USA, VA: Owners of Maltese Brewing Co. hoping for soft opening next month

The owners of Maltese Brewing Co. have come a long way since announcing their plans to open their firefighter-themed brewery in Spotsylvania County earlier this year, Fredericksburg.com reported on March 8.

The 1,400-square-foot space, in the Fredericksburg Business Park, off State Route 2, is actually starting to look like a brewery.

Though small, it will have enough room for the brewing equipment, as well as tasting areas with tables, chairs and a bar.

Bobby Cook and Joe Smith, Prince William County firefighters who own Maltese, hope to be able to have a soft opening in mid-April.

They launched an online fundraising campaign through Kickstarter.com for $10,000 and have reached their goal. The money they raised is being used to buy brewing equipment. Much of it is already in place and came from Blue & Gray Brewing Co.

The cold room is done, which is where the kegs sit when they are connected to the taps behind the bar.

Cook and Smith are handy and built everything themselves or with the help of friends. Their plan is to finish up construction soon and start brewing this month for their mid-April opening.

The next step is to get their ABC license, which will allow them to brew.

11 March, 2015