Shuttered Bay View Brewery Selling Equipment in Auction

Enlightened Brewing Company on Dec. 31, 2024. Photo by Jeramey Jannene.

Looking to launch a new brewery?

Enlightened Brewing Company, which closed its doors earlier this month after a 10-year run, is selling its equipment and fixtures.

A 15-barrel Quality Tank Systems brewing system might be the main draw for those looking to grow their operation, but plenty of other items are available.

The 55-foot-long curved bar? It could be yours. A delivery van? It’s there. Four bottles of hard liquor? Also available. There are even a few cases and kegs of beer.

Much of the decor that furnished the brewery, located in the former Louis Allis complex at 2020 S. Allis St., is also available. That includes a church pew, pool table, popcorn machine, speakers, dozens of chairs and plenty of tables.

The large faux hops plant (once used as part of NEWaukee‘s New Year’s Eve parties) has a current bid of $1.

The online-only auction is being hosted by Gerlach Auctions. Bidding, which lasts through Jan. 27, takes place on the BidSpotter website.

Enlightened, one of the city’s longest-operating craft brewers, was launched by Tommy Vandervort and James Larson. It’s closure, announced in December, came as changing consumer preferences and rising interest rates have caused a major shakeup in Milwaukee’s craft beer scene.

“This journey has led us around 3 breweries in 2 locations and filled our lives with passion, creativity, lots of love, and a deep sense of community. We’re eternally grateful to each and every one of you who has been a part of it,” said the partners in announcing the closure.

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