NEW: Follow The News-Gazette on TikTok here
Bellying up with …
On Fridays, we’ll spotlight the men and women serving up cold ones and conversation in our neck of the woods. Let us know about your favorite bartender by emailing ltaylor@news-gazette.com.
If you ask IAN LEWIS of Vermilion River Beer Company, he’s been a bartender for too long.
“I’ve been bartending since before I should have even been allowed in the bars. I even remember that as a child, I would mix different Kool-Aid packets or juices to make a better drink at home,” Lewis said.
His dad was a bartender, so maybe it ran in his blood. Still, Lewis said the people around him are helping him hone those skills further even after so much experience.
Lewis joined Vermilion River Beer Co. around a month after it opened and has been there for the six years since.
He still loves it, especially the chances to interact with people and hear new stories, jokes or ideas.
“Between the locally crafted brews, creative cocktails, and personable staff, I feel we have something amazing to offer each individual who comes into our establishment,” Lewis said.
If you visit, his favorite drink to mix up for you would be a classic Old Fashioned. If he’s ordering for himself? It’ll be something with bourbon.
Outside of Vermilion River Beer Co., you’ll find him running his tree removal business, traveling, going to concerts or finding ways to help others out. His dog, Kyle, is also a big part of his life.
