BottleHouse Brewery to expand brewing capacity

The BottleHouse Brewery receives new equipment to upgrade its brewing capacity. Photos courtesy Brian Benchek.

The BottleHouse Brewery plans to expand its brewing capacity at its 2050 Lee Road location. Installation of new brewing barrels will begin in January, enabling the brewery to meet increasing demand.

“Our current system is a 2.5 barrel system,” said Brian Benchek, owner of the BottleHouse. “We have been doing things on the current system no sane brewery would ever dream of doing on such a tiny system. Every month we sell more beer than the previous month, and we have reached a point where we simply can’t brew any more without setting up cots and moving in.”

Benchek and former business partner Dave Schubert opened the microbrewery in May 2012. They created a family-friendly, laid-back atmosphere where friends can gather for conversation, light music and entertainment. Local groups are encouraged to use the space, which includes a stage, for gatherings.

“There is a sizable demand for our kegs and bottles," said Benchek, now sole owner of the establishment. “For example, Heinen's has carried a few of our seasonal beers, and they want to carry our beers regularly. A new system is absolutely necessary to meet this demand.”  

Benchek said that in addition to an increase in quantity, the new system will improve the quality of the beer. “I will now have full control over all the variables that make a good beer,” he said. “Up to now we have been an ale brewery, but now we can start brewing lagers, pilsners, and more.”

In July, the BottleHouse became the first full-fledged meadery in the Cleveland area, with only three other meaderies in Ohio.

Patti Carlyle

Patti Carlyle is a member of the FutureHeights Board of Directors.

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Volume 8, Issue 1, Posted 11:31 AM, 12.23.2014