Who owns 12 GATES BREWING?

12 GATES BREWING is independently owned!

12 GATES BREWING
First Brewed

2015

Origin

New York, United States

Website

12 Gates Brewing Company was founded in Williamsville, New York in 2015 by two friends Todd Wilhelm and Tom Kirchmeyer. Kirchmeyer had owned a real estate valuation company prior to starting the brewery, and became passionate about craft beer. Along with fellow appraiser Todd Wilhelm, he began thinking about opening a craft brewery in 2012. The pair finally opened 12 Gates on December 12th 2015. The name “12 Gates” is inspired by the twelve gates described by medieval alchemist George Ripley, which were supposed to lead towards the discovery of the philosopher’s stone.

In 2017, brewmaster Scott Shuler was added as a partner in the organization. Schuler had started with the company a year before as an assistant brewer, though he became the head brewer shortly thereafter. However, Shuler left the company in 2019, and was replaced by brewmaster Matt Gordon.

The company launched a second location in Ellicottville, New York in 2022. The space serves as a taproom with a full bar and kitchen on site, though the beer is still only brewed at their location in Williamsville. Kirchmeyer had been visiting Ellicottville since his college days, and owned land in nearby Mansfield prior to building out the second location.

As an avid Jeep driver, Kirchmeyer launched a Jeep club for offroading at the brewery, known as the 12 Gates Jeep Club. The club was started in 2016, and now has over 200 members in its ranks. Members participate in trail rides with the club, and receive a spare wheel cover after registering.

The company’s most popular beer is their West Coast Style IPA, which is distributed throughout the local area.

Popular Beers by this Brand

  • West Coast IPA
  • Coffee Porter
  • Cherry Vanilla Wheat Ale
  • Flo Mingo Pineapple Fruit Sour

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