Perched on a scenic hilltop, G Five Brewing Company opened its doors to the community of Beloit, Wisconsin in May of 2019. Situated in a prime location with a breathtaking view of the sunset over the city, the brewery quickly became a popular destination for beer enthusiasts and locals alike.
Founded by Lee Gunderson, an avid homebrewer turned entrepreneur, G Five Brewing Company was the culmination of Lee’s passion for brewing and his desire to share his craft with others. With a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality, Lee embarked on a journey to create a brewery that would not only produce exceptional beers but also provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
The location of G Five Brewing Company was carefully chosen to showcase the beauty of Beloit. Nestled on a hilltop, the brewery offers panoramic views of the city, allowing patrons to enjoy a pint of their favorite G Five beer while taking in the picturesque sunset. The serene setting creates a relaxing and inviting ambiance, making G Five a perfect spot to unwind and connect with friends and family.
To ensure the success and excellence of G Five Brewing Company, founder Lee Gunderson made a strategic decision to enlist the expertise of Keith Symonds, a renowned brewhouse consultant and nationally certified Master Beer Judge. Keith’s involvement in establishing the G Five Brewing brand added a significant layer of industry knowledge and experience to the brewery’s operations.
With a deep understanding of the brewing process and an extensive background in the craft beer industry, Keith Symonds brought invaluable insights and guidance to G Five Brewing Company. His role involved working closely with Lee Gunderson and the brewing team to fine-tune recipes, optimize brewing techniques, and elevate the overall quality of the brewery’s offerings.
For the Gunderson family, G Five Brewing Company is more than just a business venture—it is a legacy project that celebrates their family bonds and the places they hold dear to their hearts. The brewery serves as a testament to their shared values and love for their community.
The Gundersons have always prioritized the importance of family and have instilled in their children a deep appreciation for their roots. G Five Brewing Company embodies this sentiment by creating a space where family and friends can come together, connect, and enjoy great beer.
Lee Gunderson, the patriarch of the family and the driving force behind G Five Brewing, envisioned the brewery as a place where the Gunderson family legacy would thrive. By involving his wife, children, and even his brother in the brewery’s operations, Lee ensured that G Five Brewing became a true family affair. Each family member brings their unique skills, passion, and dedication, contributing to the success and vibrancy of the brewery.
G Five Brewing Company beautifully melds the essence of Montana and the Midwest in its design, creating a space that pays homage to both regions. The brewery and restaurant effortlessly blend local vernacular, contemporary details, and western materials to create a timeless and inviting atmosphere where patrons can come together for good company and a pint or two.
Drawing inspiration from the rugged landscapes of Montana and the warm hospitality of the Midwest, the design of G Five Brewing embraces elements from both regions. The architecture and interior design reflect a harmonious fusion of rustic charm and modern aesthetics, striking a balance between old and new.
The architectural design of G Five Brewing Company beautifully weaves together elements that pay homage to both Beloit’s industrial heritage and the cherished memories the Gunderson family holds from their time in Montana. The thoughtful combination of tumbled red brick, rustic wood siding, and corten steel accents creates a visually striking and inviting space that tells a story of both local history and personal experiences.
The tumbled red brick used on the exterior of G Five Brewing is a nod to Beloit’s industrial past. Beloit, like many cities in the Midwest, has a rich history of manufacturing and industry. The brick symbolizes the factories and warehouses that once stood as pillars of the city’s economy, serving as a reminder of the hardworking spirit and resilience of the community. By incorporating this element into the brewery’s design, G Five Brewing pays tribute to the city’s heritage and establishes a sense of connection to Beloit’s industrial roots.
Inside the brewery, the rustic wood siding and corten steel accents evoke the memories and landscapes of Montana, a place that holds special significance for the Gundersons. The rustic wood represents the warm and inviting nature of Montana’s mountainous regions, while the corten steel accents reflect the rugged beauty of the state’s landscapes. These elements bring a touch of the Montana experience to G Five Brewing, infusing the space with a sense of nostalgia and personal connection for the Gunderson family.
G Five recently in March 2022, made an exciting move by acquiring a four-acre plot of land, signaling their plans for expansion and growth. The purpose of this expansion is to construct a state-of-the-art barrel aging facility that will be dedicated to aging beer, and to host special events.
With the expansion and the construction of the new barrel aging facility, G Five Brewing Company will significantly increase its capacity for barrel aging. Currently, the brewery possesses 30 barrels for aging beer, but with the expansion, they anticipate having an estimated 200 to 300 barrels available for use.
This substantial increase in barrel capacity opens up a world of possibilities for G Five. With a larger inventory of barrels, the brewery will have the opportunity to experiment with a wider range of beer styles, ingredients, and aging techniques. This expansion will allow their brewers to showcase their creativity and expertise, pushing the boundaries of flavor and complexity.
The additional barrels will also provide G Five with the ability to scale up production and meet the growing demand for their barrel-aged beers. These unique brews often require extended aging periods, anywhere from The aging process can take anywhere from 12 months to 24 months, and with the increased barrel capacity, the brewery can ensure a steady supply of these sought-after offerings to their loyal customer base.
Furthermore, having a larger selection of barrels allows G Five to diversify their aging program. Different types of wood, such as oak, bourbon, or wine barrels, can impart distinct flavors and characteristics to the beer. With a greater variety of barrels at their disposal, the brewery can experiment with different combinations, creating a captivating array of flavors that will excite beer enthusiasts.
The Gundersons’ connection to their community is also an integral part of G Five Brewing’s identity. Beloit, Wisconsin, holds a special place in their hearts, and the brewery serves as a way to pay homage to the city and its residents. The family takes pride in sourcing local ingredients and collaborating with neighboring businesses to create a sense of unity and support within the community.
By establishing G Five Brewing Company, the Gundersons have created a lasting legacy for future generations. They hope that their children and grandchildren will carry on their passion for craft beer and continue to foster a strong sense of family, community, and connection.
