News Summary
Solemn Oath Brewery, based in Naperville, Illinois, plans to open its first Wisconsin taproom in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood by mid-2026. The brewery will occupy the site previously filled by 1840 Brewing Company, which closed in June 2025. Known for its diverse range of beers, Solemn Oath aims to engage the local community through events, collaborations, and a commitment to modern brewing techniques. A preview pop-up event will be held on December 18, generating excitement for the new establishment.
Milwaukee’s Bay View to Welcome Solemn Oath Brewery Taproom by Mid-2026
Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood is set to welcome Solemn Oath Brewery, an establishment based in Naperville, Illinois, which will open its first taproom in Wisconsin by mid-2026. The new location will occupy the site at 342 E. Ward St., previously home to 1840 Brewing Company, which closed in June 2025 during co-founder Stephanie Vetter’s battle with cancer.
Founded in 2012, Solemn Oath Brewery has operated for 13 years and has made efforts to foster a significant presence in the Milwaukee area. The brewery’s founder, John Barley, who has Wisconsin roots, views the opening of this taproom as a personal endeavor and is eager to bring a modern American beer experience to the Bay View community.
Solemn Oath Brewery has been distributing its beer in Milwaukee for several years, and plans to provide a variety of both staple and experimental brews at the new taproom. Some offerings will include the popular Lü Kölsch, Snaggletooth Bandana IPA, Small Wave City Club, and Kidnapped by Vikings IPA.
Additionally, the Bay View taproom will function as both a brewery and barrel-aging facility, which provides opportunities for local collaborations and unique projects. Daniel Ray, who has been appointed as the Director of Brewing Operations, emphasizes a commitment to modern brewing techniques and will offer a variety of beer styles, including hop-centric options and modern lagers.
To kick off the anticipation for the new taproom, Solemn Oath Brewery will host a preview pop-up event on December 18 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Supermoon Beer Company, located at 3145 S. Howell Ave. This event will provide an initial taste of what is to come in the Bay View taproom, fostering excitement among local beer enthusiasts.
The brewery aims to cultivate community ties by organizing creative events such as chef and maker pop-ups, art and music nights, and various programming designed to engage local residents. Solemn Oath plans to introduce unique beers specifically tailored to the preferences of the Bay View community, signifying their dedication to local involvement.
With a current annual production of approximately 6,000 barrels of beer, Solemn Oath Brewery also operates a taproom in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. The Milwaukee location will be their first venture into Wisconsin’s craft beer market, reflecting their objective to expand their reach and enhance their brand within new territories.
Pending city approval, Solemn Oath’s target launch date remains set for mid-2026. The establishment’s opening aligns with the growing craft beer scene in Milwaukee, where local breweries continue to thrive and attract a diverse customer base.
With this new taproom, Solemn Oath Brewery aims to create a vibrant space for beer lovers, blending their experience from previous ventures with a fresh, localized approach to brewing. The community eagerly anticipates what this new addition will bring to the Bay View neighborhood.
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HERE Resources
Solemn Oath Brewery to Open Taproom in Milwaukee’s Bay View
Solemn Oath Brewery to Open New Taproom in Milwaukee
Additional Resources
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- Milwaukee Magazine
- Urban Milwaukee
- Milwaukee Record
- BizTimes
- Wikipedia: Craft Brewery
- Google Search: Solemn Oath Brewery
- Google Scholar: Craft Beer Milwaukee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Brewery
- Google News: Solemn Oath Brewery
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
