Our Journey Through the Years

Founded in 2012 by Mercy McDonald, Jeannine Parisi, and Trevor Ross, Claim 52 Brewing began as a nano brewery in Eugene, Oregon, deeply rooted in the traditions of homebrewing. Trevor was inspired by Scott "Spank Dog" Freitas, a pivotal figure in Eugene's brewing history and a former brewer at the Wild Duck Brewery, who worked alongside the legendary Glen Falconer. Scott gifted Trevor a second edition of The Joy of Homebrewing by Charlie Papazian and a collection of old Zymurgy magazines as he departed for Maui Brewing, sparking Trevor's passion for brewing. Operating out of a small space, Trevor brewed on three single-barrel homebrew systems simultaneously to produce batches of beer. The name "Claim 52" pays homage to the land claim of pioneer William Luckey—where Trevor first developed his homebrewing recipes, marking the conceptual beginnings of what would become Claim 52 Brewing.

In 2014, we expanded our presence beyond the brewery by opening "The Abbey" taproom at the Sprout! Regional Food Hub in Springfield, which later evolved into the Whiskey Bar at PublicHouse. The departure of Trevor in 2016 was a significant turning point, leading to the promotion of Bryce Fisher from assistant to head brewer. The following year, Willie Gonia joined the brewery, infusing new energy and ideas that significantly enhanced our brewing quality and creativity. In 2018, we left Sprout! and the Claim 52 Kitchen was established in downtown Eugene, cementing our place in the community as a hub for exceptional beer and food.

In 2024, we began a new chapter when Jeremiah Marsden, a homebrewer and entrepreneur with a background in pharmaceutical chemistry, purchased Claim 52. Under his leadership, we are embarking on a new era. Jeremiah’s passion for craft beer has led to an expanded lineup of classic and experimental styles. That same year, we welcomed Aaron Brussat as the Head of Brewing Innovation, bringing a fresh perspective to our craft. We also said goodbye to Bryce Fisher and promoted Willie Gonia to Head of Brewing Operations, guaranteeing the excellence and creative flair that we’re known for. In early 2025, Aaron Brussat was promoted to Head of Brewing Operations after we bid farewell to Willie Gonia. 

As we continue this journey, we invite you to visit Claim 52, meet the team behind our beers, and experience our commitment to craft, community, and innovation firsthand.