Spencer Nix — Reformation Brewery, Passionate About Beer
Spencer Nix, co-founder and CEO of Reformation Brewery, is passionate about beer. The former minister is on a mission to free beer. Now open in Canton at The Mill on Etowah, Reformation Brewery makes timeless, inspiring craft beer for the reformer in everyone. We sat down with Spencer to find out what drives his passion.
![Reformation Brewery owner](https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/Reformation-Brewery-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=33.81%208.44&q=80&w=320&s=6b818fbe82d085c206dbf0703e795810 320w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/Reformation-Brewery-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=33.81%208.44&q=80&w=540&s=b8ba9f9c45a9193b644328b5043a6539 540w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/Reformation-Brewery-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=33.81%208.44&q=80&w=768&s=73169adfa78c465a4e7185bfe20e6e9a 768w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/Reformation-Brewery-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=33.81%208.44&q=80&w=1024&s=f8d546f315978950e6aa84eaf13d3625 1024w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/Reformation-Brewery-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=33.81%208.44&q=80&w=1200&s=816229398a3bef6e7285ce48f852c3de 1200w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/Reformation-Brewery-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=33.81%208.44&q=80&w=1440&s=13cc168f5e16b3df2894289e5ca9a66f 1440w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/Reformation-Brewery-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=33.81%208.44&q=80&w=1920&s=b889efe7961c0c459a322ee28df9c168 1920w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/Reformation-Brewery-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=33.81%208.44&q=80&w=2560&s=d6a90cecd63bf59f3237229122991d1b 2560w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/Reformation-Brewery-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=33.81%208.44&q=80&w=3840&s=4208c13f730ebff1ade0be5f989ab65e 3840w)
What inspired you to open a brewery?
The beginning of Reformation came from a desire to build a community. The beer was about the moments around which we drink — whether we are celebrating, lamenting, or just coming together at the end of the day.
What does the name Reformation mean to you?
Historically, it refers to the Protestant Reformation, which changed not only the church but the world. More specifically, it has come to embody how we want to reform beer and beer culture.
Why did you choose Canton for your business?
Cherokee County is my home. Bringing Reformation to Canton seemed like a natural part of our story. Being a part of revitalizing the Mill and the future vision of Canton was an incredible opportunity.
What music do you listen to when creating a beer?
Music is like beer; I have different favorites for different seasons and moods. But I love any music that tells a good story, whether it’s the Beastie Boys, Willie Nelson, or the Avett Brothers.
![Reformation Brewery Jogr](https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/Reformation-Brewery-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=1f7131c85dad1ff925be6ee13b42bb41 320w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/Reformation-Brewery-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=c958078f61a7467dc0e405f030320dd2 540w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/Reformation-Brewery-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=6fdf947367ce2d058946755b2a104115 768w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/Reformation-Brewery-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=d37a50bc873da3fc2ab90f285261103b 1024w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/Reformation-Brewery-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=7ccc035083c85a835737f737692fff3e 1200w)
What are three qualities that got you here today?
Creativity, stubbornness, values-driven.
If you weren’t CEO of Reformation, you’d like to be…?
If I were not in this industry, I’d likely be “gathering, serving, and loving” a community with another product or service.
What change do you most want to see in your industry?
I’d like to see our industry become more diverse. We’ve made a real effort to improve in this area but there is a long way to go industry-wide to ensure we welcome everyone. Less following the pretentious beer snobs and more accepting of those with a diversity of stories looking for a diversity of experiences.
What is most rewarding about what you do?
The most rewarding part of what I do is witnessing the simple gifts that sharing a beer brings to people’s lives. Seeing neighbors and strangers put down their phones and have a beer and conversation together seems so mundane, yet in some way, it’s a rare and sacred moment that I hope we can all cherish and enjoy more of in the days and years ahead.
This article was featured in the Historic Canton Magazine. Read more.
Related
225 Reformation Pkwy, Suite 500 Canton, GA 30114 (678) 341-0828