Chic. Funky. Inspirationally designed. Who knew cold brew coffee could be so cool? What … you didn’t think we’d only ever talk about beer in a column titled “Craft Brew Profile?” No, that would be a disservice to amazingly talented folks advancing the world of coffee, also technically a craft brew.
Meet the creators of Urban Alchemy, Rachael James and Andrew Miller. As lovely in person as they are in photos, these two entrepreneurs set forth to create more than a product. They wanted to create a ritual, an experience, a lifestyle. And like the ink written on Rachael’s hand, the result is magic.
Rachael is also the founder of Wild Alabaster, a fair-trade small crystal shop in Park Circle that offers ethically sourced crystals and stones, as well as custom-curated boxes and classes. This mother of four also is known for her following and influencing like-minded individuals from her instagram account, @wildjamesclan. And she isn’t slowing down!
Rachael and her Urban Alchemy partner, Andrew, connected over a chance to bring something they felt was missing from the Charleston market — a groovy, delicious cold brew in a can.
“The story of our brand is similar to the trajectory that many small businesses are founded on, the search for something better than what is offered,” said Rachael.
A College of Charleston alum, Andrew’s past experiences are with Vermont’s Magic Hat Brewing and Virginia’s champagne maker Claude Thibaut. He also spent several years with the U.S. Geological Survey, which led him to leap into cold brew. Andrew spends nearly all of his time linked in some capacity to the water. Teaching surf lessons, volunteering for Charleston Water Keeper and Charleston Surf Rider, Andrew said, “This cold brew is for pleasure seekers, like me.”
The team’s bright, vivid cans boast a 1970s nostalgic design. Boring, they are not.
“We leverage ingredients sourced with intent, distinct techniques, dialed-in flavor, and eye-popping design because life is too short to drink boring liquids from boring cans,” Rachael said.
Once initial logistics were in place, the pair decided the best opportunity to launch Urban Alchemy would be Charleston Wine + Food 2023. You can find them at the Culinary Village at Riverfront Park. You can also find Urban Alchemy on nitro draft at Brewlab Charleston, which has created a cocktail and mocktail list to complement the cold brew. It will also be sold at Cold Shoulder Gourmet in West Ashley.
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