How much faster can Karbach Brewing grow? Eyes 29,000 bbls in 2014

Karbach Brewing acquired two neighboring properties. The brewery will remain on Karbach Street and new construction will increase capacity to 60,000 barrels (bbls) annually. As for the new facility, Brewmaster Eric Warner noted, “We’re very happy that we are able to grow without relocating entirely. From an operations standpoint, this allows us to ensure quality and consistency during the expansion, and it also allows us to be fully committed to development in the city of Houston.”

Karbach drew national attention earlier in 2013 when cited by The New Yorker as the 2nd fastest-growing brewery in the nation. The brewery produced 8,169 bbls in 2012 and is on pace to hit 19,000 bbls this year. Local demand has been a strong driver in the quick growth with distribution limited to the greater Houston area and San Antonio, and that does not appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Warner projects that the brewery is likely to produce and sell upwards of 29,000 bbls in 2014, all before the new facility has come online.

Karbach expects to break ground on the new facility in Q2 2014, with an expected completion early in 2015. The project is estimated to cost $15 million over several phases and will include room for future growth. In addition to brewing capacity, the new project will also incorporate a private event space and kitchen. Keeping with the spirit of supporting the local community, Houston-based firms Three Squared Design Group and Camden Construction Inc. will assist in the realization of the project.