Veterans United Craft Brewery

What Veterans United Craft Brewery does

Veterans United Craft Brewery is a privately held, veteran-owned craft brewery founded in 2013 in Jacksonville, Florida by former Naval Flight Officer Ron Gamble and his wife Sheryl Gamble. The company operates a single taproom at 8999 Western Way Suite 104, featuring vintage military décor, brewery viewing windows, and a dog-friendly beer garden, and sells up to 21 beers on tap alongside beer-to-go formats (16oz cans, 32oz crowlers, 64oz growlers, and sixtel/half-barrel kegs). Its portfolio centers on a five-beer core lineup (Raging Blonde Ale, Wacky Badger Hazy IPA, Buzzin' Bee Honey Ale, Fish Camp Pils, Scout Dog 44) with a rotating slate of limited-release and seasonal SKUs such as POW/MIA IPA, WatchStander NEIPA, Eschenfrau Helles, and D-Day IPA. Several SKUs are co-branded with veteran and community nonprofits, including K9s for Warriors, The Fire Watch, the National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum, and the Five Star Veterans Center, with charitable contributions embedded in product sales (e.g., Farah & Farah donates $5 per pint and six-pack of Alert 5 Riflemen's Red Ale). Strategic commercial partnerships extend distribution visibility into TPC Sawgrass (Sawgrass Session Pale Ale) and Fish Camps (Fish Camp Pils), with a D-Day IPA collaboration linking the brewery to Brasserie des 2 Caps in France.

The business model is a taproom-centric direct-to-consumer operation, with the brewery generating revenue from on-premise draft pours, packaged beer to-go, an annual Mug Club membership, food and merchandise, and private event rentals. Pricing is unit-based for beer and food (e.g., 16oz draft at $8.50, 60oz pitcher at $29.00, 16oz can to-go at $9.50, crowler at $19.00, 64oz growler at $25.50, with a 10% daily discount for military and first responders), and an annual recurring subscription for Mug Club members, who receive 20oz pours for 16oz pricing, happy hour discounts, merchandise discounts, and personalized mugs. The brewery also runs weekly programming (Trivia Wednesdays, Texas Hold'em Thursdays, Live Music Fridays, Comedy Nights, Televised Games Sundays) to drive repeat taproom traffic, and operates within a single Jacksonville location with no disclosed wholesale or statewide distribution. Headcount is 11-15 across brewing, taproom, sales, finance, and charity functions, and the company has no disclosed external funding, parent company, or M&A activity.

Underlying brewing technology is traditional rather than proprietary in the IP sense: recipes were developed by Ron Gamble after Siebel Institute training and New England brewery operations, and core styles use German pilsner malt, Hallertau noble hops, and German lager yeast. The technology stack is light, limited to a live Untappd integration for tap list management and beer imagery. The company has accumulated over 20 craft beer awards, including Best Large Brewery 2025 from Best Florida Beer, with multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals across 2015-2026 in styles ranging from German Pilsner and Altbier to NEIPAs, porters, and honey ales.

Name

Veterans United Craft Brewery

Legal name

Veterans United Craft Brewery

Website

https://vubrew.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Craft Beer

NAICS

Breweries (31212), Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) (7224)

SIC

Malt Beverages (2082)

akta.pro primary industry

Beer Brewing & Craft Brewing (AFAFAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Brewpubs & Taprooms (On-site Beer Service) (THAFALAA), Taprooms & Brewpubs (CRANACAF)

Keywords

• Craft beer brewing
• Veteran-owned brewery
• Taproom experience
• Craft beer packaging
• Brewery membership program

Headquarters

HQ city

Jacksonville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Draft Beer Sales: On-site draft beer sales in various sizes (4oz taster, 10oz pour, 16oz pint, 20oz pint). Up to 21 beers on tap. Core beers plus seasonal and limited releases.
2. Beer To-Go: Off-site sales including 16oz cans, 32oz crowlers, 64oz growlers, and kegs (sixtels and half barrels). Six-packs and twelve-packs of core beers available.
3. Mug Club Membership: Annual membership providing loyalty benefits including 20oz pours for 16oz prices, happy hour discounts, exclusive party invitations, merchandise discounts, and personalized numbered mugs.
4. Food and Merchandise: Food snacks (chips, pretzels, tacos, tater tots, chicken tenders, etc.) and branded merchandise sales.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Veterans United Craft Brewery produces and serves award-winning craft beer at its Jacksonville taproom, featuring up to 21 beers on tap from a core lineup and limited-release selections. Offerings include on-premise draft pours, beer-to-go packaging (cans, crowlers, growlers, kegs), and an annual Mug Club loyalty membership. The brewery complements its beer portfolio with a veteran-themed taproom experience, food snacks, and private event hosting.

