Warm yourself up at this new Belleville microbrewery opening this holiday weekend
Belleville’s newest microbrewery, Shoehorn Brewing, is set to open Friday, Dec. 23.
And despite the forecast for really cold temps, Mike Johnson, Corina Mager and Jeremy Hall are opening anyway.
(Happy Christmas to the libationists and beer enthusiasts in the area!)
Tuesday evening the trio held a soft opening attended by family, friends, local business owners, folks from Stubborn German and Millpond Brewing & Incubator, and many others.
I was also invited to attend … and all too hoppy – I mean happy – to do so.
It was so busy that I didn’t get many opportunities to speak with Mager, Johnson or Hall very much, but we chatted between customers when we could.
The one thing they all said was that it’s been busy. (Between preparing for their opening and brewing their beers, I can imagine.)
It was the first time I’d seen the finished space in person. My last visit to the brewery was in June when construction was underway with a lot left to do.
Their original plan was to open during the summer. But according to regular updates on the Shoehorn Brewing Facebook page, construction, supply deliveries and obtaining licenses took longer than expected.
They pushed the opening to January. But then the licenses came through, so they opened a bit earlier.
Readers, the place is beautiful.
Most of the seating consists of gorgeous tables and benches, worthy of any quality biergarten.
There’s also seating along the bar, with its blue lighting, behind which is a row of 20 beer taps.
Beers on offer during the soft opening included Shoehorn’s own 215 to Louisville Kentucky Common and Darmstadt Lager.
Also available were High Noon seltzers in pineapple, peach, watermelon and lime, Winter Hop hard cider (Brick River Cider Co.), Stubbornfest (Stubborn German) and Millpond Copper Lager.
Johnson said (barring any brewing issues) two more of Shoehorn’s releases will be available starting this weekend: a rye IPA and their Gose the Gozerian.
Other brews will be added in the coming weeks, including the Dortmunder (a strong helles), said Johnson.
I had the 215 to Louisville. (I was off duty at this point.) If you are unfamiliar with the Kentucky common, don’t let the rich dark coloring of this brew intimidate you. Unlike the dense and even darker stout, I found the Kentucky common to be light and refreshing.
I’d totally order it again.
As of right now, Hall, Johnson and Mager are the only three serving beer at Shoehorn. Hall said they will be hiring “very soon.”
I should think so. As busy as they were at the soft opening, they’ll need more help when they’re officially open.
Shoehorn Brewing is located at 225 E. Main St. in downtown Belleville.
This weekend’s hours are 5-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, noon to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and 5-9 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Starting Monday, Dec. 26, hours will be 5-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.
For more info visit shoehornbrewing.com or check them out on Facebook.
* * *
Join the BND’s 618 Food & Fun Facebook page for the latest on restaurants and fun things to do in the area. Share your thoughts in the comments. #618Food&Fun
This story was originally published December 23, 2022 at 6:30 AM with the headline "Warm yourself up at this new Belleville microbrewery opening this holiday weekend."
