As the year comes to a close, it looks like one Bay View brewery will unfortunately not be heading into 2025. 

On Friday, Enlightened Brewing Company, 2020 S. Allis St., announced that it will be closing its doors on Sunday Jan. 5. Owner Tommy Vandervort and James Larson shared the following statement thanking their regulars and the craft beer community:

"After nearly 11 years of all the beers, it comes with a mix of emotions that we announce that Enlightened Brewing Company will be closing its doors. This journey has led us around 3 breweries in 2 locations and filled our lives with passion, creativity, lots of love, and a deep sense of community. We're eternally grateful to each and every one of you who has been a part of it.

We're also thankful for our staff who kept us going all these years running a production brewery with events and taproom service, and keeping that beer flowing for thirsty souls. Their dedication and enthusiasm made this place special every single day.

To all our regulars - thank you for making our taproom your home away from home. You created memories here that transcended beer and taprooms and you helped make this place lively and special. That has meant the world to us.

We're so happy and honored to be a part of this neighborhood and this city and although the brick and mortar won't be ours anymore, the spirit of collaboration, friendliness, fun, and community will always live on. Thank you for trusting us with your night out, your parties, your time, and everything else you've shared with us over the years.

Our last day of service will be Sunday, Jan. 5. We will be in touch shortly with anyone who has events booked in 2025.

Until we cross paths again, and with heartfelt gratitude - take care."

- Tommy, James and The Enlightened Crew

Last March, Vandervort reflected on a decade of Enlightened Brewing on our FoodCrush Podcast. We’ll be terribly sad to see the business come to a close. Make sure you stop in before January 5th to pick up part of the remainder of their beer supply.