Product overview

Veterans United Craft Brewery is a veteran-owned craft brewery in Jacksonville, Florida established in 2013, offering a portfolio of award-winning beers centered around a core lineup of five flagship beers (Raging Blonde Ale, Wacky Badger Hazy IPA, Buzzin' Bee Honey Ale, Fish Camp Pils, and Scout Dog 44). The brewery's products and services span on-premise taproom experiences including a Mug Club membership program with exclusive perks, beer to-go packaging (cans, crowlers, growlers, kegs), private event hosting at their veteran-themed taproom, and a rotating selection of limited-release and seasonal specialty beers. The taproom hosts regular programming including trivia nights, live music, comedy nights, and televised sports events, complemented by food snacks and non-alcoholic options.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Core Craft Beer Lineup Five flagship craft beers always on tap: Raging Blonde Ale (Golden Blonde, 5.2% ABV, 23 IBU), Wacky Badger Hazy IPA (6.9% ABV, 49 IBU), Buzzin' Bee Honey Ale (Honey Rye Wheat, 6.3% ABV, 21 IBU), Fish Camp Pils (German Pilsner, 4.8% ABV, 34 IBU), and Scout Dog 44 (American Amber/Red Ale, 5.4% ABV, 30 IBU). For adult craft beer consumers seeking consistent quality.
• Limited-Release & Seasonal Beers Rotating limited-release and specialty beers such as Grapefruit HopBanshee IPA (West Coast IPA infused with grapefruit zest), POW/MIA IPA (NEIPA with Mandarina Bavaria, Idaho 7, El Dorado, Galaxy hops, partnered with National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum), WatchStander NEIPA (Citra/Ekuanot/Galaxy/Mosaic, partnered with The Fire Watch), Eschenfrau Helles, Paratrooper Porter, Alert 5 Riflemen's Red, Flying Squirrel Nut Brown Ale, Cup O' Joe Oatmeal Espresso Stout, D-Day IPA (collaboration with Brasserie des 2 Caps), Vienna Calling, Mi Amigo Mexican-Style Lager, Fish Camp Light Lager, Oh La La Tart Cherry Sour Ale, Raspberry Hedgehog Hefeweizen, Farmers Little Helper, and Sawgrass Session IPA. Targeted at craft beer enthusiasts seeking variety and limited-edition releases.
• Taproom Service On-premise taproom offering up to 21 draft beers across taster (4oz), pour (10oz), pint (16oz), and large pint (20oz) sizes, plus beer snacks (chips, pretzels, tacos, tater tots, chicken tenders, corndogs, weekly specials) and non-alcoholic options. Military and first responders receive 10% off drafts daily. For adult craft beer consumers in the Jacksonville market.
• Beer To-Go Packaged beer for off-premise consumption: 16oz cans (single), 6-packs and 12-packs of core beers, 32oz crowlers ($19.00), 64oz growler fills ($25.50), and kegs in sixtel and half-barrel sizes. Available exclusively at the Jacksonville taproom for adult consumers seeking to enjoy Veterans United beer at home.
• Mug Club Membership Limited-availability annual membership providing recurring customers with 20oz pours at 16oz pricing, $1 off pints during happy hour (Sun/Tue all day, Wed-Fri 3-6pm), 10% off merchandise, two free pours per year, exclusive party invitations, and a personalized numbered glass mug. Targeted at loyal repeat craft beer customers seeking value and exclusivity.
• Private Event Hosting Rental of the Briefing Room and main taproom for birthdays, corporate meetings, retirement celebrations, military reunions, holiday parties, and wedding receptions. Includes A/V capabilities and catering options. Targeted at event organizers seeking a unique veteran-themed venue in Jacksonville.
• Weekly Taproom Events Recurring weekly taproom programming including Trivia Night (Wednesdays and 2nd/4th Saturdays), Texas Hold'em (Thursdays), Live Music (Fridays), Free Comedy Night (3rd Saturdays), and Televised Games (Sundays). Targeted at Jacksonville locals and craft beer enthusiasts seeking community-based entertainment.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 20 awards for craft beer excellence
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• TPC SawgrasscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with TPC Sawgrass, home of the PLAYERS Championship. Veterans United brews the Sawgrass Session Pale Ale specifically for the golf venue, creating visibility at a major annual sporting event in Jacksonville.
• Fish CampscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Fish Camps restaurant group for the Fish Camp Pils beer. The beer is inspired by and partnered with the popular fishing-themed restaurant chain.
• V PizzaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with V Pizza on 'Fight Like Helles' German-style beer. Joint product development between brewery and pizzeria.
• Farah & FarahcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlert 5 Rifleman's Red Ale is partnered with law firm Farah & Farah, who donates $5 for every pint and six-pack sold to the Five Star Veterans Center.
• K9s for WarriorscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerScout Dog 44 beer is partnered with K9s for Warriors, a nonprofit providing service dogs to veterans. The beer name honors military working dogs and supports the organization's mission.
• The Fire WatchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWatchStander NEIPA was created in partnership with The Fire Watch, a community-based program focused on bringing an end to veteran suicide in Northeast Florida.
• National POW/MIA Memorial & MuseumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPOW/MIA IPA is brewed in partnership with the National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum to raise awareness for their ongoing mission to honor prisoners of war and those missing in action.
• Social Grounds CoffeeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCup O' Joe Oatmeal Espresso Stout is made with locally sourced roasted beans from Social Grounds Coffee, a veteran-owned coffee company in Jacksonville.
• Brasserie des 2 CapsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerD-Day IPA is a collaboration brew with French brewery Brasserie des 2 Caps, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings. Franco-American IPA made with French malts and American hops.
• K9s for WarriorscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive community partnership supporting service dogs for veterans. Part of broader veteran support initiative including USO, Wreaths Across America, Jacksonville Humane Society, SAFE Animal Shelter, and Florida Service Dogs.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bold City Brewery: Jacksonville-based craft brewery operating taprooms with similar core lineup, to-go crowler/growler formats, and DTC focus. Directly comparable because it competes for the same Jacksonville craft beer consumer and runs an analogous taproom-led model.
• Service Brewing Co. Veteran-owned craft brewery in Savannah, Georgia with similar military/veteran brand identity, mission-driven partnerships, and taproom-forward operations. Closest peer in terms of veteran-owned narrative and craft beer production.
• Wicked Barley Brewing Company: Jacksonville craft brewery and taproom with a similar pet-friendly beer garden concept and on-premise focus. Comparable on venue format and target customer (local Jacksonville craft drinkers) despite slightly different thematic positioning.
• Intuition Ale Works: Jacksonville craft brewery with taproom and distribution in Northeast Florida. Directly comparable as a fellow Jacksonville taproom competitor targeting craft beer enthusiasts with award-winning recipes and similar size/scale.

