For years people have dreamed of a local craft brewery in town, and poof! it’s here. Eureka Springs Brewery, owned by Jeff Joseph, opened June 26.
Eureka Springs Brewery is located on five acres at 96 Ridgeview behind the old Victoria Inn and Cup of Love Ministry, just off US 62 East. The inn has been vacant more than a decade, and Joseph hopes his business will be the first in the area to encourage redevelopment.
“I might even spark the revitalization,” he said.
Besides offering unusual beer for $5 to $6 per glass, his business plan is to offer a lot of activities. All ages are welcome, and the brewery has some amenities that should be especially attractive to outdoor recreation tourists, such as disk golf, maybe the first brewery in the state to offer that.
The brewery also has a corn hole game (kind of like a bean bag toss) and Ladders golf, where you toss three bolas of two balls onto ladder rungs. Ladder golf etiquette encourages players to make as many sounds, remarks or movements as possible to distract opponents, but touching them is verboten.
Bocce ball (closely related to British bowls and French pétanque) court is in the plans, and there are about 20 different board games inside.
Back to beer:
- Wild Wheat. Belgian Wheat with a liberal amount of sweet orange peel and coriander added. Fruity and light, perfect for a hot summer day.
- Summer Saison. Belgian Pale Ale brewed to ensure a zesty finish. Perfect for those looking to add a bit more spice to their beverage.
- Session Irish Stout. One of the lighter selections, surprising for a stout. Brewed to be refreshing, even during the summer heat, with a slight chocolate finish.
- Topless Blonde. Blonde Ale brewed to be crisp with mild bitterness and floral undertones. One of the more refreshing options for those looking for a mild selection.
- Roasted Coconut. Brown Ale brewed with coconut flakes, roasted over an open flame. Chocolate malt makes this a very rich beverage with slight hints of coconut to finish.
If you can’t decide which one to try, you can get a flight of five beers in four-ounce glasses.
Jeff is a fourth-generation home brewer.
“I was first introduced to it at age fifteen,” Jeff said. “So far all our sales are onsite. We will have ten of our brews on tap, with six flagship beers always on tap. The other four will be alternating, something new each season.”
It takes two to three weeks to brew beer, depending on which kind it is.
His favorite beer varies with the season. He likes a lighter beer in the summer, in the fall more of an extra special bitter, and in winter, the stout beers.
The brewery is housed in a metal building with seating in full view of the brewing operation. There is seating for about 50 people inside, and 16 outside. Jeff did the interior finishing work that includes rustic wood siding and a bar. They welcome special events, and are currently working to bring a food truck to the property.
“That would be a big draw,” Jeff said. “We are advised a food truck probably could get a license here because it’s on private property.”
Jeff grew up and spent most of his life in Springdale before moving to Eureka Springs four years ago.
Eureka Springs Brewery is a little off the beaten path, but brewery turistas – people who travel to visit different craft breweries – have already found it. Eureka Springs Brewery, which can be found on Facebook, is also serving dry red, dry white and peach wines from Railway Winery. During the week, the brewery is open from 3 –9 p.m. And on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, noon – 9 p.m.