Local Veteran Brewing Amazing Craft Beer!
Our own Spike Bowan and Jake Voelker (Owner/Mgr -VooDoo Brewery)
I had the privilege to interview one of our own. An amazing, motivated veteran that is making some of the most inspired brews on the East coast. Along with his partners and brewmaster, Jake is helping craft some of the most delicious beers it has been my privilege to try.
Jake was an ROTC initiate that went through OCS, only to be given garbage orders upon graduation. Jake, the hard charging go getter that he is; swapped orders with another initiate and was aiming for Engineers and the elite Sappers. Then he got selected for the M.T.T. (Military Transition Team) The MTT are small teams of E-6 and above that are embedded with local nationals that help train and guide them in the transition. They often have limited contact with American Forces when in country, depending on location.
He spent from 2006-2008 operating in Afghanistan for O.E.F. ( Operation Enduring Freedom) as well as 2009-2010 in Iraq for O.I.F. (Operation Iraqi Freedom)
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Jake hails from Erie, PA. and he served our country with distinction. When he got out, like myself and most of our brothers and sisters; found it difficult to transition to the civilian world. With his MBA he found himself working for corporations where the Hierarchy were more malicious and cruel than that found in the U.S. Military. When presented with the opportunity, Jake was able to become owner/partner in a fast growing Craft Brewery that is taking Pittsburgh, PA. by storm.
The laid back and inviting environment would not be possible, if it weren’t for the hundreds of volunteers from across the nation that helped bring the abandoned and neglected building that had once been the municipal building for Homestead, PA. back to life. The local monument to Democracy, built in 1904, was neglected and abandoned by the town for over 30 years. It was once the home to brave Firemen and Police as well as town Officials who let it fall into disarray. Jake and his team were able to breathe new life into this monument to Pittsburgh area’s original architectural feats. You can still see where the fire poles once were. The jail cells where still in place, although rusted and forgotten by bureaucrats long since forgotten.
They opened in January of 2015, with record breaking sales. On opening day they had over 3,366 beers sold in 1 day. That is 1 beer every 1.2 seconds. Over 250 people were lined up around the block to start.
To walk in is to expect the unexpected. From outside the modest and humble facade is almost innocuous. The moment you walk in, the aroma of freshly brewed hoppes and the warm tones of paint on the walls welcomes you. You look up, and see breath taking original art from local artists on the ceiling. Jake told me that he put up scaffolding and told the artists to, “…do what you want…”
“Beer is how people come together…” the former Airborne Captain told me. He offered me a pint of a delicious dark stout that he calls “Breakfast of Champions”. The hint of coffee and subtle chocolate after tones tickled my palate. A robust and daring brew, invited me to take another taste. Bold and ambitious, I yearned for another drink. I have seldom had a brew that treated me like a familiar friend and had me wanting more. From I.P.A.’s to Lagers and Stouts; Voo Doo Brewery has it all!
The staff are warm and charismatic with a knowledge of product that most corporate restaurant chains strive for. Tim Hinkle, one of the bar tenders and former volunteers who helped build the facility, states that his favorites are the Good Vibes IPA, Polish Lager and Breakfast of Champions Stout.
You can feel the passion of craft when you walk in to the Voo Doo Brewery. Jake say’s that he found his mission. Having been to Ft. Knox, Afghanistan and Iraq; The Captain now has his new goal. To provide Amazing beer to the world.
Voo Doo is also home to a Live Pod Cast in association with Checkpoint.org that helps PTSD Veterans. This ladies and gentlemen, is what we at Tactical Shit are about.