Goshen Brewing Company expanding downtown’s horizons

The new downtown Goshen brewery will offer plenty of locally brewed options.

By Nick Wesman of The Elkhart Truth

Downtown Goshen has its bars, but one future establishment may soon offer locally-brewed options to enjoy.

Jesse Sensenig, a 2001 Goshen College alumnus, is taking the first steps to opening the Goshen Brewing Company, a brewery and eatery that will be located near the Millrace and Interra Credit Union.

Sensenig has spent the last few years living in Bluffton, Ohio and has been learning the brewing trade while volunteering his time at Great Black Swamp Brewery in Toledo.

On Tuesday, Sept. 10, Goshen’s Redevelopment Commission approved the leasing of the former NIPSCO building at 315 W. Washington St., located at the north end of the Millrace Canal, to Sensenig with an option to purchase after several years.

Sensenig, who’s wife’s family lives in Goshen, said choosing this city to start a brew pub was no accident.

“It just started with enjoying being in Goshen and just all that the downtown scene has going for it right now.”

After looking at a handful of sites, including the Hawks building and the site currently housing The Local, he selected the old NIPSCO building.

While the building presents its challenges structurally and architecturally (much work and capital will have to be put into repairs and rehabilitation of the building), Sensenig said the pros of the surrounding environment and proximity to downtown couldn’t be beat.

The rough plans at this point have the brewing area below the tap room and eatery, with the equipment running exposed up into the area. Sensenig explained that he wants to retain the building’s “rustic, industrial feeling.” Exposed beams and brick will continue that theme, as well.

Jesse Sensenig wants to feature the building’s rustic and industrial aesthetic intact.

He estimates the eatery and tap room area to accommodate about 60 people, with much more room outside for outdoor seating. “It’s a cozy environment, for sure,” he said.

The main floor will likely house a bar and a dining section. Sensenig said Tuesday night, he envisions the business to be friendly to families, as well as those just dropping by for a brew.

Initial plans have the kitchen located on the top floor, as well as the dishwashing and malting storage

Sensenig said he plans on being the master brewer for the entire operation. Initially, a friend from Great Black Swamp will assist him with the first few batches to help him work out any challenges he encounters as master brewer for a larger operation for the first time.

Eventually, other employees will also be able to assist him, though he will maintain and operate the brewing largely on his own.

Sensenig noted he’s also already received a lot of help and advice from Iechyd Da’s Chip Lewis.

While beer will obviously be the main draw of Goshen Brewing Company, Sensenig said the eatery will feature an small, eclectic, rotating menu featuring foods sourced with local ingredients.

The local element is something he hopes to cultivate, even brewing with local ingredients and displaying local art throughout the establishment. Sensenig said Tuesday night that he’s even approached a local artist about designing the taps for the beer.

If things fall into place as he hopes, Sensenig says he hopes to have his business up and running by April or May of next year.