While our story has been years in the making, our goal has remained unchanged: make good beer, and enjoy it with good people.

Founder/owner Russel Tinsley first began dreaming in 2010 of one day opening his own brewery. After reading a book by Dogfish Head founder Sam Calagione and visiting the Rehoboth Beach brewpub, Russel realized his love for craft beer was more than a casual interest. He set out to learn everything possible about the brewing process, and he and his wife Rebekah started the journey of building a brewery that blended their vision of history, innovation, and community. 

Fort Monroe, Virginia, a recently decommissioned military base rich in American history, soon became the ideal setting for the future brewery's home. Investors Tony and Allison Carter joined the ranks along with Brewmaster Austin Shawinsky and Cellarman Benjamin Baumann. After years of tireless dedication (as well as some, blood, sweat, and tears), The Oozlefinch Craft Brewery finally opened its doors to the public on September 3, 2016. 

And the rest, as they say, is history.

But we haven't stopped dreaming. We hope The Oozlefinch becomes a place where creativity and excellence are pursued, time-honored traditions endure, and new stories are told.