Introducing the Root Beer that Needs No Introduction–Andy’s

Well, he did it.  Andy finally got his root beer into a can.

Andy was just five years old when we started turning that old barn into the BARn. He barely remembers a time that “the brewery” wasn’t part of our family breakfast, lunch, dinner, vehicle, kayaking, porch-sitting, you-name-it conversations.  He’s learned the vernacular of the business, and a few years into the business, Andy had an itch to have a product of his own.  Naturally, we’re a family-friendly establishment, and if your parents make beer and you’re in elementary school, you should make root beer.  Andy’s Homemade Root Beer was born.

Like many things in this business, sometimes they take on a life of their own.  Andy’s Root Beer was no different.  Especially after we sent Andy away to Mizzou last summer for MU Extension “Build A Business” camp.  We thought it would help Andy get a good idea of what was needed to actually start a business.

The camp was no joke.  Andy learned about the legal side of starting a business, the marketing, the market for the business, and so much more.  On the last day, he had to don a tie and make a business pitch a team of judges. Would you believe he won in his age group, and he came in second overall (behind a high school senior)?

Then, Brian and I were in trouble! Andy went to business camp, learned all kinds of stuff, and he was ready to get this root beer thing going.  The possibilities were endless!  Have you ever tried to put a damper on a 12-year old boy?

Obviously, we did not succeed.

Andy’s Root Beer cans will be available at the BARn, and we are slowly hoping to send Andy’s Root Beer to all the area where Piney River is sold.  Stay tuned to social media, and we’ll keep you informed as the root beer heads out into the market.

As parents, Brian and I are very excited to help Andy with this little venture of his own because we believe no kid is ever too young to learn about inspiration, ideas, hard work, and the business world.  We’re hoping we can help Andy save a little money for college.  He’s hoping to save money for an old VW Van.  Either way, we hope you and your family enjoy this handcrafted root beer made by a boy in the Ozarks with a million dollar smile!

Here are a few photos of Andy’s first commercial brew and can run. Cheers!

Andy’s Root Beer uses pure cane sugar, lifted into the boil kettle by Andy himself.

Andy had a little help with the brew from his dad.

Andy helped package the first cases.

Andy did clean up after the canning run, too!