Torzala Brewing Co.

It's always a great day when you happen upon a new brewery at random. I hope this brewery boom will last... cheers to serendipity today.

While stopping for New Barons Brewing Co-op, I noticed a small sign on the corner beckoning to the 2nd floor of the large industrial loft building. Always game for a new brewery, I followed the signs through the side door and up the stairs, and halfway down the hallway, past art studios, offices, and atelier boutiques. A small TBC lighting bolt sign hung above the door, #207.

Inside it was cozy, brick walls, a small window with natural light, and bar seating for 8-10 patrons, and a few tables. A live-edge wood table and shelf bar under the window. A small play area for kids as well. Beers were chalked on slats on the wall behind the bar. One flatscreen in the corner with a Sunday afternoon NFL game playing silently.

This place was all about the beer, and the owner/brewer Jeff Torzala was on hand to chat expertly with the 3 patrons. He has been homebrewing for 20+ years, with a focus on traditional and historical styles, as well as some experimental flourishes like an excellent Rauchbier with Hatch chiles. He regaled us with stories of visiting breweries when he lived in Belgium, and another patron shared a story about a mysterious piece of metal lodged in a tree that he had been doing millwork on. This launched into a conversation about hidden schrapnel buried in trees from wartime in West Flanders. Cool stuff if you can dig it.

Beer quality was good, the Rauchbier was excellent, the Munich Helles was a little too sweet for me personally. Kölsch was spot on, crisp and refreshing.

Overall this is a cool spot, and worth a look when heading to New Barons and Component, both located in the same building.