The Legend of Roy Pitz

As the legend goes; in the early 1700's conjoined twins by the name of Roy and Pitz arrived in Chambersburg, PA. seeking food, shelter, and a sense of belonging. Both being social outcasts and traveling nomads, they blamed each other for their shortcomings. They never got along or agreed on a single thing but were cursed to live their lives together. While stumbling along the cobble stone streets of Chambersburg searching for something to quench their thirst, they shuffled into a local pub. As they were jeered and mocked at, they began to argue again, blaming each other for looking the way they did. A fight broke out between the two, sending the twins to the floor crashing through several barrels of ale. They tasted the sweet nectar both marveling in its glory. For once the two twins looked at each other and agreed on something. They hoisted there glasses on high, praising its glory.

From that point on, the twins never argued again. They shared pints religiously and worked as a team to survive in a time where abnormalities were shunned, punished, and most often destroyed. They began studying the art of brewing malt beverages and became famous in the town for their honest beers. They were eventually sought out by a group of men who believed that Roy and Pitz were threats to the community because of their physical differences. Both were put into jail and scheduled to be hung. But mysteriously at their time of reckoning, both men had vanished. No one knows for sure what happened to the twins, but some say that late at night they can still hear their laughter coming from the local brewery.

What is Roy Pitz all about?

It's about friendship and passion. Ryan and Jesse were born and raised in Chambersburg, PA and became friends in grade school The older the two got, the more the discussion came back to one thing - brewing beer. As the two were exposed to more and more types of microbrews, the interest became even greater because no longer was "Big Three" macrobrewery beer satisfying enough. Eventually, homebrewing became not only an obsession, but an almost weekly exercise in success and failure. Both successes and failures were equally as important as valuable feedback from friends and family pushed them even more.

The two kept experimenting and refining recipes in college at West Chester University. In their sophomore year, the 1st Annual Roy Pitz Social at Christmas, introducing Honest Ale, was held. It was truly a nerve-wracking experience - but much to the brewnamic duo's delight - was a huge success and was the impetus for where they are today.

Experience

The duo first got their appreciation and experience for craft beer while working at Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, PA and a year later while working and brewing for Twin Lakes Brewing Company where they studied under brew master Mark Fesche. Having then graduated with business degrees from West Chester University, they attended the Brewing School in Chicago at the Siebel Institute of Brewing Technology. After graduating from Siebel with an Associates Degree in Brewing Science, Ryan went on to study at the Doemens Institute in Germany. The classes increased the in-depth knowledge by getting hands-on brewing experience with German brewmasters. Additionally, a 2 1/2 week study tour throughout Europe touring breweries, equipment manufacturers and ingredient suppliers was invaluable. Ryan graduated with an International Degree in Brewing Science and returned back to Chambersburg to get started with Jesse on the business of Roy Pitz.

Where we are today

Starting this brewery has always been a dream for both of us, and we could have never even attempted it with out the support from our loving friends and family. As more friends continue to join the Roy Pitz team, we hope you do as well, because we are always looking for help, ideas, and suggestions. Remember, it is now we truly need your support because it is you give us the ideas and inspiration to make the best beer possible for all of us to enjoy.