As with many craft brewers, it begins at home, where brothers Chris and Phil Ray first start brewing and tinkering with beer. What begins as a hobby quickly becomes an obsession—and the inspiration to launch a craft brewery and share their passion with the world. And so, in 2011 in the small, storybook suburbia of Ashland, Virginia, the Center of the Universe Brewing Co. (COTU) explodes into existence.

Today, COTU upholds the Ray brothers’ prime directive: To explore and offer an ever-evolving spectrum of ale styles, each crafted with only the finest all-natural ingredients and using time-honored traditional methods of brewing. Oh, and to have fun doing it!

And as COTU continues to expand, its roots remain true to its humble, hometown origins. More than a name, “Center of the Universe” is a belief in respecting the place we call home and the people who make it feel that way. It’s about taking real pride in everything we do every day to serve and support the very community that has always supported us.

At Center of the Universe, it all revolves around the beer—and the people who enjoy it.