Our Story
Johanna and Erik
Our Story: From Miles to Malts
The story of our brewery did not start in a brew house—it started on the pavement of South Everett.
In March 2020, when the world slowed down and our local gym closed its doors, we did the only thing we could to keep moving: we started running. Those long jogs through the neighborhood became our regular ritual, but they always seemed to lead us toward the same destination.
Finding Community in a Can
As the world slowly began to reopen, Crucible Brewing became our post-run reward. It started with quick trips for to-go beers, progressed to socially distanced pints in the fresh air, and eventually turned into long, laughter-filled evenings inside the taproom.
We were not just customers; we became regulars. Johanna fell in love with the Smith and Weizen Blood Orange Hefeweizen before discovering a hidden passion for Hazy IPAs. Erik, a long-time fan of the craft, could be found sipping anything from a crisp Pale Ale to a velvety Stout.
Whether it was a quiet Monday night for Taproom Trivia or a lively weekend showing off the local scene to our visiting families, the taproom became our second home.
A New Chapter
Five years after those first pandemic runs, life brought us back to where it all began. When the opportunity arose to step in and lead this South Everett staple, we didn't hesitate.
Today, we are honored to transition from the people sitting at the bar to the owners behind the craft. Our mission is simple: to keep the spirit of South Everett alive, one pint at a time, and to provide the same sense of community that welcomed us during a time when we needed it most.
"We started as runners, became regulars, and now we’re the owners. We can’t wait to pour you a pint."
— Johanna & Erik
Behind the Name
The name U-Neek is far more than a catchy brand; it is a direct tribute to a family legacy born in Central Jersey. The moniker traces back to Erik’s father and uncle, who operated a small business dedicated to the craft of custom furniture. Long before it was a trend, they were masters of what we now call upcycling.
The Art of the Transformation
Upcycling is the soul of our brand. It is the process of taking the old, the discarded, and the forgotten, and breathing new life into them. Rather than letting materials fade away, upcycling transforms them into creative, functional pieces with a story to tell.
This philosophy manifest in several ways:
Aesthetic Refinement: Using professional painting and refinishing techniques to modernize vintage silhouettes.
Hardware & Detail: Swapping out dated components for high-quality hardware to bridge the gap between classic and contemporary.
Inventive Repurposing: Finding "second lives" for objects—such as converting weathered wine barrels into centerpiece tables—which simultaneously reduces waste and provides one-of-a-kind decor.
A New Chapter for a Craft Legacy
We are bringing that same "U-Neek" spirit into our taproom. Our mission is to apply the principles of upcycling not just to our furniture, but to the very essence of the brewing experience.
By taking the incredible foundation of Crucible’s decade-long history of brewing excellence, we are upcycling those established traditions under the U-Neek brand. Our goal is to maintain the respected legacy Crucible created while infusing it with fresh creativity and a sustainable, resourceful perspective. When you sit in our taproom, you aren't just drinking a beer; you are participating in a cycle of renewal—where the past is honored and the future is handcrafted.
Behind the Colors
A Toast to Four Years And The Colors That Define Us 🥂
In celebration of Johanna and Erik’s Fourth Wedding Anniversary (September 2025), we are sharing the heart behind the U-Neek Brewing Company brand.
When we set out to rebrand, we wanted more than just a catchy name. We wanted a reflection of our story, our values, and the legacy we are building together. To find that, we looked back at one of the most meaningful moments of our lives: our wedding day.
The U-Neek color palette is directly inspired by the Pendleton Blankets and the colors worn by our bridal party on that special day:
Terracotta Red & Dusty Mauve
Olive Green & Goldenrod
Sky Blue
These are not just colors; they were the tones that surrounded us as we committed to a future of love, creativity, and shared purpose. Today, they live on in every beer label we design, our taproom décor, and every pint we pour.
When you step into our space, you’re experiencing a piece of our history. Cheers to family, community, and forging something meaningful together! 🍻