What is U-Neek Brewing in Everett, WA? U-Neek Brewing is the rebranded evolution of Crucible Brewing, Everett’s beloved craft brewery at 909 SE Everett Mall Way. New owners Erik Andresen and Johanna Watson took over in early 2025, bringing Native American and women-owned leadership, a fresh brand identity, and a slate of exciting new beers alongside the classic Crucible recipes locals already love.
Crucible Brewing Had a Great Run. U-Neek Is Going to Have a Better One.
We’re going to be honest with you: when we heard Crucible Brewing was changing hands and rebranding, our first reaction was protectiveness. Crucible had been part of Everett’s craft beer landscape for over a decade. The Arc Furnace Pilsner alone has fueled more post-run Friday afternoons than we can count.
But then we met Erik and Johanna, and we relaxed. These two aren’t carpetbaggers swooping in to flip a taproom. They’re Everett people who used to end their runs by walking to Crucible for to-go beers. Their first “date” was at Crucible. This brewery is part of their story — and now they’re writing the next chapter of its story for the whole community.
U-Neek Brewing Company opened in January 2025 at the same address — 909 SE Everett Mall Way, Suite D440 — with a Grand Reopening celebration on February 1–2. The name isn’t just a clever spelling: it reflects an intentional commitment to building something original, something that belongs entirely to this moment and this ownership team.
Who Are Erik Andresen and Johanna Watson?
Erik and Johanna represent something genuinely exciting in the local craft beer scene: Native American and women-owned brewery ownership. The Pacific Northwest has a thriving craft beer culture, but truly diverse ownership at the brewery level is still rarer than it should be. U-Neek changes that conversation in Everett.
What we love most about this ownership story is how organic it is. They didn’t buy Crucible as a business investment — they bought it because it mattered to them personally. When the previous owners announced closure in 2023, Erik and Johanna stepped up. Head Brewer Spencer stayed on. Operations Manager Lance stayed on. Sales Manager Carson stayed on. The institutional knowledge didn’t walk out the door; it stayed and evolved.
Their stated goal: “While we deeply respect the legacy of Crucible, it has always been Erik and Johanna’s dream to craft a brand of their own.” That’s exactly the kind of stewardship a beloved local spot deserves.
What’s on Tap: The Beers You Know + the Beers You Need to Try
Here’s the thing about the beer program at U-Neek: they didn’t nuke the menu. Smart move. The classics that made Crucible a destination are still flowing, and new U-Neek originals are being added alongside them.
From the Crucible vault, you can still get:
- Arc Furnace Pilsner — The flagship. Clean, crisp, crushable. The gold standard for an Everett Friday afternoon.
- Kome As You Are Japanese Rice Lager — Light, smooth, and sneakily sessionable. One of the most approachable beers in any taproom in Snohomish County.
- Smith and Weizen Blood Orange Hefeweizen — The citrus pop in this one is real. Great gateway beer for people who think they don’t like craft beer.
- Pink Drink Raspberry Sour — Yes, it’s pink. Yes, it’s delicious. Order it without irony.
- Putin Out Russian Imperial Stout — Big, dark, complex. The beer for Everett’s six weeks of actual winter.
And now the new U-Neek originals joining the rotation:
- Cold Quench Kölsch — The new house easy-drinker. German-style, crisp, and utterly drinkable. Get this on a warm waterfront day.
- Peach Tree Thiolized IPA — This is the beer that signals U-Neek is playing at a higher level. Thiolized IPAs use a specific yeast strain to unlock tropical fruit compounds in the hops — the result is a peachy, juicy, aromatic IPA that doesn’t punch you in the face with bitterness. We love it.
On the non-alcoholic front: seltzers, hop water, and Soundbite Cider are all available, plus draft wine from a local winery. This is a genuinely inclusive taproom — you don’t have to drink beer to have a good time here.
