USA, FL: Swamp Head Brewery expanding

Swamp Head Brewery is taking advantage of the chance that its building may be demolished for an interstate overpass to build a new brewery and tasting room next year that doubles space for the growing craft beer maker, Gainesville Sun reported on December 3.

“I view it as a blessing in disguise,” said owner Luke Kemper. “We are cramped here. This just put the fire to our feet to get going.”

Since opening in 2009, Swamp Head has ridden the wave of interest in craft beer. That first year, the company sold 700 barrels — 31 gallons each — to bars and restaurants in Gainesville, Ocala and Cedar Key. This year, Kemper said they are on track to sell more than 6,000 barrels statewide under brands such as Stump Knocker, Big Nose, Midnight Oil, Cottonmouth and Wild Night.

Kemper started the business with head brewer Craig Birkmaier and now has 18 employees between production and the tasting room. Birkmaier still serves as a consultant while Nick Dunn and Dan Wade handle brewing duties.

Construction is scheduled to start in April 2014 and finish in September.

The new building will include a tasting room with a large outdoor deck and more parking.

Kemper also hopes to add a small canning line to sell to grocery stores and package stores. Swamp Head has done limited can and bottle releases, but draft beer has been 99 percent of its business.

Most brewers produce about 60 percent package and 40 percent draft beer, he said.

“Cans could easily double our production needs,” he said.

04 December, 2013