Mraz Brewing Company acquires new 3,000 square foot production facility

If you've heard the rumors circulating that we're expanding, you heard correct. Following is the press release officially announcing our acquisition of a new production facility in El Dorado Hills.

EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. – On Monday, January 5, Mraz Brewing Company founder and brewmaster Mike Mraz revealed the brewery had acquired a new, 3,000 square foot production facility in El Dorado Hills. The site, located approximately two miles south of the current brewery and tap room on Francisco Dr., will be home to a new brewing and tasting area, as well as one of the largest barrel-aging programs in the region.

The new site will provide much needed capacity to accommodate surging demand for the brewery’s popular American and Belgian style ales.

“We’re really excited about the move,” Mraz said. “It’ll give us the space we need to produce more beer. It will also allow us to really focus on increasing our barrel-aging capabilities, something we’re becoming known for. Right now, it’s difficult holding beer back for our tap room. The more people learn about us, the more they want our beer.”

The expansive industrial building will be used exclusively for barrel aging upon the planned February move-in. Mraz said he anticipates having the brewing system transitioned into the new location by year’s end when demand is expected to surpass the capabilities of the current production area.

“We’ll add as much barrelage as I can fill in the beginning, with the goal being about a 100-barrel capacity,” Mraz said.

Aside from special events, the location will initially be closed to the public. When the tasting area does open, Mraz said he foresees a markedly different environment than the intimate Francisco Dr. location.

“I want it to be open. Barrels around the side with picnic tables and a tap center in the middle,” Mraz detailed. “It’ll have less of a bar feel and more of an industrial feel where the customers are immersed in the brewery.”

The current tasting room will continue to serve in the same capacity even after the brewing equipment has been moved to the new property. Mraz said he hopes to eventually have food available at the Francisco Dr. location, and the freed up space could possibly be used for prep.

Since opening in May 2013, Mraz Brewing Company has released more than 30 beers, won a pair of gold medals at the California State Fair Craft Brew Competition, more than quadrupled its initial production capacity, and expanded distribution to the Bay Area.