E-Malt.com News article: USA, IL: Lena Brewing Company to open in November

As Ross Vehmeier readies for the opening of his 10,000-square-foot brewery in November, he’s staying true to the facility’s roots, journalstandard.com reported on September, 16.

“We’re in a feed mill, we’re not trying to hide that; we’re in the middle of a corn field, we’re not trying to hide that either,” Vehmeier said. “That’s the feel we want. We want that industrial, heavy, rough-finished look. It’s not going to be polished and pretty.”

With Generations Brewery set to open in Freeport by the end of October, the local brewing business is alive and well.

Vehmeier expects his new business venture to start brewing beer in a month. The Lena Brewing Company will offer tours and a full bar featuring six of its own beers.

Interest has been growing across the country, according to Galena Brewing Company co-owner Warren Bell. He said the brewing industry is expanding nationwide, and he’s glad to see it happening locally.

“I’m not surprised it’s catching on here. Actually, I’m surprised it’s taken this long,” said Bell. “It’s good to have more competition around us because up to now, a brewery tour that took in two or three breweries in a day was not possible, but now it is and that’s a good thing for the tourism industry in the region.”

Vehmeier said not only will the brewing industry be beneficial for the area, but he thinks the local presence can help strengthen an already growing field.

“We’re excited about what it can hopefully do for the area to get the word out about local breweries and beer,” Vehmeier said. “So who knows? Maybe this could be Stephenson County’s next big thing.”


17 September, 2014