Sundial Brewing and Blending

Small tap room and patio at the end of a mall, but it is inviting with european beer flair and has a variety of seating types which is appreciated. The service is quick and friendly, always ready to help. Their best work is their wild stuff, which some have been really artful and beautiful, their lagers are solid but are clearly not their specialty, still I appreciate this for my non-sour drinking friends. Around 8 taps from what I can tell from my few visits, again emphasis on sour, but lagers and belgian beers are make appearances too. An upgrade from flesk for sure

 

 

In the ashes of the relocated Flesk has risen Sundial, taking the space in the old Ice House Mall and revamping it for its new owners. (Though connected to Roaring Table, they are otherwise unaffiliated.) Just as before, the space is a singular and open one, with tables surrounding the central bar in the back, the brewing apparatus open to the right, and some patio seating out front. The décor is heavy on the wood aesthetic, producing a vibe comparable to a combination of a welcoming den and a European watering hole. Very welcoming, while maintaining an air of knowledge and refinement. Right on. Not the most extensive tap list in the world (maybe ten, alongside a couple bottled offerings), but they are all very well-made and very tasty (like the Northern German pils and the barreled stouts and the mixed-culture farmhouse stuff). The staff rocked the bar, being more than willing and excited the discuss the beers, how they were made, and their plans for the future (including some wild fermentation that I am very much looking forward to). All-around great guys. Just as it was under Flesk, there isn't any food on offer, but I've seen plenty of food trucks scheduled for the parking lot, so it doesn't look to be much of an issue. Overall, I'm glad to see such great guys taking over at a convenient location (both close to home and to my commuter train, gotta love it), and I'm excited to see what they come out with in the coming months and years.

Opening weekend and the place was buzzing. Nice open layout, bar straight ahead, tables flanking on the left and right. Signage outside was a trio of stacked puncheons, each barrelhead painted with the Sundial logo. Decor inside was modern, framed prints on the walls of old breweriana cleverly altered with Sundial branding. Open view into the brewery on the right, with a couple tables right next to it.

The owners were tending the bar, and chatting with everyone. From telling us how specific beers were made, to pulling bottles from their private stash, these guys were extremely knowledgeable and hospitable.

Beers were all new, and quality was very good. The north German Pils was a highlight, as were their table beer, mixed ferm saisons, and pair of BA imperial stouts.

Really excited for these guys to start barrel aging and putting out bottles again. Everything i’ve tried over the past year has been impressive, and a trip to the new brewery did not disappoint. Nothing similar anywhere in the area, recommended for fans of Afterthought and Is/Was.