First Man Brewery

First Man Brewery is a family-owned brewery and taproom in Derby and the only brewery in town. Adam’s interest in brewing started early: a homebrew club his father started was named 1996 National Homebrew Club of the Year when Adam was five. In 2017 his wife, Hannah, found homebrewing equipment at a garage sale. Adam and his father brewed a pale ale with it that turned out badly, but it pushed Adam to pursue brewing as a career. Funding setbacks and the pandemic slowed their plans, and the brewery opened in 2022. The family, which has six children, wanted a convenient, kid-friendly place for Derby families to have a beer, and the taproom has large tables, a patio where pets are welcome and activities for kids. The beers are meant to be smooth, balanced and easy-drinking. The owners are Catholic, which shows in subtle touches in the branding and beers.