The Purchase
The Story of How We Became U-Neek Brewing (formerly Crucible Brewing Company)
For over a decade now, Erik had dreamed of opening a brewery, along with a Homebrew Supply store and Brew on Premises. Long before the stainless-steel tanks, the taproom buzz, name “U-Neek” found its home. Beer was not just a beverage to him; it was community, creativity, craft, and connection—all poured into a glass.
There were a few moments where the dream nearly took shape including in late 2019 and early 2020. There was an opportunity to start a brand-new project in Downtime Everett, but life had other ideas. Year later and after he meet Johanna, there was another opportunity in early 2024 to take over an existing brewery space in Mill Creek with our own brand, but, once again, the timing wasn’t right.
And while it might have been easy to let the dream fade, that is not the type of people Erik or Johanna are.
The turning point came in late-2024, a familiar name in the Everett brewing community was facing a crossroads. Crucible Brewing Company, a beloved staple of local craft beer culture, was preparing to close its doors for good unless new owners could continue what had been built.
It was more than a business decision; it was a piece of the community at risk of disappearing and that is where Erik and Johanna stepped in. They saw possibility, legacy, and a home for their idea.
On November 1st, 2024, the purchase agreement was officially signed. The dream that had taken more than ten years to reach was now real. Ownership officially transferred on January 1st, 2025.
While some would have rushed to reopen, Erik and Johanna knew this was their chance to shape something special. The taproom closed for one month, allowing a refresh of the space, the layout improved, equipment dialed in, new life infused into every detail.
The first weekend of February 2025, the doors reopened, not just as Crucible Brewing Company, but as the start of something new. A brewery rooted in the history of Everett’s beer community, but growing into its own identity. Craft beer, events, collaboration, local support, and a place where everyone is welcome.
The Transition
After nearly a decade of great beer and a community built by Dick, Shawn, and the amazing crew at Crucible Brewing Company, as some of you have heard, it is time for the next chapter. While we deeply respect the legacy of Crucible, it has always been Erik and Johanna’s dream to craft a brand of their own. And now, that dream is becoming reality.
Introducing: U-Neek Brewing Company
Please do not worry, this is by no means the end of Crucible. We plan to continue brewing favorites like the Arc Furnace Pilsner, Kome As You Are Japanese Rice Lager, Smith and Weizen Blood Orange Hefeweizen, Putin Out Russian Imperial Stout, and Pink Drink Raspberry Sour, along with a rotating cast of IPAs will continue to pour.
You will start to see our new creations like the Cold Quench Kölsch, Born from the Haze Hazy Pale Ale, and Peach Tree Thiolized IPA transition over to the new brand. And, going forward, all of our new beers will be under the U-Neek brand name.
Looking ahead, we are also launching a new small batch program: The U-Neek Brewing Company’s Owner’s Series.
Erik and Johanna will be brewing limited, 15-gallon, batches for taproom-only releases. If something is a hit, we will scale it up for production brew and release. Our awesome taproom staff will also have the opportunity to create and brew some of their favorite styles on our pilot system.
This new brand will celebrate the foundation built over the last 10 years and help carry us forward into the next 10 years!
Come visit the taproom and watch the transformation unfold over the next couple of months. Big things are brewing for both the new U-Neek brand and continuing Crucible brand. 🍻