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Founded in 1996 and officially opening in 1998, Central Waters Brewing Co. has grown from a small brand based in Junction City, WI to a household name. Co-owners Anello Mollica and Paul Graham join us to talk about where Central Waters started and where they are going. Listen below!

Jerome Ebel and Mike McElwain started Central Waters in Junction City. They purchased an old building by the railroad tracks and got started brewing. Paul started working with them in 1998. Anello also worked with Jerome and Mike for a time, but moved on to work at several other breweries while Central Waters was working on growing. Paul and Anello had met their freshmen year of college at University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and were accomplished home brewers. Making great beer was already a passion for them.

Paul had big dreams for the small brewing company and purchased the business with another friend in 2001. Anello bought into the business in 2006. The first 9 years of the brewery were challenging, but also instrumental in growing the culture around Central Waters beer. For a long time, Paul and Anello were doing self-distribution with their personal vehicles – and boy do they have stories to tell about those experiences. Seemingly an obstacle, this actually allowed them to make connections and build relationships with their customers who kept the beer flying off the shelves faster than it could be delivered.

Eventually, it was time to move into a bigger facility. While there were opportunities to move into other cities, Paul and Anello found a supportive community in Amherst, WI. With the help of banker, Butch Pomeroy, who cared more about community than personal profit, they were able to grow. Their current facility holds sustainable practices as a high priority. Between using solar energy and creating processes to improve energy efficiency in their production, Central Waters proves its commitment to the betterment of the community.

What are they up to now? Central Waters was approached by Pabst to sublease the space of the former Pabst Pilot House in Milwaukee, WI. They recently opened with a talented team running the operation. The Milwaukee location brews different styles than Amherst. You are guaranteed a great brew at either location though. Central Waters makes a conscious effort to create new and exciting beers in addition to their year-round core brands.

What’s next? Paul and Anello plan to continue to innovate in a sustainable way. Keep an eye on their upcoming events and news at centralwaters.com.