WASHINGTON — DC Brau, the first new craft brewer in the District in decades when it was founded in 2009, plans to nearly triple the amount of beer it produces.
DC Brau took over the vacant Central Union Mission food bank next to its Bladensburg Road Northeast location and has begun construction on a new brewhouse that will more than double current production capabilities once it comes online next spring.
A new 30-barrel brewhouse will operate alongside DC Brau’s current 15-barrel brewhouse.
“This will allow us to increase overall production of our flagship and seasonal beers while providing us the flexibility to brew one-offs and collaborations that pop up throughout the year,” said Jeff Hancock, DC Brau’s president and head brewer.
Hancock said DC Brau eventually will increase annual production capacity by 360 percent over the next 8 to 10 years.
Imported equipment is scheduled to arrive from Germany in mid-to-late December. DC Brau plans to have the new brew house up and running by April, in time for the Brewers Association Craft Brewers Conference in D.C. from April 10 to April 13.
