Brickway Brewery & Distillery

Brief Overview of the Distillery

Brickway Brewery & Distillery is located in the heart of Omaha's Historic Old Market and is both a brewery and a distillery. Since opening in December 2013, the site has developed a broad range of craft beers and around 13 spirit variants, including a sherry-cask-aged single malt. The production is carried out on specially designed copper pot stills, with a focus on purity, balance, and products that work both in cocktails and neat.

History

The idea behind Brickway combines knowledge from microbiology, chemistry, and a Master's degree in brewing and distilling with the aim of creating a gathering point in Omaha's Old Market. After overcoming regulatory hurdles, they opened on December 13, 2013 with a small selection of beers – including Pilsner, Hefeweizen, India Pale Lager, and Oatmeal Stout. Since then, the range has grown to several dozen beers and around 13 different spirits, while collecting over 20 medals. In 2020, Brickway was named Nebraska Distillery of the Year at the New York International Spirits Competition. The company has also been actively engaged in the community: through donations to local charitable causes exceeding $100,000 and by converting production to 10,000 gallons of hand sanitizer during the COVID-19 crisis.

Ingredients and Production

Brickway produces both beer and a range of spirit types: single malt whiskey, bourbon, rum, gin, and vodka. The single malt designation points to the use of malted barley in their whiskeys. Distillation takes place on specially designed copper pot stills, which the company highlights to ensure purity, aroma, and balance. The production principle emphasizes precision and sensory control; batches that do not meet the standard are discarded. Beer is packaged in aluminum cans to preserve freshness and as a more sustainable packaging option. Brickway describes its spirits as robust enough for cocktails and also suitable for enjoying neat.

Aging and Barrel Types

The most concrete aging trail in the material is a sherry-cask-aged single malt, showing the use of previously sherry-filled barrels for maturation. Beyond the mention of sherry casks, there are no details about barrel sizes, American vs. European oak, or specific finishes in the available material.

Whiskeys

The lineup spans from beer to distilled spirits. Brickway started with a small selection of beers (Pilsner, Hefeweizen, India Pale Lager, Oatmeal Stout) and now produces several dozen beer varieties. On the spirits side, around 13 different variants are mentioned, including single malt whiskey, bourbon, rum, gin, and vodka. The company offers both retail via webshop (free shipping on purchases of three or more bottles) and direct sales in the tasting room, as well as private tours and tastings.

Visit the Distillery

Brickway has an open tasting room in Old Market and regular hours: Monday–Thursday 11:00–23:00, Friday–Saturday 11:00–00:00 and Sunday 11:00–22:00. Happy hour is Monday–Friday 15:00–18:00 and all day Sunday with offers such as $4 beer and $1 off cocktails. Located in the venue is Foxy Sushi, and private tours and guided tastings are offered, bookable for groups and special occasions.

The stated hours are Tasting Room + Foxy Sushi: Mon–Thu 11:00–23:00, Fri–Sat 11:00–00:00, Sun 11:00–22:00. Happy hour Mon–Fri 15:00–18:00; Sun all day.

Philosophy and Craft

Brickway works with values such as authenticity, integrity, and artisanal precision. They emphasize balance and purity in distillation, quality control in production, and a deliberate choice of packaging for freshness and sustainability. At the same time, engagement with the local community is part of the company’s profile, illustrated through financial donations and efforts during the pandemic.

Sustainability

Beer is packaged in aluminum cans for freshness and as a more sustainable choice.

Awards and Recognitions

• Nebraska Distillery of the Year (2020)