Brotherwell Brewing

This is a start-up brewery located two blocks off of the Brazos River near downtown Waco. It is North of the river, so if you stay in one of the hotels on the river, like I did, it is an easy walk across the bridge from you. It is in what appears to be an older neighborhood at the start of revitalization. There were a few buildings that had new-looking businesses in them, but also quite a few vacant lots and historic buildings still waiting for occupants. Still, the area is open and well-lit and I was very comfortable walking over from my hotel at night.

The brewery is very utilitarian and bare-boned, with a simple bar and plain tables and chairs in its tasting area, as well as a large grass beer garden with picnic tables outside. There is a small production area that is visible behind the bar and I imagine you could watch the brewers at work up close if you went during the day. There was a trivia night going on when I visited. The bartender that night was friendly and generously discussed their beers with me.

There were 9 or 10 house beers on tap and I tried several in a taster flight. I found them to be hit or miss, with an Irish Red and IPA that were forgettable, but a good Wee Heavy and Porter, and an excellent Tripel. The brewery seems to be new and finding its footing, and I wish them well. I'd like to go back for more of the Tripel and to see how they develop.