On a sunny Sunday afternoon, while enjoying a few cold ones aboard a boat on the crystal-clear waters of Seven Mile Beach, a question sparked a revolution: Why didn’t the Cayman Islands have its own craft brewery? This simple question ignited a passion to establish a local brewery that would cater to the Cayman lifestyle and embody the spirit of the islands, brewing truly authentic Cayman beer.
With a vision to create a brewery that would be synonymous with the Cayman lifestyle, the name 19-81 Brewing Co. was born, inspired by the nautical coordinates that define the islands’ location.
Our journey began with three core Cayman beers: Cayman Blonde, Island Session, and Tropical IPA. These brews quickly gained popularity, and we expanded our offerings to include Ridgefield Pils, Apple Cider, and Guava Cider. With the addition of a state-of-the-art nano-kit, we’re now able to produce even more unique and flavorful taproom exclusives, all handcrafted with the finest local ingredients to deliver the freshest Cayman beer experience.
We are proud to bring you fresh, local, craft beer, made right here in Grand Cayman from the finest ingredients. 19-81 Brewing Co. is more than just a Cayman brewery; it’s a celebration of the Cayman spirit and a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation.
Originally from England, John has spent over 10 years in the brewing industry, working in brewhouses across the globe, including Australia, Chile, Vietnam, the UK, and now Grand Cayman.
After completing his university studies, John furthered his knowledge by studying with the Institute of Brewing & Distilling in London, ensuring he stays up-to-date on the latest brewing trends.
When asked about his favorite beer, John enthusiastically recommends the blueberry pie berliner by Brewski in Sweden, describing it as “fantastic.”
A native of New Hampshire, Jason honed his distilling skills in Louisville, Kentucky. Arriving in Grand Cayman in 2019 as a rum distiller, he quickly fell in love with the people and culture of the Cayman Islands.
In 2022, he decided to expand his craft by helping to create amazing local beers, and 19-81 was the perfect fit.
Jason’s favorite beers are the Ridgefield Pilsner and Tropical IPA, depending on his mood. His favorite projects involve beer infusions, where he can use his distilling knowledge to create potent, flavorful spirits to infuse into beers.
These unique and robust twists on favorite 19-81 brews have been very well received
Hailing from New Jersey, Matthew has been brewing since the late 1990s, boasting over 20 years of experience in the craft.
His passion for creating unique and flavorful beers led him to experiment with his own recipes, eventually leading him to pursue brewing as a career.
Matthew’s dedication to the craft extends beyond the brewhouse. He has visited over 500 breweries around the world, collecting over 400 glasses along the way, and even operated his own home brewery.
His extensive knowledge and experience make him an invaluable asset to the 19-81 team.
Join us on a guided brewery tour and get an inside look at how we craft our unique Cayman beers. Our passionate brewers will lead you through the brewhouse, explaining the brewing process from grain to glass. You’ll learn about our carefully selected ingredients and the inspiration behind our beers.
The tour concludes with a beer tasting at our taproom, where you can sample our latest creations.
To book your brewery tour, please email us at office@1981brewingco.com
At 19-81 Brewing Co., we’re passionate about crafting exceptional Cayman beer that embodies the spirit of the Cayman Islands.
As the only independent craft brewery in Grand Cayman, we’re dedicated to using the finest ingredients, time-honored techniques, and a touch of island inspiration to create truly unique brews.
From our state-of-the-art brewhouse to our welcoming taproom, we invite you to experience the 19-81 difference and discover what makes our Cayman craft beer so special.
office@1981brewingco.com
