VINTON (WSLS 10)-- Changes are in the works for the Town of Vinton. From the Library renovations and plans for a Macado's restaurant, to the new apartments currently under construction at the old William Byrd High School building-- there are some big projects in the works.
Soon there will be a new place for people to meet for a drink on the weekends or after work, as the town's first brewery will open later this fall. Twin Creeks Brewing Company will give people who live and work in Vinton a place to go close to home and bring in visitors from all across the Roanoke Valley.
Owners, Andy and Jason Bishop and Barry Robertson, say this is an idea that both the town and other local breweries have been supporting since the start. Soaring Ridge and Flying Mouse have been helping the brothers every step of the way-- from getting started to setting up their brewing equipment. The Town of Vinton has been on board as well. The brewery fits perfectly into the revitalization plan and efforts to get more people to visit.
"We're hoping it brings a lot more tourism and people to the downtown area," says Andy. "Vinton already has a lot to offer with the new restaurants, they have the new library and there are a lot of shops downtown. We can compliment a nice evening out-- people can come get a good craft beer, have dinner in town and do a little shopping."
It's a project that has been in the works for nearly a decade. It all started when Andy and Jason bought their first home brewing kit-- since then, they've been working to perfect their brews.A few years ago, the pair decided to make a business out of their passion.
The guys have been testing out their beer-making skills, entering their brews into competitions. Out of ten competitions they entered, their recipes won 1st or 2nd place in all but one category.
The brewing process is set to begin soon, but for now-- they're finishing construction on the building. This is work they've done almost entirely by themselves.
"It's more of a rustic and industrial feel we're going for," explains Andy. "I want people to come down, have fun and join their friends for the evening. We'll have live music occasionally, hold special events. It's really kind of a gathering place for the Town of Vinton."
The brewery is set to open in early November. They will offer three mainstay beers-- an IPA, a dark beer and a light beer. In all, there will be 10 taps, with seasonal brews rotating in throughout the year.