News Summary
Solemn Oath Brewery, based in Illinois, is expanding into Wisconsin with a new taproom set to open in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood. This location will take over the site of the former 1840 Brewing Co., and will offer a diverse range of beers while engaging the community through events and programming. With a focus on high-quality brews and local partnerships, the brewery aims to create a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors. A preview pop-up event is also planned to introduce patrons to the upcoming offerings.
Milwaukee
Solemn Oath Brewery, headquartered in Naperville, Illinois, is set to expand into Wisconsin with the opening of its first taproom in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood, scheduled for mid-2026. The new location will be established at 342 E. Ward St., taking over the site previously occupied by 1840 Brewing Co., which shut its doors in June 2025. The closure was attributed to a focus on family by former owners Kyle and Stephanie Vetter following Stephanie’s cancer diagnosis.
The brewery, which was founded in 2012, already has a popular location in Chicago’s Logan Square and is known for its community-focused approach. The upcoming Bay View taproom will not only serve a variety of Solemn Oath beers, including signatures such as Lü Kölsch and Snaggletooth Bandana IPA, but will also operate as a brewery and barrel-aging facility. This setup is designed to foster projects and partnerships that can be developed on-site, enhancing the local craft beer scene.
In addition to a diverse beer menu, the Bay View taproom plans to host various events aimed at engaging the community. These will include chef and maker pop-ups, live music, and other community programming designed to create a vibrant and welcoming space for locals and visitors alike. The expansion into Wisconsin carries personal significance for the brewery’s founder, John Barley, who grew up in the state.
Daniel Ray, the Director of Brewing Operations, indicated that the offerings at the Bay View taproom will focus on world-class beers, emphasizing hop-centric styles, modern lagers, and barrel blends. The team is committed to producing high-quality brews that resonate with both established beer enthusiasts and new customers.
As a preview of what patrons can expect, Solemn Oath Brewery has organized a pop-up event scheduled for December 18, 2025. This event will be held at Supermoon Beer Company, located at 3145 S. Howell Ave., from 4 to 9 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample a selection of beers that will be available at the forthcoming Bay View taproom.
The decision to open a new location in Wisconsin aligns with Solemn Oath Brewery’s broader vision of community-driven taprooms that foster relationships among patrons. By prioritizing inclusiveness and local engagement, the brewery aims to cultivate a loyal following in the Milwaukee area.
This expansion marks an important step for Solemn Oath Brewery, reflecting its growth and dedication to the craft beer industry. With the hiring of Daniel Ray, who brings a wealth of experience and multiple awards from the Great American Beer Festival, the brewery is well-positioned to establish itself in Milwaukee’s thriving craft beer market. Visitors to the new taproom can look forward to a unique experience, showcasing both established favorites and innovative new brews in a friendly, neighborhood setting.
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Solemn Oath Brewery to Open New Taproom in Milwaukee
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- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- Urban Milwaukee
- BizTimes
- Milwaukee Record
- Milwaukee Magazine
- Wikipedia: Solemn Oath Brewery
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Solemn Oath Brewery
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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.
