Under the leadership of three long-time Urbana residents, Jason Kile, Neal Pence, and Jamon Sellman, Urbana Brewing Co. hopes to build up a burgeoning nightlife in the small town, and ultimately attract beer lovers from across the Miami Valley.

Pence shows off his recently installed brewing system.

“I started with a two-gallon Mr. Beer kit, bought at a local drugstore,” Pence, the head brewer said, when describing his transition from hobbyist brewer to business partner. “Quickly I expanded there to five gallons system and most recently I was brewing on what’s known as a half-barrel system.”

At Urbana Brewing Co. his output will expand tenfold, but Pence said the basics remain the same. “You start with hot water, you mix in grain, you take the liquid off, you add in your flavors and hops and then you let the yeast do their magic,” he said. “Mankind has been doing it for as far back in history as we can really see.”

When the brewery gets up and running, Pence wants that process to be on full display, with his brewing system featured prominently on the main floor, along with a family-friendly set of games, while those looking for a quieter atmosphere can head upstairs to the furnished rooftop.

At the center of the experience though, Pence wants to make sure his beer shines.

“The bar ends up being your focal point for any good brewery,” he said.

An engineer, Pence said he came to Urbana about 20 years ago for his first job in his field, decades later, he’s proud to call the city his home.

“I’ve always been a small-town person at heart and I just love what Urbana has to offer,” he said.

The above was originally posted by Michelle Alfini of Spectrum News.

It’s grand opening weekend for the brewery, starting at noon Friday, Nov 18th.

Urbana Brewing Co will be operating under a self service model. You’ll order your beer and food at the bar, your beer will be poured then, you’ll be notified when your food is ready.

Crowlers and growlers will not be available during grand opening weekend, but look for them in the near future.

Here’s the opening beverage menu: