With hopes of opening to the public by mid-December, brewing is in full swing at Waterline Brewing Co.

Owners Brian Bell and Rob and Eve Robinson are working around the clock to finish their first batches of beer and get the taproom ready for those who are eager to check out Wilmington’s newest craft brewery.

Bell and the Robinsons have enlisted the help of Mark Mueller, co-owner of Port City Brew Bus, to work as a consultant for marketing and distribution.

Mueller says the Waterline brewing system has been designed to focus on distribution. The owners can easily upgrade equipment for a larger brewing capacity without any structural changes. Capacity for growth is one of the reasons behind the selection of the former Jacobi Hardware warehouse building on Surry Street.

Another reason Bell and the Robinsons fell in love with the building is its connection to the past. It’s common practice among brewery owners to select buildings to refurbish rather than put up new construction. Repurposing old structures brings a certain character and feel to the breweries and often helps with the revitalization of neighborhoods.

“I like to say that beer just tastes better in historic buildings,” Mueller said.

Waterline’s owners have more than 50 years of home brewing experience between them. From the five-barrel system now in place at Waterline they plan to start with a pale ale, a kolsch, a red ale, an oatmeal stout, a rye IPA and a Belgian tripel.

In addition to working as a consultant for Waterline, Mueller will have a small space dedicated to brewing meads and ciders. It will be the first meadery and cidery in Wilmington, designed to brew custom batches on the premises for off- premises distribution, according to Mueller.

While designed for distribution, first throughout North Carolina and then to neighboring states such as Virginia and South Carolina, Waterline also aims to build a gathering space for the community. It’s also important to the company to connect with other local breweries and support brewery tourism in the Port City.

“We’re so thankful for the warm embrace of the local brewers,” Eve Robinson said. “The help we’ve received from them has been invaluable.”

Though the doors are not yet open to the public, the Waterline taproom was recently outfitted with several guest taps to serve as a venue for the Carolina Pine Music Festival. The taproom was designed with a movable partition that opens up to the Art Factory, which is housed in the same building.

“There’s tons of opportunity to collaborate and host all types of community events here,” Mueller said. “Plus we will have an outdoor beer garden and plenty of parking, so we look forward to taking part in all kinds of festivals right here on the river.”

Waterline Brewing Company is located at 721 Surry St. in Wilmington.

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