Oozlefinch Craft Brewery
One night in 1905, Captain H.M. Merriam (while quite possibly under the influence of our favorite beverage) swore he saw a strange, large-eyed bird outside the Fort Monroe Officers’ Club. His outlandish tale quickly spread throughout the community, and the bizarre creature later became the mascot of the club. Merriam’s fellow officers dubbed the bird the “Oozlefinch” and placed a figurine of its likeness on a shelf behind the bar. The Oozlefinch rose to mythic status on Fort Monroe and regular sightings reportedly occurred.
Today our brewery bears the name of the Oozlefinch, drawing inspiration from its legendary status, the celebration of good times with friends, and the traditions of Fort Monroe.
And if you’re lucky, you just may catch a glimpse of the infamous bird yourself.
Author: Caroline Porsiel
Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.
