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Hopskeller Brewery Opens Today in Waterloo, IL

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A town that just last year had zero breweries is now gaining its second. Hopskeller Brewing Comany opens today in downtown Waterloo, IL. After a soft launch this past Wednesday followed by a Thursday filled with working out the kinks from that soft launch, Hopskeller's Brewmaster Matt Schweizer is as ready as he can be.

looking-downThe building that Hopskeller will call home is over 150 years old and has been everything from a home to an antique shop. Giving reclaimed materials a new lease on life, the interior of the brewery has stained wood and black steel throughout. The food menu, while limited, is as original as the beers coming out of the taps. There's a brick pizza oven that will bake one of seven different menu options, or you can build your own. If you're not in the mood for 'za, you can grab one of their six hot dog or brat options. Feel free to pile on the extra toppings there, too.

Welcoming patrons of all ages (it's 21+ after the kitchen closes), Hopskeller will have something on the drink menu for everyone. With a focus on Illinois sippables, you're able to get craft sodas, craft cocktails, ciders, some bottled beer options, and of course beers brewed in-house. The draft beer menu contains Hopskeller brews exclusively and will be filled with offerings that are true English Styles, true Pacific Northwest styles and some that are a little bit of both.

Below are a few of the options you'll be able to try when you stop by to wish them luck.

Pale British Mild Ale (4.17% ABV & 15 IBU): Crisp, light English session ale. Easy-drinking with a caramel-malt aftertaste and the slightest bitterness from early-addition fuggle hops. This is our lightest ale and a great start to the world of craft beer.
Dark British Mild Ale (4.57% ABV & 14 IBU): A darker brew that combines all of the great flavors of our Pale Mild Ale with more robust caramel and nutty flavors. Great on its own, this ale is a wonderful introduction to dark beers.
Raspberry Wheat Ale (6.83% ABV & 12 IBU): Our most popular beer, this American wheat beer is aged on raspberries from Oregon's famous Willamette Valley. Light and refreshing, with just a hint of raspberry aroma and flavor.
American Amber Ale (6.56% ABV & 32 IBU): A Hopskeller flagship brew, this Northwestern-style ale combines late-addition Cascade hops with caramel and toasted malts for an unforgettable drinking experience.
Northern English Brown Ale (5.76% ABV & 26 IBU): Smooth brown ale that highlights the caramel, chocolate and nutty flavors of roasted English barley. A must-try for the craft beer aficionado and the everyday drinker! Read the Saint Brewis review here.
Session IPA (4.99% ABV & 100 IBU): For the true hopheads among us! This hoppy IPA eases up on the grain bill to let the intense blend of Chinook, Amarillo, and Columbus come through. Uncompromising, this is a true taste of the northwest.
 

Hopskeller will be open today from 2pm until 1am. For additional information on the brewery, its hours, or its beers, visit www.hopskellerbrewing.com or find them on Facebook.

Justin Phelps

Justin Phelps

Co-Founder at Saint Brewis
Justin Phelps is a Certified Cicerone® who was born and raised in St. Louis. His passion for beer goes beyond just drinking it as he is also an award-winning home brewer. While he may be a marketing professional by day, he's a blogger, brewery hopper, and beer enthusiast by night.
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