Everything is falling into place for HomeGrown Brewing Company,
a brewery we first wrote about in Oct. 2015. The downtown Oxford brewery has announced that it is on its way to a fall opening. Construction is currently underway on the building, the former Veterans Memorial Civic Center on Washington Street.
The brewery has also released its inaugural beer menu including a Cream Ale, Belgian Wheat, Australian-hopped IPA, Brown Ale, and a Stout.
The sixth and final beer style on the permanent beer menu is a combination between an Amber- and a Wheat-style beer. John Powers, head brewer and owner of HomeGrown, calls the hybrid beer a Whamber Ale. Its inclusion on the menu is a result of an online poll the company had, asking their fans and Facebook followers which beer should make the permanent menu. The Whamber Ale won.
Powers says the poll was designed to make the craft beer world less exclusive.
"We will absolutely be offering creative experimental seasonal brews, like a chocolate coffee porter in winter and a spiced pumpkin ale in the fall, but our flagship beers will really concentrate on the fundamentals of brewing a solid pint," John says in a statement.
As for the building itself, renovation work on the old Veterans Memorial Civic Center has revealed some historic details hidden away years ago. Original brickwork, wood flooring, and an arched window were all revealed during demolition. Powers says the brewery is working to feature the historic details into their design.
A food menu is also planned, complementing a large dining area, sitting room, and beer garden. An event hall will be upstairs.
HomeGrown Brewing Company is located at 28 N. Washington St. in Oxford.
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