Amidst a seemingly never-ending barrage of bad brewery news, here’s some good brewery news: Midwest brewery Solemn Oath announced on Friday that it will open a “comfortable, neighborhood‑first taproom” in Milwaukee in mid-2026. The taproom will be located at 342 E. Ward St. in Bay View, in the former space of 1840 Brewing Company. 1840 closed in June 2025.
“Growing up in Wisconsin, this has always been personal,” said John Barley, founder of Solemn Oath Brewery, in a press release. “We are bringing our take on the modern American beer experience to what we see as one of the beer scenes and communities in the world. We are proud to join the electric Bay View neighborhood, Milwaukee, and the Wisconsin brewers who make some of the best beer in the country.”
Barley founded Solemn Oath in 2012 in Naperville, Illinois. The brewery has locations in Naperville and Chicago, and has had a presence in Milwaukee for years.
What can the people of Milwaukee expect from the Bay View Solemn Oath? “Modern expression and techniques drive our program,” said Daniel Ray, Director of Brewing Operations. “The people of Milwaukee can expect world‑class beers across the board. Hop‑centric. Modern lagers. Barrel blends. And Bay View‑only runs layered in. We’re thrilled to enter this next chapter for SOB in Milwaukee.”
The press release also teases “chef and maker pop‑ups, art and music nights, and open‑to‑everyone programming.”
A pop-up taproom preview is set for Thursday, December 18 at Supermoon Beer Company, 3145 S. Howell Ave. The pop-up hours will be from 4-9 p.m.
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