In yet another sign of the marvelous prosperity of our craft beer scene, one brewery is in the envious position of having to increase its size to meet demand. Lakewood Brewing Company is growing its operations by 50 percent, with the planned additions of two new fermenting tanks and a new bright tank.
“We’re adding 120 barrels to our current 240 to keep up with demand,” says owner and head brewer Wim Bens.
Bens says that the tanks are currently en route from the manufacturer in Portland, Oregon, and they hope to have them up and running next week.
Lakewood Brewing is poised to release four new beers, including the first in its Legendary Series, the Brabo’s Cut.
Lakewood was one of the first breweries out of the gate, and it is respected in the beer community for its top-notch brews. Its facility in Garland on the edge of Lakewood gives tours every Saturday.
LBC set its expansion plans in motion shortly after opening in 2012, because the tailor-made tanks take three to six months for delivery.
Bens says that the increased barrelage will allow Lakewood to increase its output of year-rounds such as the sensuous Imperial Milk Stout, The Temptress or the classic Lakewood Lager, while also rolling out more limited runs and seasonal brews.
During the next four months, Lakewood will release four new beers, including the first in its Legendary Series, the Brabo’s Cut.
Brabo’s is a Belgian dark strong ale that boasts 9.4 percent ABV and a name that harkens back to giant slaying and Antwerp, Belgium, which is better background than most beer names. It’s a limited-run, one-off production, as the rest of the Legendary Series will be.
Lakewood is also unveiling a spring seasonal named Till & Toil, a saison or French-style pale ale made for the warmer months.
The other soon-to-be-debuted brews are La Dame du Lac, a bière de garde or strong pale ale, which will be the second in the Legendary Series, and a new summer seasonal, Zomer Pils.
They will be available first as drafts at local drinkeries. Bottling will follow.
Bens says that the brewery is already planning to add more tanks and expand to 180 barrels by September.
The two fermentation and one bright tanks loaded onto the trailer in Portland, Oregon. LBC owner and head brewer, Wim Bens, plans to have the tanks operational by March 15.
