Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Christensen
Hi Kevin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Kevin and Michael Christensen, the dynamic father-and-son duo, are the driving force behind the highly regarded Final Gravity Brewing Company, which opened in July 2014. Situated in the charming village of Decatur, Michigan, their hometown, the original establishment has garnered a loyal following since its inception.
Kevin’s passion for homebrewing dates back over 20 years, during which he honed his craft and viewed it as a fulfilling hobby. As Michael matured, he, too, developed an interest in the art. The owner of Patchwork Brewing Company approached the two to collaborate on beer production, ultimately leading to their entry into the industry. After the previous owner decided to step down, Kevin and Michael purchased the business, revamped the facilities, and rebranded it as Final Gravity Brewing Company. They also introduced new culinary options and diversified their beer selection, earning them a reputation for producing classic and innovative brews.
Final Gravity Brewing Company quickly outgrew the equipment after starting on a 15-gallon Sabco Brew Magic system while brewing at Patchwork Brewing. The team upgraded to a 3 BBL brew system and fermenting vessels to accommodate the growing demand for their products. However, their ambition didn’t stop there. In 2018, they purchased a production building directly across the street from their original taproom and upgraded their equipment to a steam-powered 15 BBL brew system and fermenting vessels. This impressive expansion speaks to Final Gravity Brewing Company’s commitment to meeting the needs of its customers and its drive to innovate and improve its craft continually.
It is worth noting that Michael Christensen, one-half of the father-and-son team behind Final Gravity Brewing Company, recently achieved an Associate of Applied Science degree from KVCC’s Sustainable Brewing program. This accomplishment highlights Michael’s commitment to pursuing educational opportunities that can further hone his skills and knowledge in brewing. With this additional training, Michael is determined to make even more extraordinary contributions to the business’s success.
Their unwavering dedication to the art of brewing, combined with their business acumen and vision, has propelled Final Gravity Brewing Company to the forefront of the industry.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any small business, the road for Final Gravity Brewing Company has had its share of bumps and challenges, but that’s also part of what has made the journey rewarding. When we opened in 2014, we were venturing into a highly competitive craft beer industry, and it took time to carve out our unique space and establish a loyal following.
One of our early challenges was balancing growth and staying true to our roots as a family-owned microbrewery. We’ve worked hard to maintain the intimate, community-focused vibe that’s so important to us, even as we’ve grown. Additionally, navigating the day-to-day challenges of running two businesses, Final Gravity Brewing Company, and Decatur Stillhouse, has required creativity, resilience, and an incredible team effort.
The pandemic was another major hurdle that forced us to adapt quickly. We leaned into our flexibility, focusing on takeaway options and expanding our offerings to include hard seltzers, cocktails, and wine to reach a wider audience.
Through it all, our customers’ support, our team’s dedication, and our passion for brewing have been the constants that keep us going. Challenges come with the territory, but they’ve also helped us grow more assertive, innovative, and deeply connected to our community.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Final Gravity Brewing Company is a family-owned microbrewery founded in 2014 in Decatur, MI. At our core, we’re driven by a passion for creating exceptional craft beer and fostering a warm, welcoming community space. We specialize in brewing various beers, from classic styles to innovative creations like our wild ales and medal-winning hard seltzers. Each beer reflects our dedication to quality, creativity, and craftsmanship.
Our relentless commitment to excellence and deep connection to our local community truly set us apart. We’ve created a space where families, friends, and beer enthusiasts can come together, enjoy great drinks, and make lasting memories. Our offerings don’t stop at beer—we also provide a full kitchen, cocktails, wine, cider, and hard seltzer, making Final Gravity Brewing Company a place where everyone can find something they love.
We’re proud to collaborate with other local businesses, like our recent partnership with Hop Station Craft Bar on a New Zealand Pilsner. Our sister company, Decatur Stillhouse, expands on this passion for craft by producing exceptional bourbon and other spirits.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of our reputation for innovation and authenticity. We’ve built a brand that celebrates tradition and experimentation, from winning multiple medals at the US Open Hard Seltzer Championship to creating unique, boundary-pushing beers like our dark wild ale, aged for 8 years.
For our readers, we want you to know that when you visit Final Gravity Brewing Company, you’re not just enjoying a drink—you’re becoming part of a family. Whether it’s your first sip of our hefeweissbier, ‘The Godfather,’ or discovering our new offerings in the social district, our goal is to make every experience unforgettable.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Our success at Final Gravity Brewing Company wouldn’t be possible without the incredible people who have supported us. First and foremost, our Operations Manager, Amber Chopp-Hill, deserves tremendous credit. Amber is the backbone of our day-to-day operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Her dedication, organizational skills, and leadership keep the team motivated and the business thriving.
Michael Christensen, our head brewer and distiller, is equally vital, whose creativity and technical expertise bring our vision to life. From crafting exceptional beers like our best-selling West Coast IPA, The Rock, to innovative brews like our 8-year-old dark wild ale, Michael’s artistry and passion are at the heart of what we do. His talents also extend to Decatur Stillhouse, where he creates handcrafted spirits that testify to his distiller skill.
Beyond our team, we’ve been fortunate to have an incredible network of supporters. Our family has been a constant source of encouragement, and our loyal customers have embraced us from the beginning, helping The Rock and many other brews become local favorites. Collaborators like Hop Station Craft Bar have also helped us push our creativity and reach new audiences.
We genuinely believe it takes a village to succeed and are grateful to everyone who’s been part of our journey. Their support inspires us to keep striving for excellence every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://finalgravitybrew.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finalgravitybrewingcompany/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/finalgravitybrewing
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/final-gravity-brewing-company-decatur
