By Tim Douglass

tdouglass@pctribune.com

Water is one of the most important ingredients for a beer-brewing business, and it was appropriate that a new well was the starting point for what will soon become Naked Viking Brewing Co. and Entertainment Facility, a new Glenwood business venture by Dan and Barb Ostrander.

Traut Wells, Inc. was on the new brewery site last Thursday drilling a new well as the old one did not pass inspection because it was drilled in 1929 and was failing. 

The building that will house Naked Viking Brewing Co. and Entertainment Facility is one of the oldest buildings in Glenwood. The building, located on 14th Avenue NE, just off Highway 29 North, once housed DeBoer Potato and Produce and before that in 1929 it was American Creameries. In 1940, Pepsi Cola leased that part and put in a pop bottling facility that was the largest in the upper Mid-West and Glenwood’s largest employer at the time. It was located near the old railway that ran through that area for supplies that were delivered for production purposes.

There’s a lot of work that needs to be done, but Dan Ostrander said he’s “excited to get going on the brewery, which was stalled for two years because of the pandemic.”  The couple has plans for significant renovations to the building to transform it into what they see as an attraction for visitors as well as local residents. Being an iconic building, the couple decided to invest in it to keep the historical aspect and celebrate the history while creating a new legacy. Dan said most of the architectural design work has been completed, contractors have been secured and once the plan is finalized with the powers that be, construction will begin.  He said the renovations will likely take most of the rest of the year to complete.

Once operating, Naked Viking Brewing Co. and Entertainment Facility will feature about 10 different locally-brewed beers including IPAs, reds, dark beers, ales, seltzers, specialty beers, a lighter beer and “we’ll take requests,” said Dan. A local brewer will be the Brewing Master for the new business.  “He’s been brewing beer for more than 30 years,” Dan added.  “We’ll probably start with five beers, but adding as we grow to about 10 beers because we definitely will have the room for that,” he explained. 

 The business will offer an on-site tap room and many other entertainment features, including inside seating areas, outdoor rooftop seating, an amphitheater that will feature live music, other activities, outside games and fire pits, an axe-throwing area and a large area for virtual golf, some of which will be added in future phases.  “It will be more about fun and entertainment,” Dan said.  The business will not be a restaurant, but will feature catered food, food trucks and pizza among other choices.

“I’m just happy to live in this town and have my family here. I’m fortunate to make a good living here and after 35 years in the roller business, this will be our new project.”

He pointed to the growth in breweries and wineries in the area, including Minnewaska House Brewing Co. + Grill, a new brewery in Starbuck called Old Firehouse Brewing Company, and Rolling Forks Vineyard as well as those in Alexandria.  “That’s a lot for our area and another reason for this to become a destination,” Dan said.