Have you ever heard of the 12/64 ounce rule? It’s a well-respected law for those who enjoy bringing clever innovations to the table while sipping on a liquid libation. The rule states that no creative inspiration happens before consuming 12 ounces of beer or cider, and certainly zero creativity happens after you’ve downed 64 ounces. Somewhere in between your first sip toward those 12 ounces and losing count, innovative magic happens. This is exactly where Ruzzo was born.
In the heart of 2020’s global shutdown, when lockdowns quieted city streets and uncertainty hung heavy in the air, DJ Williams and his family discovered something rare and deeply grounding: the joy of simple togetherness. As the world pressed pause, they leaned into conversation, connection, and the comfort of sharing a few good drinks at home.
From those laid-back moments, a bigger idea began to take shape. Inspired by a local hard citrus pioneer’s quirky nod to the 12/64-ounce rule, the spark for Ruzzo was lit. With a bold leap of faith, DJ and his crew decided not just to launch a beverage brand, but to create something more, a space where people could gather, unwind, and enjoy a bold new flavor of community.
The name Ruzzo, inspired by an Italian word meaning to frolic, to be playful and carefree, became the spirit behind it all. It was a joyful contrast to the world’s somber mood — a refreshing reminder that life, even in its hardest moments, could still be lighthearted and full of flavor.
While most beverage startups lean on traditional bases like apple, pear or malt, Ruzzo broke the mold and followed a relatively new trend of hard citrus. Ruzzo’s fermented citrus base of lime and lemon bursts with a bright, punchy palate of intense lemon and tart lime, unlocking an expansive world of flavorful possibilities. The result? A drink that doesn’t sit neatly in the restricted boxes of cider, beer, wine or seltzer. It’s something new, light, refreshing, and boldly flavorful — it’s hard citrus.
By the time the world slowly reopened, Ruzzo had already built a loyal local following. By brewing in his garage and using his friends as “volunteer tasters,” DJ honed his recipe with the help of willing palates. As the brand began to grow, Ruzzo bloomed and needed the guidance of a veteran brewer to help steer the ship; enter Eric Lindemann. With his years of experience, Ruzzo’s reach had expanded, and they set their sights on opening their own taproom.
When the unique spot at the intersection of Carver, Clackamas and Happy Valley became available, they jumped on the opportunity. It became more than just a place to grab a drink; it became a symbol of resilience, a rediscovered joy, and a new kind of citrus-forward experience crafted from passion, perseverance — and a splash of rebellion.
From Dream to Drink
Abandoning the soul-stifling routine of the traditional 9-to-5 is everyone’s fantasy, but turning your passion into a full-time hustle isn’t all sunsets and success stories. For Williams and his family, it meant trading clock-in times for 6:00 a.m. wakeups and late-night cleanups. The Ruzzo journey began like many startup stories: bootstrapped, scrappy, and surrounded by supportive family and friends. But unlike most, it didn’t fade after the first fizz.
Head brewer Eric Lindemann partners with Pacific Northwest’s local farmers and organic producers, blending regional ingredients with tropical inspiration to create beverages that surprise and delight. Lindemann’s quick fermentation process allows for a speedy turnaround in not only experimental flavorings like Birthday Cake and Chokeberry, but also satisfies their well-earned fan-favorite tastes of Lime Kick and Razzleberry. No matter your flavor of choice, you’ll find yourself immersed in the cravecult following their tasty and local hangout taphouse, Ruzzo’s Retreat.
Ruzzo’s Retreat
Located at the intersection of three communities in Clackamas, Oregon, Ruzzo’s Retreat is more than a taproom, it’s a hub for good times and great company. With an expansive patio, a rotating selection of 12 taps (five mainstays and seven ever-changing experiments), and an inviting, family-friendly atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to discover your next favorite flavor. Ruzzo’s Retreat offers a full bar for both indoor and outdoor enjoyment, it doesn’t just stop at drinks. The site also boasts an outdoor fire pit surrounded by local food carts with seating for Pacific Northwest’s sunny days, as well as a large open-air tent for the rainy ones. If you’re looking for a date night or a family-friendly event for all ages, Ruzzo’s Retreat begins hosting live music performances every Friday and Saturday night.
A Toast to the Risk-Takers
For everyone fantasizing about trading their cubicle for a chance to pursue their dream as a moneymaker, Ruzzo is a reminder that it’s possible. It’s proof that passion, when paired with persistence, can carve out its own category and add a unique twist to a bustling industry.
Whether you’re stopping in for a drink, tapping a new taste, or simply raising a glass to what’s next, Ruzzo isn’t just a beverage, it’s a movement reminding us that the sweet spot of creativity lives between risk and reward. Ruzzo’s found itself somewhere between 12 and 64 ounces.
