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Liquid intrusion brewing: Passion, Purpose, and persistence
By: Annie McGinnis
Liquid Intrusion Brewing Company, located in Prince George’s County, MD, is making waves in the craft beer industry with its bold flavors, unwavering mission, and commitment to representation. Founders Drew and Jasmine Dill are redefining the landscape by infusing their culture, experiences, and creativity into every pint. I sat down with them to learn more about their journey, challenges, and what lies ahead.
“My passion for craft beer began in college while bartending at Wild Wing Cafe at the Epicenter in Charlotte, NC,” Drew shares. “My first beverage at 21 was SweetWater 420 Pale Ale, and from then on, craft beer became my preferred choice in social settings.” That experience sparked his love for craft beer, which only grew stronger. After college, he and Jasmine returned to the DMV, where Drew gained industry experience working at a craft beer bar, followed by roles at Premium Distributors and Anheuser-Busch. However, it wasn’t until they attended Barrel & Flow Fest, a festival celebrating Black beer culture, that they were inspired to start homebrewing. The gift of a homebrew setup from the widow of an Air Force veteran further cemented their commitment, and Liquid Intrusion Brewing was born. Their first major milestone came when they returned to Barrel & Flow Fest—this time as a full-fledged brewery.
For Jasmine, craft beer became a passion through her shared experiences with Drew. “When Drew was a sales rep for a distributor, sometimes I would tag along for different tap takeovers happening in Washington, DC, or he would bring home different items,” she recalls. “With this, it helped to expand my palate, learn about other breweries in my area, and meet some cool people.” This exposure deepened her appreciation for the industry. Together, they envisioned a brewery that would not only create exceptional beer but also tell stories—celebrating culture, sparking conversation, and leaving a lasting impression.
The name Liquid Intrusion reflects both the science and the symbolism behind their brand. “We call beer 'liquid,' and our name had two meanings,” Drew explains. “Scientifically: the process of water flowing through malts and hops to make wort, which is needed to create liquid. Culturally: we’re here to intrude on a market that has long overlooked us.” With fewer than 1% of American breweries being Black-owned, their presence is a deliberate and powerful statement.
Their first brew was an extract grapefruit IPA, which turned out well but left them eager to tackle more complex recipes. Their subsequent South of DC Cream Ale, brewed on their larger setup, marked an important milestone—showcasing the level of quality, balance, and creativity they aim to bring to every liquid. While not a standalone signature, it was a bold introduction to the diverse lineup that would follow, including African Queen and Her 7 C’s IPA (their first official market release) and the Saison du Zest Lemongrass Saison.
“What makes our liquid or brewing style unique?” they reflect. “Our brewing style is rooted in creativity, culture, and authenticity. We craft legendary liquids that reflect our identity and resonate with our audience. Our focus on flavor innovation, like our use of ingredients such as lemongrass or African Queen hops, sets us apart from the rest. Our day one supporters are still waiting on our Plum Basil Farmhouse Ale (IYKYK).”
When it comes to fan-favorite beers, Drew and Jasmine appreciate the diverse appeal of their lineup. “ We're fortunate that all of our liquids have found the right targeted audience to ensure that we are keeping our contract brewery's schedule busy,” they explain. “Our diverse lineup of liquids appeals to different backgrounds and preferences, allowing us to consistently meet demand and grow our brand.”
However, the road hasn’t been without its challenges. “One of the biggest obstacles we've faced is navigating the industry as a Black-owned brewery,” they share. “Access to capital has been a major challenge, along with breaking into spaces that weren’t built with us in mind.” Managing cash flow and scaling production with contract breweries required strategic coordination. Yet, Drew and Jasmine tackled these hurdles with relentless networking, building authentic relationships with industry leaders and collaborating with fellow Black-owned businesses.
Collaboration is a cornerstone of Liquid Intrusion’s mission. “Whether it's partnering with Black-owned restaurants, participating in events that highlight Black-owned businesses, or even creating collaboration liquids with all of the Black-owned breweries in the DMV, we believe in uplifting each other,” they emphasize. For them, it’s not just about selling liquid—it’s about building a community and amplifying the presence of Black brewers.
Storytelling is another key element of their brand. “We want our audience to feel connected to our journey, our struggles, and our triumphs,” they explain. “It's about building a community that feels empowered by our story and inspired to pursue their own dreams.” Jasmine, who comes from an IT background, found stepping into the public spotlight a challenge at first. However, through practice and leaning on Drew for support, she grew into her role as a confident representative of their brand. “At the end of the day, I treat every new encounter as a familiar conversation and go from there,” she says. “My social battery is surely dead by the end of the day, but at that moment, I am proud of how far I have come.”
When asked how they want Liquid Intrusion to be remembered, Drew and Jasmine are clear: they aim to be trailblazers who push boundaries with authenticity and resilience. “We envision Liquid Intrusion Brewing Company leaving an indelible mark on the craft beer community as trailblazers who redefine industry norms with authenticity, innovation, and unwavering resilience,” they declare. Their goal is to inspire future generations to see themselves in the craft beer industry and know they, too, can carve out their place.
As for what’s next, Liquid Intrusion is just getting started. Expansion is on the horizon, with plans to increase production, introduce new flavors, and create a physical space that reflects their culture and values. Their upcoming taproom will be more than just a place to enjoy beer—it will be a hub of community, culture, and inspiration.
With every pour, Liquid Intrusion Brewing Company is making history—one bold, flavorful step at a time because, “the liquid must prevail-no exceptions”.
Follow their journey at:
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