Base Camp Brewing Company is the result of brewmaster Justin Fay’s determined vision and years of hard work. His and brewer Paul Thurston’s combined decades of professional brewing experience are evident in each of Base Camp’s recipes. Each of our beers have been crafted with an eye toward innovation and creativity as well as consistency and balance, making for awesome brewskies that are at once approachable for any beer drinker and satisfying for the most adventure-minded palate.
OUR BREWERS
Justin Fay, Brewmaster/Owner – Justin began brewing for Klamath Basin Brewing Co. in 2006, while enrolled in Oregon State University’s Fermentation Science program. He graduated from there later that year, and proceeded to whip KBBC into shape. On the strength of his recipes and exacting attention to detail, KBBC shared top honors at the 2008 West Coast Brew Fest with five top-three recipes. In 2010, recently relocated to Portland, Justin threw all his energy into full-time business planning and painstakingly ironing out every detail of his dream brewery. Out of Base Camp’s brewhouse, Justin produces unique beers that bring tradition and innovation together– at once approachable and nuanced– and exemplifies our commitment to quality in our brewing process and in our beer.
Paul Thurston, Head Brewer – Paul enrolled in the World Brewing Academy through Doemen’s Academy of Munich and the Siebel Institute of Chicago in 2005. When he returned to his native Oregon, he enlisted in the Rogue army for a year before signing on as a brewer for Bridgeport Brewing Company, where he’s honed his abilities for the last five years. Here at Base Camp we’re incredibly excited that Paul has contributed his knowledge and incredible brewing practice to our team.
Austin Kneen, Brewer – Austin began his professional brewing career at Pyramid Breweries here in Portland, soon after graduating from Oregon State University’s Fermentation Science program in 2007. During his time at OSU, Austin developed a strong sensibility for creativity and innovation in brewing. At Pyramid, he spent three years gaining an in-depth knowledge of the brewhouse and cellar as a production brewer, then another two years covering all aspects of their laboratory processes. Austin’s expertise in beer microbiology, analysis, and quality control makes him an invaluable part of the Base Camp crew.