Today we’d like to introduce you to William Teasley
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Khonso isn’t just a brewery; it’s the culmination of a friendship forged over laughter and a shared love for great beer. It all began in 2013 during a dads’ night out. William Teasley and Kevin Downing, enjoying a night off from fatherly duties, found themselves bonding over imported beers. A casual conversation sparked a bold idea – what if we brewed our own?
This wasn’t completely new territory. Kevin had already shared this dream with Corby Hannah in their younger days. Now, fueled by passion and armed with a homebrew kit and basic equipment, the three friends embarked on a journey as “Brothers That Brew.” Ten years of experience in all-grain home brewing followed, filled with countless experiments (nearly 1,000 gallons!), explorations of flavor profiles, and insightful conversations with local and regional brewers. This period was Khonso’s fertile ground, where the seeds of our vision were nurtured.
The journey wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our community. Khonso blossomed from a simple idea thanks to the encouragement and “brutally honest feedback” of hundreds of friends, both old and new. This feedback fueled a constant cycle of assessment, evolution, and improvement, ensuring our beers would be something everyone could celebrate.
Even the brewery’s name, Khonso, and its future spaces reflect the deep connection with the community. Chosen by the people we serve, it honors the rich history of beer and hints at the vibrant atmosphere patrons can expect. We aren’t just brewing beer; we’re brewing a community experience.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Since 2018, Khonso Brewing has poured its heart into crafting over 300 barrels (9,000 gallons) of unique beers. We’ve shared our passion and story at local (Georgia), regional (North Carolina, Oregon), and even national events and festivals. But the road to success hasn’t been paved entirely with hops. National challenges, business hurdles, and personal obstacles have occasionally slowed our progress. Despite being lifelong learners, there’s always more brewing knowledge and business acumen to be gained.
With the opening of our facility, we’ll join a small but growing number of African American-owned breweries – a segment that currently represents about 1% of the 9,761 craft breweries in the US. We’re excited to be part of this movement and contribute to a more inclusive craft beer landscape.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Brewing is more than hobby for us, it’s an artistic expression. It’s where our passion for deep learning meets meticulous flavor creation, all with a healthy dose of commitment to quality and, of course, fun! It all began in 2013 with a simple Mr. Beer home brewing kit. Recipes are springboards, not rigid rules, which fuel our experimentation. We quickly graduated to all-grain brewing and kegging our concoctions, sharing them with the community. The positive feedback we received was like rocket fuel, propelling our ambition and leading to the birth of Khonso Brewing.
Khonso is more than just beers; it’s a celebration of history and the incredible community we’re a part of. Our year-round brews pay homage to Atlanta’s rich cultural heritage by being named after its historic African American neighborhoods. Meanwhile, our high-gravity beers bear the names of powerful Egyptian deities, symbolizing strength and resilience. Each Khonso beer is a story waiting to be uncorked, with ingredients meticulously chosen to complement its unique narrative. We’re most proud of how beer has led to a growing community of new friends and beer that resonates with the growing Khonso community, history buffs, and hopheads alike.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
For those starting out, my advice is that you recognize that your endeavor, just like life, is a journey of learning. Continue to learn adjust, adapt, and pivot as needed. Exude confidence in your knowledge of your craft but leave the ego behind. Lastly, when I started I wish I’d consistently shared our story so that others can join you on your journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://khonsobrewing.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khonsobrewing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/khonsobrewing
Image Credits
William H Teasley, III
