By: Kerri Allen
Katie Turner works for Chandeleur Island Brewing Company, which Cammack and Cain Roberds started. The brewery's name was inspired by the Chandeleur Islands off the coast of Mississippi. Katie’s official title is brewmaster, which is definitely an oversimplification. In her own words, “Currently, I am formulating all recipes, working with artists to design labels, monitoring costs to keep us profitable, managing production in the warehouse, cellar and brewery, as well as co-managing the kitchen and taproom.”
Passion and a desire to learn and create continue to be a theme with people in the craft beer industry. This is true for Katie as well. Her fermentation career started with wine. She says, “I began as a certified enologist (winemaker) working for companies like the Wine Group in California and Australia. I decided I wanted to continue my knowledge of fermentation in the beer world because I wanted to master all three forms of fermentation: wine, beer and liquor.” Katie saw a posting for a position at Chandeleur Island Brewing and scored the quality control and cellar manager job. Eight years of hard work have brought her to the position of brewmaster.
Brewing is Art
“I was an artist in my past life, playing mostly with watercolors, and I have always loved art. To me, craft brewing is a blank canvas.” This was Katie’s response when asked what she loved most about being part of the beer industry. She goes on to remark, “My job gives me the ability to design and play with different ingredients and even co-mingle my wine and beer knowledge.” With seventeen beers of many varieties currently on tap at Chandeleur, Katie has certainly filled her canvas.
The brewery, a tribute to the coastal fishermen and women of Gulfport, Mississippi, embodies the spirit of the community where locals go out fishing, crabbing and enjoying the beach. Both passionate fishermen, owners Cammack and Cain Roberds envisioned the space at Chandeleur Island Brewing as a gathering point for sharing stories and celebrating the day's catch with a cold beer. They crafted an inviting atmosphere that offers extended beer options from traditional styles to more complex beers, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Creating Community Connections
The brewery actively engages with its community by partnering with various nonprofit organizations, donating $1 for every pint sold on Tuesdays, and providing a platform for these organizations to share their missions. By participating in local beer festivals, the brewery showcases its unique brews and introduces patrons to flavors they may have never experienced, fostering a deeper appreciation for craft beer.
Running a brewery involves a constant series of challenges. When Katie moved to Mississippi, she had to adjust to some of the state’s beer laws. “Craft beer was fairly new to the Mississippi market when I first arrived," she notes. "We didn’t have laws in place to allow us to sell our product out of our taproom until 2017. So, getting customers to try things like a sour beer or a hazy IPA was a challenge at first, but I am happy to say that we now have many hazy IPA drinkers on board and locals who love our Gulf Sour series brews.”
A Brewery to Call Home
Despite the challenges, Katie’s biggest reward has been finding a brewery that she calls home. She goes on to say, “I am able to create not only for customers but also for myself. The coastline has welcomed me with open arms and enjoys tasting all my uniquely crafted recipes.”
When asked why women and minorities are vital to this industry, Katie goes way back in time for her answer. “Ninkasi was the first female brewer back in 4000 BC. Women have been brewing beer since the beginning of time. Women can give a different outlook on craft beer by treating it like art and incorporating food groups that most people wouldn’t have considered, such as our Beet Bum sour ale, which contains beets, lemons and apples.”
In the same vein, Katie notes that people of color can provide new and fresh insights for the industry. She expounds, “Minorities bring different cultures to the table, producing beers like She Saison that was infused with oolong tea and created by Kang Xingya from Monkey King Brewing in China.” All fields benefit from diversity, including the beer industry.
Brewing is for Anyone
Katie understands the value of education to craft brewers. “When I first began my fermentation journey, I always thought that the brewing industry was something you needed to be grandfathered into. After doing some research, I found that there were schools and classes to help get your foot in the door. I believe that if brewing schools marketed these educational programs more actively with females, this would let women know that the craft brewing world includes occupations for all.”
There are always events and special happenings going on at Chandeleur Island Brewing. On April 19, the brewery hosted its Chandyfest annual block party that celebrated ten years in downtown Gulfport with a crawfish cook-off, live music, local vendors, and new beer releases. The brewery is also proud of its partnership with Mississippi State University’s Shark Tracker program, where some beer proceeds go to fund White Tip Shark research. Chandeleur also collaborates with the University of South Mississippi in the innovative Gulf Blue program that helps build economic growth for the Gulf Coast. Finally, Katie releases a new brew yearly in partnership with the Walter Anderson Museum. Katie explains, "Inspired by the art of Walter Anderson, a new beer label is created each year by Matt Stebly, a relative of Walter Anderson. We feel that this beer release helps locals and travelers learn about coastal art history."
"Anchored in Excellence" is Gulfport’s slogan that reflects the city's commitment to progress, unity and opportunity. Beer enthusiasts finding themselves on the Gulf Coast should ride down to Gulfport to say hello to Katie, drink some of her excellent beer and maybe take in a little fishing.
Zac started brewing after he married Cari in 2009. Cari reflects, “He was instantly hooked. I would assist on brew days, and when Zac eventually told me that he was put on earth to brew beer, I knew he had to follow his dream, and I wanted to help cultivate this. In 2014, we realized our vision in the form of a 14,000-square-foot craft beer facility in Hammond.
Cari's welcoming demeanor, positive attitude, and love of the industry seem apparent to patrons visiting the Gnarly Barley taproom, but obstacles exist in an ever-moving industry. Cari notes that the biggest challenge she has faced is the feeling of constantly having to “one-up” herself in the continuously changing landscape of craft beer. Hard work pays off, and Cari observes, “My greatest reward is the genuine gratitude that we receive from our customers. It’s amazing when you create something people truly care about and love.”
Gnarly Barley offers a wide array of delicious beers. Cari comments, "My original Gnarly Barley obsession began with Korova Milk Porter because of its rich roasty notes of chocolate and coffee. While this beer still holds a special place for me, my taste buds soon gravitated toward hoppier brews. Jucifer, our juicy/hazy IPA, is now one of my favorites.” She waxes poetic, “Its vibrant blend of hoppy citrus and tropical flavors make it irresistible.” 