USA, MA: Greater Good Imperial Brewing Co. to open own brewery in Worcester early in 2018

Greater Good Imperial Brewing Co., a contract brewer, is planning to open a 10,000-square-foot brewery and taproom on Millbrook Street in Worcester early next year, the Worcester Business Journal reported on August 15.

The beer makers have broken ground on a 10,000-square-foot space in an industrial building at 55 Millbrook St. Demolition has begun to prepare the space, which should open in the first quarter.

The company brews in Williamsburg under contract with Brewmasters Brewing Services using a 120-barrel system - a large operation for a brewery without a location.

Contract brewers hire another brewery to brew and package their beer for them, but the beer remains owned by the brewer.

What began as a home brewing operation has quickly turned into a large business.

"I told everyone for the last two years that we're a small company that makes big beers," Wengender said. "But, we're growing."

The new sprawling location will more than accommodate the growing company, which was using a 15-barrel system just one year ago.

The company specializes in brewing imperial beers, meaning the alcohol percentage ranges from 9 to 12.

"I wanted to make beer that I prefer to drink," said founder Paul Wengender.

Wengender and head brewer Shaun Radzuik began contract brewing almost two years ago at a facility in Connecticut, but they quickly outgrew that facility after building the company's first four recipes.

Now, the brewery has six recipes which are available for purchase at dozens package stores throughout the state.

According to beer experts, there are now about 140 breweries in the state, up dramatically from the 45 breweries in 2011. Despite the growing market that may soon become competitive, Wengender said he had no hesitation in opening his brewery in Worcester.

"I believe the market will support three times as many breweries as there are in Massachusetts today," he said. "I think - especially - in Worcester."

"It's a great time to be in Worcester."

15 August, 2017