Ebony & Ivory Brewing 2024: The Best Brew in Town!

Chico Dupas, the founder of Ebony & Ivory Brewing, invites guests to his notable establishment in Tennessee, located on the Ale Trail in North Knoxville. Whether joining with friends or visiting solo, come grab a comfortable spot, savor their finest brews and experience the welcoming brewery atmosphere. DeliveryRank discovers more.

Eugene, what inspired the creation of your unique beer offerings, such as the "Bonsai H2O" cocktail series and the D9 infused seltzers?

The inspiration behind the H20 cocktail series came from necessity and a desire to meet customer demand. There was a time when all breweries needed to offer was quality beer, a great staff, and an inviting environment, and people would show up in droves. Unfortunately, that’s no longer enough. Customer preferences are changing, and if breweries aren’t willing to adapt, they risk being left behind. We recognized a demand for seltzer and gluten-free options, and once we decided to address this on our menu, it became a huge success. Even dedicated beer lovers have started enjoying our seltzers. We often hear that our (E&I) seltzers don’t taste like other seltzers. I honestly don’t know what we do differently, but the demand speaks for itself. It’s likely due to the unique flavor and carbonation levels of our seltzers.

Our decision to offer D9 options was also driven by demand. Initially, we didn’t think there was much interest in D9 drinks, but after a pilot test with a local distributor, we quickly realized that many people enjoy this option. Once we identified the demand, we used our experience with flavoring seltzers to create unique flavors for our D9 drinks.

How do you ensure that the atmosphere of your brewery promotes a sense of community among your customers, especially those who may feel intimidated by the craft beer scene?

E&I promotes a sense of community by intentionally creating a welcoming atmosphere. It starts with having great bartenders who are aligned with our vision and mission. They understand the importance of connecting with every customer who walks through our doors and know that their interactions can break down any walls of intimidation, whether the customer is a brewery regular or a first-time visitor. We pay close attention to offering a variety of drink options, ensuring everyone can join in and enjoy time with friends, family, and loved ones, knowing there’s something for everyone.

The beers we offer are considered approachable, and our bartenders do an excellent job of educating customers on which options might be the best introduction to the craft beer scene. Education plays a key role in easing any initial intimidation. We are also proactive in exploring ideas and events that attract a more diverse crowd to the craft beer experience. We don’t just wait and hope people of different backgrounds walk through the door—we actively reach out to connect with them through various initiatives.

And the vibe... there’s no vibe quite like the E&I vibe. When you walk through the doors, you’re immediately greeted by great music, which usually dissolves any hesitation about enjoying all that E&I has to offer. 

Can you explain the thought process behind your pricing structure for both on-tap and packaged beers? How does it reflect your brand's mission?

We know that one of the greatest deterrents to enjoying the craft beer scene is the cost of drinks. Craft beer options are typically more expensive, and for those unfamiliar with the brewing process, ingredient costs, and the time it takes to brew and tap a beer, the higher prices may be hard to understand compared to traditional market beers. With this in mind, one of our core values is offering affordable beers. We strive to provide a variety of beer styles that allow us to use quality ingredients while keeping prices reasonable. If a particular style is more costly to produce, and we would therefore need to raise the price, we simply choose not to make that style.

Ultimately, we review the costs of brewing and packaging each beer to determine a fair price that encourages people to buy without feeling overwhelmed by the expense. The economy is tough for many people who enjoy craft beer, and we aim to provide products they can enjoy without sacrificing other financial obligations.

What role do seasonal flavors, like those found in your Fall Shizzle and Guji Sunrise, play in your overall brewing strategy?

Let’s keep it simple: we make what we believe people will enjoy, regardless of the season. Customers will tell you what they want, and if you’re business-savvy, you’ll meet their desires without letting seasonal drinks be the ultimate deciding factor.

How does your brewery approach the balance between innovation and tradition in your brewing process?

If I understand this question correctly, in terms of the beers we offer, they are almost all traditional, approachable beers that stay true to the original styles based on the BJCP guidelines. Every now and then, we may create a unique beer inspired by a traditional style, but our innovations typically manifest in the various flavors of our seltzers and D9 drinks. This is where we really have fun with our offerings, and our customers truly enjoy it.

If you would like to find out more about Ebony & Ivory Brewing, please visit https://ebonyivorybrewing.com/