A successful entrepreneur is investing over £300,000 in establishing a new high quality brewery and taproom in the South West.
Chris Lewis, founder of Electric Bear Brewing Co. began building the brewery in early 2015 at a site in Bath.
A 5,000 square foot industrial unit is being transformed into a brewery and taproom and is set to open in early August with a 15bbl. capacity.
The brewery is initially concentrating distribution on the South West, which already has a lively craft beer scene. However, the brand plans to pave the way for national expansion across both on- and off-trade.
Speaking about the launch of the new brewery, Mr. Lewis said; “I’m a passionate beer fan and have been a keen home brewer for years. It might sound like a cliché but when I sold my business in 2012 I took the opportunity to invest in a sector I’m passionate about.
“The craft beer scene is exploding across the UK with lots of people doing some really interesting things, however I believe there is still plenty of room to grow and innovate. And that’s what we want Electric Bear to do.
“We’re not afraid to put our money where our mouth is. The brewing kit was meticulously chosen and we’re planning on entering our beers into industry awards within the first six months of brewing.”
Launching with five core beers and a dedicated focus on outstanding beer quality, Electric Bear has recruited award-winning head brewer Guillermo Alvarez.
Alvarez is a third generation brewer. His grandfather was the main shareholder and distributer of Grupo Modelo in Mexico. His uncle Carlos Alvarez was a key player behind the iconic Corona Beer brand.
A trained biochemist, Alvarez cut his teeth at St Austell brewery where he worked as lab technician and quality controller. He has also brewed award-winning beers for The Rebel Brewing Co. Cornwall.
Head Brewer Guillermo said; “It’s our ambition to be one of the best breweries in the country, known for great beers and 100% consistency. My style of brewing is to take the classic, well-loved beer styles and give them a modern twist.
We’ll also be brewing a selection of world beers which allows us to have some fun in the brewery and to produce a wider variety of interesting styles.”
Although brewing starts in mid-July, a dedicated social media campaign is already underway. Twitter and Instagram followers can watch the brewery come to life on the hashtag #BuildingaBrewery.
The accounts are charting every step of the brewery’s development using timelapse video, photography and regular updates.
To keep up to date on the progress of Electric Bear Brewing Co. follow @ElectricBearUK on Twitter, @ElectricBearBrewing on Instagram or sign up to the newsletter www.electricbearbrewing.com
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Notes to editors
– Electric Bear Brewing Co. is a 15 barrel capacity brewery
– Head brewer Guillermo Alvarez previously worked for St Austell Brewery and Rebel Brewing Co. winning Champion Beer of Cornwall for Scottish Porter/Stout 80 Shilling
– Brewing begins on site mid July with anticipated public opening early August
– Media visits at the site are welcome
– For press information, interview and photography contact lucy@clarity-comms.co.uk or 07961 522 075