USA, VA: Steam Bell Beer Works launches as Chesterfield's first production brewery

Steam Bell Beer Works is Chesterfield's first production brewery, and its owner hopes it will become the go-to-spot for locals to kick back, relax, and enjoy a cold one, WWBT NBC12 News reported.

According to the Brewers Association, there are 124 craft breweries in Virginia, but Brad Cooper thought the Commonwealth needed one more - especially in his hometown.

"Growing up here, I can tell you there are very few fun things to do in Chesterfield," said Cooper.

On Saturday, June 11 Cooper celebrated Steam Bell Beer Works grand opening. Right now, Cooper has 12 beers on tap, with a focus on Farm House ales.

The Manchester High School grad got his start brewing beers at home. His dream was to one day open a brewery, but between the costs and already having a full time job, Cooper thought it could never become a reality.

"You want to talk about sticker shock. I looked at those prices and thought, 'there is no way I could ever do this,'" said Cooper. "So I took all that information and put it in a box and shoved it underneath my desk and said, 'whatever, that's never going to happen.'"

That all changed in 2014, when Cooper got fired from his mining job, which he calls the best day of his life.

It took nearly two years, blood, sweat, and a lot of hops later, but Cooper’s dream is finally becoming a reality.

"Just hearing the sounds and smelling the smells that I associate with a brewery, that this is just our creation is just very surreal," said Cooper.

Cooper says almost everything about Steam Bell is homegrown. His parents are helping run the operations, the name pays tribute to his family, and many of the ingredients are local.

Cooper says knowing it’s beer that he has made, makes the whole thing taste that much sweeter.

"It's the best beer in the world," said Cooper.

11 June, 2016