Fast Fashion Brewing emerged from an unlikely partnership between Brian Strumke, the nomadic brewer behind Stillwater Artisan Ales, and Matt Storm, the owner of The Masonry and founder of Seattle Farmhouse Fest. Stillwater, known for its innovative farmhouse ales and boundary-pushing brewing practices, seemed a world away from the Seattle beer scene. However, Strumke’s relocation to Seattle in 2018 laid the groundwork for this unique collaboration.
Strumke’s move was driven by his desire for a less restrictive environment for his brewing endeavors. Seattle, with its vibrant craft beer culture, proved to be the perfect location. His connection with Storm, a fellow enthusiast of farmhouse ales, solidified through their shared passion for unique and experimental beers.
The COVID-19 pandemic acted as the catalyst for the creation of Fast Fashion Brewing. As the world shut down, Strumke’s international travels for Stillwater production came to a halt. Simultaneously, Storm faced the harsh realities of the pandemic’s impact on the already struggling beer bar industry. The closure of bars and restaurants forced them to rethink their business models. The concept of a local, hop-forward, can-based brewery began to take shape.
Storm’s observation of the declining interest in highly curated beer lists and the increasing financial challenges of running a small pub resonated with Strumke’s own experiences. The pandemic only exacerbated these pre-existing issues, making it clear that a new approach was necessary.
Fast Fashion Brewing became their solution – a response to the changing landscape of the craft beer world. The name itself reflects the fast-paced, trend-driven nature of modern society, a concept they embraced in their brewing philosophy. This new venture allowed them to adapt to the evolving market and explore new creative avenues in a collaborative environment. The urgency of the situation, combined with their shared vision, solidified their partnership, leading to the birth of Fast Fashion Brewing. The pandemic, while devastating for many, inadvertently provided the impetus for this innovative brewing project.
