Brace yourselves, Renton. There’s a new brewery coming and it’s right in the heart of downtown.

Four Generals Brewing, Renton’s first brewery with a taproom, is set to open at the Old City Hall this summer.

Owner Ross Hudspeth said that he’s excited to open especially since “we’re the first brewery with a taproom in Renton (since Cedar River shut down).”

Hudspeth, who was a mechanic by trade, said the story of Four Generals traces back to when he was 21 years old.

“I was 21 and I wanted to get drunk,” he admitted.

He started to experiment with making his own beer because “it was cheaper.”

“It was also a chance for your buddies and you to get together and do something fun,” conceded his father and business partner Michael Hudspeth.

Ross chuckled and nodded in agreement.

“The first time we had a little kit,” said Hudspeth. “It was absolutely horrible, but we drank it anyway. And then we said, ‘Well, that wasn’t very good,’ so we went and took a couple classes… and I kept building my system bigger and learning more and going to meetings, and talking to other brewers and jumping into the culture side of it.”

Captivated by the artistry and chemistry of the process, Hudspeth kept perfecting his batch. Soon, his brew was in such high demand among friends and family, he knew things had to change.

“I got tired of giving it away,” Hudspeth said.

It was time to take things to a commercial level. Now, along with his parents and business partners, Michael and Mary, Hudspeth has finally managed to lock down the exposed brick-laden building in the Old City Hall, 229 Wells Ave S.

“The location is outstanding, it’s right in downtown,” said Michael. “Renton is in a time of revitalization. They want to bring things back to speed. We’re excited to be part of that.”

As for the menu, Hudspeth plans to bring the typical, well-balanced northwest-style pale ale and IPA, even though he’s more focused on his Scottish red.

“I believe that’s going to talk to a lot more people than just the IPA people,” he said. “I also think that IPAs are redundant nowadays. I’ll have some, because it’s suicide not to. We’ll do stouts and porters because it’s what the people like.”

Michael describes the Scottish ale as “well-balanced.” “It’s one that you can keep drinking without feeling an aftertaste or bitterness. It’s so smooth, balanced and clean.”

They will also have 16 taps open and offer snack food like chips and pretzels. This kid and dog-friendly brewery will also have outdoor seating for when the weather gets better.

Hudspeth isn’t sure just yet when they will be able to open shop, but he’s aiming for summertime.

“There’s a lot of people excited about it because it’s beer that’s made here and from here,” he said.

“We’re focused on making a product that people will want to come back for more,” Michael added.