E-Malt.com News article: USA, WI: Milwaukee Brewing Co.’s capacity and production increase turning it into regional brewery

Milwaukee Brewing Co. owner Jim McCabe said that while the pace of running his business has been relentless, the company is selling so much beer right now that — by government standards — it is crossing over the threshold of being a microbrewery to a regional brewery, Milwaukee Business Journal reported on June 4.

The company will likely produce 15,000 barrels of beer this year, which means it will be categorized by the government as a regional brewery. Beer sales this year are shaping up well for McCabe as first-quarter sales for 2014 have increased 60 percent compared with the same quarter last year, and he is expanding the capacity of the brewery, 613 S. Second St., by adding fermentation space.

"The craft beer scene in general is growing because of the movement started by the 20- and 30-something drinkers choosing to drink more flavorful beers," McCabe said.

Milwaukee Brewing Co. year-round brews include: Louie’s Demise Amber Ale, Hop Happy IPA, Booyah Farmhouse Ale, Outboard Cream Ale, O-Gii Imperial Wit and Hop Freak Double IPA.
Beer distributor Bernick's started shipping Milwaukee Brewing Co. brews to the Twin Cities in March.

"Minnesota has wildly exceeded our expectations, it was a more mature craft market than we thought and we also had our distributors supporting it by getting behind the brand as did our local distributors who have put a lot of local focus on us," McCabe said.

This is the third capacity increase for the brewery.

“It’s all about maintaining the excitement around our brands that we currently have and providing new and interesting styles for our customers,” said McCabe, founder and CEO. “We are introducing a monumental amount of new varieties this year for our company, 12 in all. Add to that the successful growth in our home state of Wisconsin and our recent expansion to Minnesota and you have a recipe for a potentially great year. We are making strides to keep this momentum going and continue to make quality, handcrafted beers for the Midwest for years to come.”


06 June, 2014