Meet Sandi Merrell | Community and Philanthropy Chair

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sandi Merrell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sandi, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Whistle Pig Brewing doesn’t just pour beer—we pour community spirit. We provide a local gathering place, host fun community events, and work to keep the Templeton Gap area thriving and connected. Their mission goes beyond brewing—it’s about building community, one pint and one conversation at a time. Our reputation in our community, which is a junction of several thriving neighborhoods, is for how we bring people and events together in a way that allows them to experience more than a brewery.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a business we have several owners. Eric, who has recently passed, was an accomplished insurance professional with a diverse business background focused on management. Eric was Whistle Pig’s head brewer for almost 5 years earning certifications and awards for his efforts.

Sandra recently retired from a career in credit union regulatory compliance where she rose from teller to her role over the course of a 24 year career. Sandi has been the heart of the business keeping the back of house and front of house on friendly terms while reminding us all to be kind.

Rob is an IT professional with a heavy management and start up background. He is the creative force behind Whistle Pig University and has recently taken over head brewing responsibilities. Now focused on the brewery fulltime.

Our journey at Whistle Pig Brewing is rooted in two passions: community and craft. The path to where we are today hasn’t been easy—but like most things worth doing, it’s been deeply rewarding. We didn’t just set out to make beer; we set out to create something meaningful for the neighborhoods we call home. From bartending shifts to building our brew systems by hand, every part of this brewery has been shaped with purpose and care.

What sets us apart is that we’re not just a brewery—we’re a hub for community connection. We proudly serve the neighborhoods of Patty Jewett, Bonneville, Kittyhawk, and the Old North End, and that local pride runs through everything we do. Whether it’s hosting mini beer festivals, pairing dinners, zero-proof lifestyle events, or dog-friendly movie nights under the stars, we aim to create experiences that bring people together. Our events are about more than beer—they’re about shared stories and building something bigger together.

We’re proud of how far we’ve come—not just in the beers we craft, but in the culture we’ve created. We’ve embraced creativity with offerings like Orangerageous Soda Beer (a first of its kind beer in southern Colorado) and our West Coast IPA Fest, and we’ve leaned into authenticity by focusing on what really matters: quality, storytelling, and community care. Our commitment to inclusivity shows up in everything from our Zero Proof series to our ongoing support of local nonprofits and veterans’ organizations.

The biggest lessons we’ve learned? Build something that matters. Stay honest. Work hard. And never be afraid to roll up your sleeves and do the work.

At Whistle Pig Brewing, we may be small—but we’re intentional. We believe in good beer, good food, and good people. And we’re proud to make a difference in our community, one pour at a time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If our best friend was visiting Colorado Springs for the week, we’d give them the full insider’s experience—equal parts scenic, laid-back, and local. Day one would start with a little adventure (and a little mischief) as we “sneak” onto the patio at the Garden of the Gods Club—not members, but always on the hunt for the best view in town. It’s the perfect perch to take in Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, aka America’s Mountain. From there, we’d cruise through the red rock formations of the Garden, then hit up a westside brewery like Fossil Craft Beer or make a stop at Red Leg, a true destination with good beer and mountain views.

Later, we’d play nine holes at Patty Jewett Golf Course—locals call it “Patty”—where you get sweeping greens tucked under old-growth trees with the mountains as your backdrop. The clubhouse is also a low-key gem for food and drinks, especially on a sunny afternoon. To cap the day, we’d do a scooter or bike tour through downtown, hopping between local eateries, watering holes, some scenic parks, and wrap up with a sunset drink on the patio at Mash Mechanix Brewing.

That’s just one day. Over the course of the week, we’d plan something new each day—like hitting a different local brewery (we have so many good ones), driving through the mountains, grabbing breakfast at The Pantry in Green Mountain Falls, and stopping for donuts at the Pikes Peak Summit House. We’d make time to hang in our own plaza too: coffee and breakfast at Rohr, a massage or pedicure at Salon 21, and even a stop at Pride and Joy Dog Groomers so our four-legged bestie gets pampered too.

Lunch at Joey’s Pizza is a must, and for the wellness-minded, a yoga class at Hot Asana can stretch things out. Every day would end the same way: back at Whistle Pig Brewing, sipping cold beer or crafted cocktails at the window, watching the sun drop behind the mountains while live music fills the air. That’s our Colorado Springs—relaxed, full of character, and best shared with friends..

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We would always want to recognize our patrons, volunteers, and the charities we support. Our spouses and families are instrumental in everything we do and are never far from the heart of the action. We are fortunate to be in a plaza in the heart or junction of three historic neighborhoods in Colorado Springs. They bring diversity, regulars, and a love for what we do through our doors day after days, but even within that we share a plaza with 10 other businesses who are endlessly supportive of what we do. These ten businesses include 7 women owned or co-owned businesses of which we are very proud. All ten support our efforts to bring communnity to our plaza through larger outdoor events from Movie nights under the stars, to concert/music fest, and even an Oktoberfest.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whistle_pig_brewing/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhistlePigTGap

Other: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/whistle-pig-brewing-company-34605624483

Image Credits
WE own these images and have right to them.