Former Goose Island Guys to Start Microbrewery, Beer-Tasting Place in Geneva

"There's never a substitute for quality."

That's what Eric Hobbs says in this most-excellent "HopCast" YouTube video about the new micro brewery that's destined to open on Stevens Street in Geneva, now that the Geneva City Council Committee of the Whole has unanimously recommended approval. (The full City Council has to formally give its OK on Monday, June 17. 

As they say in the video, "This just in ... "

Hobbs, who hails from Geneva, and his partner, Tom Korder, already have put together a 40-barrel brewhouse, "which is pretty big," Eric says in the video.

"We initially planned a little bit smaller, but ... a perfect storm," Tom adds.

Now, they're getting the city's seal of approval for the production brewery and tasting center called Penrose Brewing. You can visit their Facebook page here.

The gentlemen said they didn't want to cut into the business of local bars and restaurants by opening a brew pub. Instead, they'll host tastings and some events but sell the beer to other establishments. No big-screen TVs, no wait staff, no pub.

"Let's bring the beer to people at other retail establishments," Eric said.

That sentiment was echoed by Michael Olesen, owner of Stockholm's.

"I give my wholehearted support to this project," he told council members. "Craft brewing is one of the few industries that is truly growing, and I think this would be a feather in Geneva’s cap."

The city approval they are seeking is an ordinance text amendment to allow "Production Brewing" in an I-1 Light Industrial District and a special use permit for production brewing, including the tasting room, at 509 Stevens St.

Hobbs and Korder will be brewing "Belgian-inspired beers," and they sound wonderful and look delicious. The twosome "worked with Goose Island for a number of years and have a ton of experience with what it takes to make quality and unique beer," according to Episode 203 of HopCast.

The news reached The Beer Advocate way back in March and leaves beer lovers in our area with a lot to look forward to in the near future.