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Alumni story

Amy & Thomas Deverson

03 July 2025

Founders of Renegade Brewing

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We would love to hear the story about how you met!

Amy: My Mum had done an exchange in Denmark and was always encouraging me to study abroad too. I hadnt found my place at my home University, so I was looking at places to visit when New 厙ぴ勛圖was recommended to me. I knew nothing about the country, but that was part of the adventure. I fortunately had a family friend who gave me some insight as to what life could look like here, and Christchurch and UC made sense as a hub to explore the South Island.

So classic American exchange student, when I got to UC, I was looking at which clubs were going to be the most fun. My friend had heard that the UC Canoe Club (UCCC) had the best parties, so we went to sign up. Thomas was part of the team manning the desk, and I was instantly infatuated with him, his bold personality and how full of life he was.

I knew I wanted to talk to him more, so when his flat hosted a new members barbecue, we sat and chatted that whole evening.泭

We started hanging out, going to gigs at the Foundry, and UCCC events, and he was unlike anyone I had ever met with his love of life and adventure. If I had never come to UC and met Tom, then I would have just stayed at home and carried on the expected trajectory.

Tom was already into homebrewing at the time, and I remember his flat being full of his brewing equipment.

Thomas: There are so many variables that had to go right for us to meet, fall in love, start a family and now this brewery.

After Amy went home, we did long distance for six months before I went to visit her in Connecticut. I stayed with Amys family for a couple of months over our summer break and had my first-ever American Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Amy:泭After I graduated in 2011, I came back to Christchurch post-earthquakes. I was excited to come back as I thrived at UC and became an independent person, which was really empowering. I really value having spent time in pre-earthquake Christchurch. I fell in love with myself, Thomas and New Zealand. While Thomas finished his study, I started working as a pre-school relief teacher allowing us the time to travel and go on adventures.

Thomas, how did you get started in brewing?

I was in Europe and going to bars and pubs was the way to be social. When I returned home, I noticed how expensive crates of beer were, so I decided to give homebrewing a go. I joined the UC Homebrew Club and had a great mentor who showed us the ropes, and it just grew from there.

Everywhere we lived, I would set up a new system. So, when we moved back to the US, I rigged out Amys parents' house with a brewing setup up, and any time I was home alone I would get stuck in. I remember Amys Grandma coming over one day and saying, you need to clean this up before they get home!

When we moved to Colorado for the ski season, I entered a beer brewing competition with a local brewery. Three of the top five beers were mine, with泭Sweet As, my rye pale ale taking the top spot! Winning that gave me my first opportunity to brew a full commercial-size batch of my beer.泭That winning recipe is one I have carried with me for years. Its changed over time, and someday I would love to revisit that recipe here at Renegade.

After a stint back home in New 厙ぴ勛圖with Wigram Brewing Company, we then returned to Connecticut where I started working with Two Roads Brewing Company, a bigger, more resourced brewery in Amys hometown. They were the most established operation I had worked in, brewing 24/7 and validating both my knowledge and experience. Amy worked in the tap room and gave tours, so its a time we both look back on fondly.

We then ended up back in Colorado, and I serendipitously met someone looking to start his own brewery but lacking the knowledge. He gave me a tour and said he would be in touch. Ten minutes later, I hear him calling me back down the street, asking if I could give him a hand with something. I was able to help train him, plus get experience tiling, welding and building as we set up the taproom all skills I have brought back here to use in creating Renegade.

I also spent some time with Three Boys Brewery here in Christchurch. Every town and city we have lived and worked in has contributed to my taste and knowledge to bring our Brewery to life.

Why did you choose Christchurch to settle down in?

插鳥聆:泭We chose Christchurch out of every other city and country we have lived in as it has everything we need snow sports, the ocean, arts and culture. I love walking through town and feel proud to live here.

Thomas:泭Its the place to be in terms of opportunity, and I dont believe any other city would have allowed us to live this balanced life we have.

Whats been the highlight of opening Renegade?

Amy:泭Doing it together! I received my residency in 2023, and Christchurch is now home. Someone planted the seed for Thomas to open his own space, and it was always a goal he had in mind.泭

Over the years, it almost happened several times, but things hadnt worked out. Thomas was looking for a business partner, and wed never before come to the realisation that I could fill that role too!

啦堯棗鳥硃莽:泭The fact that we actually made it happen is the biggest highlight of it all. The awesome feedback from our customers and having fun in the space is also super validating.

Do you have any goals for this first year?

Thomas:泭Weve pretty much achieved them! Opening and turning over an acceptable amount of money to pay the bills was a big one. We have worked hard to get to this point but didnt do this to become millionaires, we just wanted to enhance our lifestyle while doing something we love and believe in.

What about for the next five?

Thomas:泭At this moment, as we have a young daughter, all we want is a balanced life. Spending time at the beach, chilling with family, working on our house, and now having this incredible avenue at the brewery to be creative and support this lifestyle.

We hope for Renegade to be a community-engaged space where everyone is welcome. A spot for all of the weird!

Seeing regulars coming in and enjoying our beer is so special. We dont necessarily have plans to open another spot, but we are always chasing creative outlets, so you never know.

What is the first beer you recommend to customers?

Thomas:泭Renegade IPA. To me, this is the epitome of beer. Its old school West Coast of America style and sessionable. Its the result of all of the beers I have tasted and brewed over the years.

Amy:泭Try Mega Juicy. Its modern, hazy, juicy, fruity and not bitter.

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