Regional players

• 3 Daughters Brewing: Larger Florida craft brewery headquartered in St. Petersburg with broad distribution and a sizable taproom. Comparable as a Florida craft peer competing for awards and shelf space, though at a meaningfully larger scale.
• Coppertail Brewing Co. Tampa-based craft brewery with taproom and Florida distribution. Comparable as a regional Florida craft competitor, particularly around award circuits and Florida beer championships.

Broad incumbents

• BrewDog: Multinational craft brewery with taproom-forward brand and strong identity-driven marketing. Comparable on the craft-taproom-plus-rotating-release model, though operating at vastly larger scale and global footprint.
• Funky Buddha Brewery: Established South Florida craft brewery (now part of Constellation Brands) with statewide distribution and taproom. Comparable at the category level (Florida craft, awards, taproom-led), but materially larger and broadly distributed.

Emerging players

• Black Rifle Coffee Company: Veteran-founded consumer brand leveraging military/veteran identity for marketing, loyalty, and community engagement. Not a brewer but directly analogous as a purpose-driven veteran-owned CPG brand, useful as a comp for monetizing veteran identity at scale.

Others

• BeerAdvocate / Untappd: Beer rating platforms where Veterans United maintains an active presence and integrates its tap list. Relevant ecosystem participant that influences craft beer discovery and consumer awareness.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/vubrew
• Facebookfacebook.com/VUBrew
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/veterans-united-craft-brewery

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Veterans United Craft Brewery