Analytical Brewing: Turning Passion into Profession in a Small Town Along Route 66

Picture this: it’s 2022, and in a cozy small town along Route 66, a group of friends are pursuing their passion for beer. Nate Poehlman, Andy Arndt, and Brian Graves, all from Hudson, Illinois, had been brewing their own beer at home for quite some time. However, it wasn’t until recently that they decided to take their love of brewing to the next level and turn it into a profession. And so, Analytical Brewing was born.

The idea of opening their own brewery had always been a dream for these three friends. Inspired by Nate’s years of experience as a home brewer, they ventured into the world of crafting their own beers. It all started during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic when Andy and Brian began brewing at home. Nate joined in, and before they knew it, their hobby had transformed into something more.

Encouraged by their spouses, the trio began researching what it would take to open a brewery. They wanted to create a place where people could enjoy their homebrewed creations and carry on the sense of camaraderie and relaxation that they had experienced with friends and family. Finding the perfect location was crucial, and while Bloomington-Normal seemed like an ideal spot, it already had its fair share of craft breweries. So, they set their sights on a village called Lexington, about 15 miles away.

Lexington had already captured the hearts of the friends due to Kemp’s Upper Tap, a corner bar that had become a regular spot for their Friday night outings. They reached out to officials in both Bloomington-Normal and Lexington, and it was in the latter that they found an opportunity. Lexington Mayor Spencer Johansen was working on a revitalization effort for the town’s Main Street, with the hope of making Kemp’s an anchor establishment. A brewery fit perfectly into those plans.

“To me, this is a perfect success story,” Mayor Johansen commented. “You have three guys brewing beer out of their garage and have this vision of opening up their own brewery. They went to Bloomington-Normal and basically kind of got the cold shoulder because there are so many breweries in Bloomington already.”

Fortunately, the mayor saw the potential in Analytical Brewing and showed them a property in Lexington. A year after closing on the building, the brewery was open and running. Even Mayor Johansen, a self-proclaimed Miller Lite or PBR guy, was coming around to craft beer with the addition of Analytical Brewing in his town.

The City of Lexington had purchased several buildings from a trucking business, and the plan was to fill those spaces with small businesses. Luckily, one of these buildings was a perfect fit for Analytical Brewing. Located just east of the popular seasonal refreshment stand, Shake Shack, the brewery had ample space for people to relax outdoors and even enjoy live music shows occasionally.

Creating a comfortable environment for their customers was important to the friends. With no televisions in the taproom, the focus was on connecting with friends and family over a good beer. Analytical Brewing prided itself on its wide variety of brews, with 30 different types already available. From American IPAs to pale ales, clear beers, and pilsners, they catered to a range of tastes. Last summer, a strawberry blonde ale was introduced, and there are plans to unveil a peach ale and Octoberfest brews in the near future.

Currently, the taproom is the primary place to get Analytical Brewing products, with only a few other locations in the area, like Kemp’s, offering their beers. However, the team is working on increasing their local distribution.

What started as a passion and a hobby has now turned into a thriving business for Nate Poehlman, Andy Arndt, and Brian Graves. Analytical Brewing has not only brought quality craft beer to the small town of Lexington, but it has also become a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Cheers to turning dreams into reality, one pint at a time.

Craft beer has become a booming industry in recent years, with breweries popping up all over the country. One such brewery that is making waves in the craft beer scene is Analytical Brewing Co., located in Lexington. This small-town brewery has gained quite a following thanks to their wide variety of delicious beers and catchy names.

Speaking about their success, brewery owner Mark Graves said, “We’ve done some more focused distribution on our ales.” This focused distribution has allowed Analytical Brewing Co. to reach a broader audience and gain a reputation as a craft beer destination. With catchy monikers like Analyze This! and Son of a Wit, it’s no wonder that their beers are flying off the shelves.

But what sets Analytical Brewing Co. apart from other craft breweries? According to Graves, it’s their commitment to brewing a variety of beers true to style. Unlike some breweries that specialize in a certain type of beer, Analytical Brewing Co. believes in offering something for everyone. “We have a variety of craft beer drinkers, and we try to focus to keep them true to style,” Graves explained. This commitment to variety has certainly paid off, as beer enthusiasts from all walks of life flock to Lexington to sample Analytical Brewing Co.’s offerings.

Not only is Analytical Brewing Co. helping put Lexington on the craft beer map, but they are also contributing to the growth of the community. With their increased distribution, they are attracting visitors from near and far, who not only come to enjoy a cold pint but also explore all that the town has to offer. As more people discover the craft beer scene in Lexington, local businesses are thriving, and the town is experiencing an economic boost.

So, if you find yourself in Lexington, be sure to make a stop at Analytical Brewing Co. You’ll be greeted with a wide selection of beers, each meticulously crafted to be true to style. Whether you’re a fan of IPAs, stouts, or something in between, Analytical Brewing Co. has something to satisfy every beer drinker’s palate. And while you’re there, take the time to explore the town and discover all the hidden gems that Lexington has to offer. Cheers to Analytical Brewing Co. for putting Lexington on the craft beer map!