Chestnut Brew Works

Chestnut Brew Works, LLC started as a small beer brewery nestled in the woods of southern Monongalia county, about 10 miles south of Morgantown, WV in April of 2013. The demand quickly outpaced the supply, however, so we recently expanded our operations and added a taproom in the historic South Park area of Morgantown.
Chestnut Brew Works is managed by Bill Rittenour, who is also the head brewer. Bill spent most of his time in academics studying trees and fungi. The American chestnut, in particular, holds a special place in Bill’s heart. Bill earned his Master’s Degree at WVU studying this wonderful tree and how it might be saved. Once a staple to the people of Appalachia for food and lumber, a majority of the chestnut trees across the eastern United States were killed by an invasive fungus during the early-mid 1900’s. In much the same way that small-town local beer breweries were severely crippled by Prohibition, American chestnut was severely crippled by a fungal disease. Both the American chestnut and craft beer are experiencing a resurgence, however, thanks to the dedication of creative scientists and creative brewers.

Author: Caroline Porsiel