San Diego-based ReBru Spirits -a microdistillery producing small-batch spirits exclusively derived from high-quality, out-of-code and overstock craft beer – is launching its debut portfolio which includes ReBru Spirits Gin, Vodka, and limited-edition Sweetcane Peppermint Whiskey in 375 ml and 750 ml bottles. 

Founder Dennis O’Connor was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and he upped the need for disposal of large volumes of draft beer past its recommended shelf life.

Guided by a devotion to sustainability, the brewery, distillery and restaurants work to mitigate the environmental impact of all aspects of operations and production, and coexist with the ultimate goal to fully close the loop and achieve zero waste. To date, over 180,000 gallons of out-of-code and overstock beer have been diverted from San Diego’s municipal wastewater treatment, lessening the burden on the facilities and mitigating the potential impact on surrounding ecosystems, including the ocean. 

“It took years, and a lot of extra effort, to fine-tune the process of utilizing craft beer as our base material for spirits. Craft beer, especially of the hoppy variety, comes with its own unique sets of challenges,” said O’Connor. “We had to align a lot of details that are meaningful to the big picture of the environment and sustainability, as well as the quality and flavor of the finished product. We were in a unique position to capitalize on the abundance of draught craft beer when the shutdowns happened. From that point on it was ‘go time’. We’ve been cooking beer 24/7 ever since.”