Two more new brewery projects in development

We’ve received information on two new West Virginia brewery projects in active development, one in the mid-Ohio Valley and one in southeastern part of the state.

Golden Spike Brewing Company

Golden Spike Brewing Company plans to produce its beer in Saint Marys, with an opening target of Fall 2019. The brewery will operate from a 2,800 sq. ft. repurposed building in the heart of downtown Saint Marys. The project is led by owner Paden Morris, who will also handle the brewing. 

Morris has been home brewing for about five years and has had success in several homebrew competitions. Last year, his beer entry was selected in the Pies and Pints White Elephant IPA competition, so he got to brew his recipe with Big Timber Brewing in Elkins, WV. “That experience is really what propelled me to take the idea of brewing professionally and work to make it a reality,” he said. 

About his White Elephant recipe, Big Timber head brewer, Matt Kwasniewski told me at the time, “We really like the way the combination of hops and the slight funkiness from the Belgian White yeast combine to create a complex yet crisp taste.”

Golden Spike will offer a full taproom for pints and growler sales and will encourage customers to bring in their own food from local restaurants. Morris said his primary focus will not only be providing good craft beer, but also continuing to develop and build up the community around them.  

Morris said he subscribes to the belief that “there is no better vessel to bring friends, families, communities, and even strangers together than a locally made quality craft beer.”

“We want to be a place that brings our community together through social gatherings, community support events, and collaborative community opportunities. Currently, we have a set upon location and are working with lenders and financing programs to get the required funds to bring everything into motion.” 

The initial beer line up is expected to include Golden Spike Blonde Ale, Conductor’s Common Ale (a historic Kentucky Common Ale), Livelong Day New England IPA, and Promontory Porter. Beyond the taproom, some product will also be self-distributed to select other retail accounts. 

The brewery will open with a 3.5 barrel brewing system and 21 barrels of fermentation space. Total investment will be in the neighborhood of $150,000. The brewery expects to hire two full-time employees and one part-time employee at opening.

Golden Spike Facebook

Big Draft Brewing Company

Greenbrier County will see its second brewery with the development of Big Draft Brewing Company in White Sulphur Springs. Owner David Bostic reports that, while the project is in its early stages, he plans to open a full-service brewpub not far from The Greenbrier Resort. The location could sure prove to be a beneficial one, as resort guest are always looking for things to do in the area. That connection could be further helped along by Bostic’s business connections with The Greenbrier.

Bostic plans to install a 7-barrel brewhouse with ample fermentation space to keep the taps full, as well as do some canning. Beyond selling through the taproom, Bostic reports that he will self-distribute beer to other retailers. A head brewer has not yet been named. 

The 6,000 sq. ft. building on Main Street East will house a spacious taproom offering a full service restaurant. Bostic also hopes to recruit food trucks to park outside. The investment for the brewery is expected to be at least $200,000. Target opening date is May 2020.