The Owner’s Series: Small Batch, Taproom-Only Releases
Here’s the program we’re most excited about: the U-Neek Owner’s Series. These are limited 15-gallon batches brewed exclusively for the taproom — you cannot get them anywhere else. The concept is simple and brilliant: new beers get tested at small scale, and the ones that hit get scaled up for wider production.
Beyond just the owners, staff members get to develop their own beer styles using the pilot system. That means your next favorite beer might come from a taproom employee who had a wild idea on a Wednesday afternoon. We love that energy.
If you want to be in on the best stuff before it scales — or before it sells out and disappears forever — make U-Neek a regular stop. Ask what’s on the pilot tap when you walk in.
The Taproom Vibe: Family-Friendly, Dog-Friendly, Community-Forward
One of the things that set Crucible apart was its unpretentious, welcoming atmosphere — and U-Neek is leaning into that even harder. All ages welcome. Dogs welcome. If you’ve got a 6-year-old and a golden retriever and you want a proper IPA while both of them run around, this is your spot.
The taproom has a banquet room available for private events and meetings. Weekly programming includes Taproom Trivia and Game Night. On food truck rotation days (most Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays), you can pair your pint with serious street food — the Poke Me truck has been a hit, and Avery’s Chicken and Waffles is exactly as good as it sounds.
Growlers, crowlers, and kegs to go mean you can bring U-Neek to your next backyard situation. A 64oz crowler of the Cold Quench Kölsch is genuinely one of the better things you can bring to a summer barbecue in this area.
The Verdict
Crucible Brewing left Everett a 10-year legacy worth protecting. U-Neek Brewing is protecting it — and adding to it. New ownership, new beers, a more intentional community identity, and the same taproom you already knew how to get to. What more do you want?
Go in. Try the Peach Tree Thiolized IPA. Ask about the Owner’s Series. Welcome Erik, Johanna, and the whole crew to their next chapter. Everett’s brewery scene is better for them being in it.
U-Neek and Crucible Brewing
Address: 909 SE Everett Mall Way, Suite D440, Everett, WA 98208
Hours: Monday–Saturday 12:00 PM–10:00 PM | Sunday 12:00 PM–8:00 PM
Parking: Strip mall parking lot — free and plentiful
What to Order: Peach Tree Thiolized IPA for something new; Arc Furnace Pilsner if you’re not ready to change
Price Range: $6–$9 per pint | $5–$7 per half-pint
Dog-Friendly: Yes
All Ages: Yes
Instagram: @uneekandcruciblebrewing
Frequently Asked Questions About U-Neek Brewing in Everett, WA
Is Crucible Brewing still open?
Yes — Crucible Brewing reopened under new ownership as U-Neek and Crucible Brewing in January 2025. The taproom is located at the same address: 909 SE Everett Mall Way, Suite D440, Everett, WA. The beloved beer recipes are still being brewed, and new beers are being added regularly.
Who owns U-Neek Brewing?
U-Neek Brewing is owned by Erik Andresen and Johanna Watson. The brewery is Native American and women-owned — a significant milestone for Everett’s craft beer scene. The couple are longtime Everett community members who were regular Crucible patrons before taking ownership.
What beers does U-Neek Brewing serve?
U-Neek serves both classic Crucible recipes (Arc Furnace Pilsner, Kome As You Are Japanese Rice Lager, Pink Drink Raspberry Sour, Putin Out Russian Imperial Stout) and new original beers like the Cold Quench Kölsch and Peach Tree Thiolized IPA. Limited-batch Owner’s Series beers are available taproom-only.
Is U-Neek Brewing family-friendly?
Yes. U-Neek Brewing is explicitly all-ages and dog-friendly. The taproom has space for kids and pets, and non-alcoholic options including seltzers and hop water are available.
Does U-Neek Brewing have food?
U-Neek operates a food truck rotation on most Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Basil Vietnamese restaurant is located next door for a full sit-down dining option. Growlers and crowlers to go are available for taking beer home.
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