Sizeable crowds have shown up to tour James River Brewing Company’s permanent location at 561 Valley St., a four-story brick building that will soon serve as public brew station, restaurant and warehouse.

The new tenant in Scottsville’s business district is still under renovation; however, owners Chris Kyle, Jeff Scott and Dustin Caster invite the public to learn more about the facility and share the distinct taste of success at having obtained a permanent home for their company.

An inaugural “State of the Brewnion” event held Oct. 8 welcomed all interested parties to enjoy music, food and an off-site brewing demonstration from Caster, the official brewmaster, with samples offered for the tasting.

Albemarle County Supervisor (Scottsville District) hopeful Chris Dumler was in attendance.

“I think it’s absolutely amazing what they’re doing here. There’s the opportunity for this brewery to create dozens of jobs in Scottsville. It’s a high-growth industry; if you look at the trend lines you’re talking 20 percent growth annually. They have a fantastic business model together. I’m really enthused.”

Dumler, already a stockholder in the brewing partnership, says he’s just purchased even more stock.

“I can’t say enough good things. Dustin, who is the head brewmaster, I think really understands the ability to capture that lightning in a bottle.”

“As far as beers, I have a lot of different world experiences with my brewing,” Caster says. “One of the things I really hope to bring is a lot of forgotten styles from across the world—and styles with a bit of a twist.”

A classic Irish red ale supplemented with a bit of wheat “comes off very similar to an Irish red, but is a little bit smoother,” says the brewmaster, who also creates different types of English bitters, “ones that are more directed at an individual time in history,” and certain German standards “that have fallen off the radar.”

The business, which is planned to develop in stages, will eventually contain a brew pub on its upper level and include patio seating outdoors.

“We’re still getting a lot of our equipment in,” Caster says. “This is the moment for investment. As we move into our last major phase, we are looking for the town to actually become more a part of the brewery. The idea is to make this brewery a sense of pride—that’s really what we’re hoping for. We love the idea that even small stockholders can come into this company and own a part of it. It’s a very exciting feeling.”

Construction and parts installation is ongoing at the brewery. “Anybody who comes up and knocks on the door, I’m happy to show them around,” Caster says. Any who would like to review an investment kit can find an electronic copy on the James River Brewing Company’s website: http://www.jamesriverbrewing.com/.