USA, AL: Old Black Bear Brewing readying for opening on November 17

Everything is in order for the grand opening of Old Black Bear Brewing's first brick-and-mortar brewhouse, taproom and coffee bar in downtown Madison, Al.com reported on October 26.

The 7,000-square-foot facility on 212 Main St. will open to the public Nov. 17 in the former Western Auto/Bandito Burrito buildings. Owner Todd Seaton, who runs the business with his wife, Dawn, said the event will also mark Old Black Bear's fifth year in the craft beer business.

The nearly $1 million project has been a labor of love for the Seatons, who launched Old Black Bear as a contract brewery with Back Forty Beer in Gadsden. Despite a few hiccups during the buildout, Seaton is eager to show off the finished product to beer and coffee drinkers alike.

"I don't think there's anybody else that offers everything that we offer here with the coffee and the food and even the outdoor space all put together in one place," he said. "That mixed in with our focus in hospitality. We want this to feel like you're sitting in your living room when you come here."

Seaton said the 15-barrel brewhouse will be run by brewmaster Stephen Tate and assistant brewer Taylor Smith, who both graduated from the World Brewing Academy and are the only International Master Brewers in the state.

Rocket Republic Brewing Company operates a 10,000-square-foot production facility and taproom less than three miles away on 289 Production Ave. Co-owner Eric Crigger welcomes the competition in Madison.

"Between us, Blue Pants and now Old Black Bear, Madison is now a destination for craft beer," he said.

28 October, 2015