Ex Novo Brewing Company was founded in 2014 by Joel Gregory in Portland, Oregon, with a mission that was as bold as it was simple: “Drink Beer, Do Good.” From the very beginning, Ex Novo wasn’t just about brewing excellent beer, it was about harnessing the power of business to uplift communities. The name itself, which means “from nothing,” reflects both the grassroots origins of the brewery and its ambitious vision to use beer as a force for positive change.

Joel, an engineer turned brewer, first set out to create one of the nation’s earliest nonprofit breweries, donating most profits directly to charities. While the business model has evolved, the spirit has remained consistent: Ex Novo has donated nearly $175,000 to local and global organizations focused on clean water, homelessness, youth programs, and community development. Their Communitas Volunteer Program gives employees paid opportunities to serve their neighbors, while their “Do Good Beer Series” highlights nonprofit partnerships with proceeds supporting important causes.

Ex Novo’s beers are as diverse and community-minded as their mission. They brew everything from crisp lagers like Perle Haggard to hop-forward flagships such as Mass Ascension IPA, to big, bold seasonal stouts, including their renowned Kill the Sun. They’ve also gained recognition for barrel-aged releases and their commitment to releasing new beers almost weekly, with dozens of creative collaborations each year.

In 2019, Joel expanded operations to Corrales, New Mexico, his hometown, opening a larger production facility and taproom. This move allowed Ex Novo to scale its output and solidify its identity in the Southwest, while still embodying the communal and charitable ethos that defined its early years. In late 2023, faced with rising costs and industry challenges, Ex Novo made the strategic choice to sell its Oregon pubs and focus on its New Mexico operations, including a flagship brewery in Corrales and a new taproom in Albuquerque.

Each Ex Novo space reflects its mission: welcoming, communal, and full of energy. Taprooms are designed as places to gather, share, and connect over great beer. Customers not only enjoy exceptional craft beverages but also become part of a broader culture of generosity and purpose.

Today, Ex Novo Brewing Company continues to prove that a brewery can be more than a place that makes beer. It can be a community hub, a platform for giving, and a business that blends craftsmanship with conscience. Every pint poured is a toast to quality, connection, and the shared belief that beer can help make the world a better place.