This is Indie Beer

Freedom Starts Here

Founded by long-time friends and business associates William Comer and Rodney Malone in late summer 2021, 1865 Brewing Company draws a line from past to present. Named for the year Congress passed and ratified the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery and involuntary servitude, their motto is “Freedom starts here!” — a recognition of the role the area played in African American emancipation history.

Opportunity Knocks

当卡莫第一次参观了两层砖制造ing on South Mallory Street in the city’s Phoebus National Historic District in 2020, he had no intention of opening a brewery.

“When I looked at the building initially, it was for a colleague who was interested in opening a taphouse and lounge,” said Comer.

That colleague opted to buy a property in another area, leaving the space available. Comer owns a construction company and has built several restaurants and clubs across Hampton Roads, but he had no experience in brewing beer or operating a brewery. Still, he sensed opportunity. The downtown Phoebus neighborhood is a registered historic site and exudes small-town charm. Its main streets are lined with inviting restaurants, boutique retail shops, a theater, a bookstore.

All that was missing was a brewery.

“Beer creates community,” said Comer. “We’re really proud to be a hub in our neighborhood.”

Further reading on 1865 Brewery Co. fromWine and Country Life.