Brewstel receives brewery license

Just when you were ready to give up on them ever getting a commercial brewery license, the Brewstel comes through with one. Congratulations to owner Tim Powell on Brewstel becoming West Virginia’s 21st licensed brewery.

In the state’s modern brewery history, it’s likely the longest time seen between the announcement of a project and the actual awarding of a brewery license. I first heard about this project back in 2011. It just goes to show that reaching your dream can be a long and winding road.

Brewstel perseveres toward a goal

The business name Brewstel came from the combination of brewery and hostel. Brewstel has operated as a hostel in Elkins since 2012. Their original business idea was always to have a commercial brewery at the hostel, but the brewery side took a while to develop.

At first, they only had a homebrewing set up and also had a Brew-On-Premise operation as a sideline. (BOP in WV does not require a state ABC license.) When you visited in its early years, folks say you could get a free taste of some homebrewed beer. But since the owners did not have a state brewery license, they could not sell any of the homebrew. Until about a year and a half ago, Brewstel had no state alcohol license of any kind.

During 2013, Brewstel expanded its focus on homebrewing supplies, giving it one of the better selections of supplies anywhere in the state. Then in May 2015, they got their first ABC permit: a  retail carry-out-beer store license. Brewstel added a growler filling permit a couple months later.

Business was good, and the owners did not rest. During 2015, they built in a tavern at Brewstel with 21 taps. It was licensed and began operation last November. Their tavern license allows Brewstel to sell pints for on-premise consumption and growlers to-go. Brewstel stocks its tavern  with a well-curated selection of West Virginia and regional craft beer.

Over the past year, even though you didn’t hear much talk about it, Brewstel continued inching forward toward its goal of becoming a brewery. They continued to work on their brewery set-up and they continued brewing.

Brewery license announced

Then last week, the WV Alcohol Beverage Control Administration announced it had approved Brewstel’s applications for a license to operate a brewery and brewpub.

The owners soon posted their happy announcement on Brewstel’s Facebook page, along with photos of their actual WV brewpub license:

“Well…. Some big news people…. It’s as official as it can get… We will now be able to not only brew but have our beers for sale!”

Pretty much the next day, Brewstel’s own beers appeared on the tavern menu. Initially, while they ramp up their brewing and beer inventory, Brewstel-brand beers will be limited to pints and flights in the tavern, meaning no growlers or distribution to other bars or growler shops. Starting out, you will find their Rich Mountain Light (American Wheat) and Ashcat Amber Ale on draft. Other Brewstel’s brews, such as the Downtown Brown Ale, will soon follow. They will keep the remainder of their 21 taps full of other WV and regional craft brands.

Sometimes, realizing a business goal takes more time than you had imagined. With perseverance, however, Powell and his business associates stuck to the plan and today have their brewery. Now, they can move forward with additional goals of making some of the best beer in the region.

I wish them good luck for their continued success.

Brewstel
120 Davis Av.
Elkins, WV 26241

Brewery website link