Friends of Old Town: Broken Window Brewing Company

On a lively corner of Old Town Winchester, the unassuming facade of Broken Window Brewing Company hides a vibrant hub of creativity, community, and award-winning beer. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down with Brady Cloven, Executive Director of Friends of Old Town and his guest, Zach Aufdenberg, owner and head brewer, to explore the story behind one of Winchester's coolest breweries and the pulse of a neighborhood in transformation. Zach's journey from homebrewing hobbyist to brewery owner began a decade ago, spurred by his wife's suggestion to "get a hobby." What started as a weekly experiment in his basement quickly escalated into a full-fledged passion. After taking a class with friend Jacob (who would become the brewery's first head brewer), Zach dove into the science and art of brewing, learning the ropes through trial, error, and a lot of cleaning. "Homebrewing isn't cheap," he laughs, "but it's addictive." Broken Window Brewing opened its doors in March 2018, after a lengthy buildout in a historic building on Boscawen Street. The space, once divided and dilapidated, was transformed into a cozy, exposed-brick taproom with a fireplace and a high-ceilinged, compact brewhouse. "It looks small from the outside, and it is tight back there," Zach admits, "but we make it work." The brewery's beers are as unique as its story. Zach crafts each recipe with care, balancing creativity and consistency. Not every experiment is a hit, but the brewery's track record is impressive: Broken Window has medaled at the Virginia Brewery competition every year it's entered, including a recent gold for its double IPA, "The Tank." The beer, named in honor of a beloved Great Dane regular, is a gentle giant—big on flavor but smooth, just like its namesake. Community is at the heart of Broken Window's mission. The brewery is dog-friendly, hosts quirky events like "Shitty Club Night" and quotable movie nights, and collaborates with local organizations for festivals and adoption events. Zach and Brady discuss the ongoing efforts to revitalize Boscawen Street, from wayfinding signage to dreams of pedestrianizing the block for more outdoor seating and safer, more vibrant public spaces. The conversation also highlights Winchester's blossoming arts scene, with new murals, artist co-ops, and family-friendly activities popping up throughout Old Town. Brady shares updates on upcoming events—Fiddles and Fifths, First Fridays, and the Hispanic festival, Celebración—emphasizing the importance of giving both residents and visitors a reason to explore beyond the main drag. As the episode wraps, Janet commends Zach and Brady for their commitment to innovation and community engagement. For those looking to experience the best of local flavor, creativity, and camaraderie, Broken Window Brewing is more than a place to grab a pint—it's a cornerstone of a neighborhood on the rise. Find out more about Broken Window Brewing and upcoming events on their Facebook page.