*This is the twenty-fifth post in an on-going chronicle dubbed the Great Wisconsin Brewery Tour. Follow the journey here.*
Company Brewing. All photos by Joe Powell.
Company Brewing
735 E Center St
Milwaukee, WI 53212
(414) 930-0909
Visit date: 09/19/15
Quick Hits:
1) How many different beers?
8 on tap, 12 total made
2) How long operational?
4 months
3) Why? (here, this, etc)
Existing brewing equipment allowed for easy transition.
4) Distribution?
Growlers to go, on tap at a few local restaurants.
5) What sets you apart?
Every beer is high quality. The owner/brewmaster has a “great sense of taste.”
6) How did you get your name?
Is in reference to “having people over for company.”
It feels more like a fancy dinner party than a brewery.
Once the home of a different brewery and music venue, Company Brewing took over this historic Riverwest corner building and completely redid the space. What before was a rough, worn warehouse that happened to house a bar is now a comfortable and inviting restaurant. The welcoming feeling is obviously what Company is aiming for, as their name was chosen to signify their desire to invite strangers and friends over for a bite and a beer.
Ceiling-light plants. Are they hops?
The interior flows almost like somebody’s home might: there’s a curvy bar; high-top, desk-like seating; a lounge-y seating area; and an open kitchen concept with its own breakfast-style bar seating. Each portion of the space has its own textures and colors and decorations, giving every seat a new feeling.
The open-kitchen meshes into what seems like a diner counter.
We posted up at the traditional bar, above which hung two TVs with sports that were turned off as the night stretched and conversations deepened. While Company does not offer traditional flights, they do feature “Cuppers” which are 8oz pours for between $2-$3 each. We ordered 5 of the 8 of their own they had that night.
The goods.
Bounce House Session Wheater
Light wheat beer with a tasty hook.
Handshake Patersbier
Very unique, tart caramel taste.
Highlo Ale
Classic, like something you’d drink with your grandpa in his basement.
Poor Farm Pils
Crisp Pilsner, needs to be served ice cold.
Lunchpauze Saison
An interesting floral note to start with a fruity and dry finish.
The brewing equipment is well-maintained behind glass in back.
Company Brewing’s beer is true to style, which fits well with the communal feel – I’m sure it pairs well with any of the delicious-smelling dishes we saw come out. In a neighborhood with a true sense of identity like Riverwest, Company Brewing is bound to succeed with their social focus.