Step Outside.
Like most craft breweries, Cape Fear Brewing began as a hobby in Wilmington, North Carolina, a historic town on the east coast of the US. We realise most craft nano-breweries have a very similar story these days - but it’s the reason we are all in this together - to place our own stamp on craft brewing, and bring the things we love to life and share with others.
The Beginning
As a nuclear engineer by day, Steve Leopold started this little side project to quench a thirst to be hands on with science and lifestyle in his spare time. In the early days, as part of a home brew club, he brewed meticulously on the front porch of the 1800s Queen Anne rental that he shared with his wife, Christy. In the heart of Wilmington, the location of the home meant friends, acquaintances, and tourists alike walked by daily on their way to the local bar and restaurant scene, so the porch became a coastal atmosphere of its own surrounding the brew kettle.
Over the years, he crafted his recipes and created things that couldn’t be found in the local bars. Famous among friends, the first mainstay was aptly nicknamed Rocket Fuel, a double IPA that tastes like a tropical party - and at 8.6% ABV would also punch you in the face after a single pint.
Next was an experiment with fruit, Raspberry Wheat, which became the staple house party pour that was easy to drink and was loved by both men and women alike.
The Relocation
When Steve and Christy decided to make a move across the world in 2019, they left behind an amazing culture and friends, but took with them the feeling of those early days of the brewery.
Now at home in New Zealand, Steve continues to craft and perfect the core brews, in a brewery that many now say is reminiscent of Walter White’s workshop. A meticulous and detailed engineer, he won’t settle for anything less than clean and perfect, and the flavours that defined their lives in both countries.
The Name & The Vision
Having fallen in love with New Zealand on their honeymoon, Steve and Christy have created this company to blend the two places they love most in the world. Kiwi character with Carolina chill, all of the beers are crafted to bring that carefree, relaxed and coastal atmosphere to life. The name Cape Fear, after the river that runs through Wilmington, solidifies the heart of the brewery and fuels that essence through everything we do.
The philosophy has always been ‘Step Outside’ inspired by one of Steve & Christy’s favourite movies, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. To them it is literal and figurative - stepping outside to explore, and stepping outside of your comfort zone to create, try or explore something different and meaningful. The hope is that this comes through in everything we do, and it’s something you can take forward with you.