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First Coast Brews: Fishweir Brewing celebrates grand opening Thursday in Murray Hill

Take a look at the latest Jacksonville craft brewery to open, Fishweir Brewing.
For opening weekend, Fishweir Brewing has 5 of their own beers on tap. PHOTO: Stephanie Danley

On Thanksgiving Day, the news broke that Fishweir Brewing Company was opening their doors in one week.

The Brewery, located at 1183 Edgewood Avenue South is in the heart of the revitalizing Murray Hill district. Fishweir owners, Broc and Stacey Flores have been working hard to turn the former nightclub into a family-friendly destination. And I think it has greatly paid off.

Fishweir Brewing Company opens its doors at 1183 S. Edgewood Avenue in Murray Hill on Thursday November 29. PHOTO: Stephanie Danley

I was given an opportunity to check them out a day early, so I jumped at the chance. Co-owner Stacey Flores laughingly told me that when people are unsure where they are located, she tells them across from Moon River Pizza and everyone knows where they are then!

Fishweir's large 'front porch' with comfortable seating is perfect for watching what goes on in Murray Hill. PHOTO: Stephanie Danley
Uniquely, Fishweir has a front porch. Plenty of seating along the sidewalk offers spectator views of Edgewood Avenue. PHOTO: Stephanie Danley

Uniquely, Fishweir has a covered front porch, right along Edgewood Avenue. This is a huge space with loads of seating. Large picture windows flood the taproom with late afternoon light. The place has a friendly, cozy feel, all the way down to curtains along the windows.

Fishweir's spacious tap room has plenty of seating at high tops and along the large L shaped bar PHOTO: Stephanie Danley

The brewery is visible from the front door at the back of the space. A large L-shaped bar is off to one side. There are high top tables on one side and dining style tables on the other. Tucked next to the brewery is a large area with a sofa, plus spectator seats looking into the facility.

You will see a large room alongside the taproom that is currently empty. This will be the barrel aging room. Brewer Dan Frye says they are anxious to start barrel aging and are in the process of procuring those barrels. Something for us to look forward to in the future.

Low tables run along one wall, offering views into the future barrel room. They are eager to start barrel aging beers. PHOTO: Stephanie Danley
In the back near the Brewing equipment is a cosy seating area. The space is large and will likely have additional furniture. PHOTO: Stephanie Danley
Fishweir Brewing's production facility is on display in the back of the taproom. There is even seating to sit and watch the action PHOTO: Stephanie Danley

The tap handles are unusual; they spell out Fishweir with the signature oak sprout logo. Stacey Flores said ordering custom tap handles was very expensive. She sought a better solution. She contacted a local welder about creating the tap handles and is very happy with the results. Way to keep it local!

Fishweir's unique tap handles were born out of necessity. Co-owner Stacy Flores contacted a local welder in an effort to reduce the cost of tap handles. PHOTO: Stephanie Danley

Keeping in the local theme, a large oak tree that fell in Fishweir Park during Hurricane Irma was the inspiration for the bar top. Stacey Flores said they contacted a company to mill logs from that tree to use as the bar top. Unfortunately, the tree was riddled with metal making it impossible to mill the large planks needed. What they could mill made it into the restrooms. Similar planks were found for the bar top.

In cooperations with local cheese purveyor, Grater Goods, Fishweir will offer a cheese and beer flight daily. PHOTO: Stephanie Danley

Fishweir Brewing has no kitchen, but they have found two ways around that. They paired with Grater Goods cheese purveyors to create a beer and cheese pairing. This is daily and not just on special events. The cheese plate and a flight of beer are available for $20.

While Fishweir Brewing doesn't have a kitchen, they have partnered with newly opened Murray's Taco Bodega next door. PHOTO: Stephanie Danley

If that isn't going to cut it for you, Fishweir has a taco solution. Next door is brand new restaurant Murray's Taco Bodega. Stacey Flores says they have the point-of-sales system for the Taco Bodega allowing them to place your order and accept payment. The Bodega will deliver it to Fishweir and you. Of course, you are welcome to bring your own food and as I said, Moon River Pizza is across the street.

Sometimes a half pint will do! Fishweir offers flights, pints and half pints! PHOTO: Stephanie Danley

There will be five Fishweir beers on tap for opening weekend. I have sampled four of the five and all were really lovely. First Block is a Belgian inspired Saison, full of yeasty funkiness. Bait and Switch is a Coffee Blonde, it smells like coffee on the nose and just is well-balanced blonde with roasted coffee. Hide Your Feelings is a Chocolate Stout, with a ton of chocolate notes and a touch of sweetness to counteract any bitterness. Pucker Factor is a Kettle Sour, crispy citrus tartness. Big Fishweir, the double dry hopped IPA with Mosaic and Citra hops is the one I did not try.

As far as pours are concerned, Fishweir offers half pints in a real half pint glass, as well as pints, tasters, Crowlers and Growlers. Some beers like the stout and sour are 10 ounce pours. There are some guest taps as well as wine and a special Gnarberry Kombucha, specially made for their opening.

Parking is along the street and I suspect there are times it will be difficult to find a space, but I think it is well worth the effort! Of course walking, biking or taking an Uber will also work!

Initially, they'll be open Wednesday through Sunday. Their opening is at 3 p.m. on weekdays and noon on Saturday and Sunday. And yes, there are TV sets for football.

For the time being, they will concentrate on opening, but we can expect those barrel-aged beers down the road, as well as more core beers. Frye says they will probably do special releases down the road.

I was very impressed by the space, the beer and most importantly, the people behind Fishweir Brewing. I encourage you to check them as soon!

Cheers y'all!

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