Whistle Pig's New Digs
If you’ve ever been to Humble Coffee off of Templeton Gap, you may have noticed a “Brewery” sign on the building and wondered which brewery was going into the updated shopping center.
Whistle Pig is opening a new location with a revamped brewhouse and updated aesthetic, and we got a chance to see it before the public is invited through the doors. We talked with Rob Beers (fitting, right) about their plans in the new location, ideas for the future, and the struggles they encountered trying to open amidst a global pandemic.
Location, Location
Whistle Pig was among the first few leases to sign in the TGap Marketplace— though due to construction setbacks— they’re one of the last spots to turn their lights on. Rob is quick to note that they aren’t setting up a full kitchen as their Dublin location had at the opening, but a panini press sits behind the counter and co-branded Joey’s Pizza menus sit on the bar.
“This space is more inline with our original vision for Whistle Pig Brewing”
With Sasquatch Cookies next door and pizza at the end of the building, there’s no shortage of food options if you get hungry. The added benefit of the new location is the massive increase of walk-by traffic, which was close to non-existent for their other location.
New Brewery, “New” Brewhouse
In the back is Iron Bird Brewery’s brewhouse providing the Whistle Pig brewers with ample space and capability—this setup is definitely a more refined, mature brewery than past efforts. With up to 18 beer taps to fill, Whistle Pigs head brewer Eric Merrell will have his work cut out keeping the suds flowing at all times, but utilizing Iron Bird’s serving tanks as well as kegs in their cooler will help beer get from fermenter to pint glass quicker.
One detail that may irk some consumers while delighting others is a chill plate built directly into the bar. Rob tells us that it’s not quite ready to go, but once they get a large enough glycol chiller installed, it will keep beers nice and frosty. Sometimes we’re fans of colder-than-normal beers, but it does tend to mask flavors, so the jury is still out. Time will tell!
When is opening?
As for the opening, there isn’t a grand opening party planned, but the lights will be on Friday and the doors unlocked (hint, hint). Maybe we’ll see you there.
