Isley Brewing Company

1/4/14:

Stars: 4.0 out of 5.0

Pros: Wide Open Seating Area, Decent Craft Beer, Order Delivery

Cons: Small Selection

     I was excited when I heard all of the commotion about a new brewery opening up in Scott's Addition. I think that we will never have enough craft beer. It's just too damn good to think there should ever be a limit to the little breweries that make it. I finally got the chance to visit Isley Brewing with BN and company. It was a quiet little Saturday trip of just me and 14 other companions.

     Isley Brewing Company (Isley Brewing Company) is fairly tucked away in Scott's Addition. It's a nice looking brick faced store front which gives it a look of class. You walk into a big open seating area with a few tables that form 2 rows leading up to a big bar. Past this is the bathrooms and then the brewery itself. I enjoyed the wide open space. Makes Isley perfect for a small band or a gathering of people. We pulled a bunch of tables together and got to the business of drinking some beers.

     The draft list at Isley Brewing is small, but in all fairness, they are fairly fresh on the scene. I think I have been spoiled by what seems like endless choices every time we go out that it was shocking to only see 5 beers on tap. But, I quickly got past my shock. I was intrigued by all of the selections, but it was easy to narrow down my choices. I'm not a Belgian White Ale fan, so that cut out 2 beers (not that I wouldn't drink it in a pinch... let's be reasonable). And while the Peanut Butter Oatmeal Porter sounded interesting, I was not feeling that adventurous. That will have to wait for another day. Then there were two... As it was a brisk, yet pleasant winter evening, I went with the standard Oatmeal Porter.

     The beer was quite decent. It was smooth and dark. I didn't quite catch the hint of coffee flavor that I crave, but it had a chocolaty finish which was pleasing. It was what I want from the first taste of a new porter. I had 2 before I left and was happy both times. I certainly look forward to tasting more of what Isley makes.

     While we were sitting at the table I noticed that one of the tables across from us had Chanello's pizza with them, with slices being freely passed to all seated. This immediately set off my radar as usually places are all about the no outside food or beverage rule. So, being an inquisitive fellow, I asked "What in the hell?" Apparently, Isley encourages it's patrons to either bring food or order delivery from many of the local restaurants. They provide you a list of all who deliver and their phone numbers. I think that is a great concept. It allows you to customize your eats to your drink in every sense of the word. And a pizza split among 4 people is probably cheaper than an entree for yourself. Nicely done Isley.

     Like I said before, we will never have too many craft breweries. And Isley Brewing Company is continued proof of that. They are putting out a quality batch of beer and have a great set-up. So, next time delivery is on your mind, find a seat at Isley, get a beer and order your dinner. A nice little night out.