because neither one had ever worked in the brewing industry. They must have seen the skepticism in my eyes and before the end of the meeting they offered to let me try one of their home brews, a Black IPA. I don’t believe in love at first sight, but love at first sip undeniably true.

Fast forward one year and Hutton and Smith Brewery is quickly kicking ass and taking names. They officially opened their tap room at 431 East Martin Luther King Blvd and are now featured at dozens of restaurants around Chattanooga, including The Flying Squirrel, Feed Co, Universal Joint, Heaven and Ale, Clydes, and many other top-knotch restaurants.

It’s a great feeling to walk into one of the many great restaurants in Chattanooga and instantly see your clients brand around the room, from a custom designed tap handle, to a sweet trucker hat and t-shirt. Spectruss had a great time working with Joel and Melanie and it’s been great to see them succeed.

If you haven’t already, check out http://huttonandsmithbrewing.com for current beers, tap locations, and directions to their tap room.