Co-founder, Mike Pfeiffer, serving brews to eager patrons at Reuben’s Brews new space opening celebration on May 9.
One of Ballard’s favorite breweries, Reuben’s Brews, has expanded to a second location, which means one thing to imbibers: more delicious, locally produced beer.
The new and larger brewery and taproom is located at 5010 14th Ave. NW, and they opened the doors and taps to the public May 9.
“We’re really excited to show people the new brewery,” said Adam Robbings, co-founder and head brewer of Reuben’s Brews. “We’ve aimed to make the new taproom really comfortable but still open to the wonders of the brewing space. We are excited to brew more styles, add to our line-up with sours and lagers and expand our barrel-aging program.”
Reuben’s has come a long way since Robbings, wife Grace and brother-in-law Mike Pfeiffer opened in August of 2012. Back then they had just five beers on tap. After opening within six months they maxed out their production capacity and started looking for a new location. They found it in a space that used to be a garage.
Just two blocks south of their original space, the new Reuben’s Brews has tall ceilings, lots of seating, two restrooms, a wood deck patio out front and 24 taps. There is also a ten-foot television for airing Sounders game -- and perhaps a Tottenham Hotspur game or two. Robbings is from the U.K. and a fan of the team.
The new brewery is 4,000 square feet. With the space increase, the beer production has also expanded. The new brewery has a 15-barrel brewhouse and multiple 30-barrel fermenters.
But what about the old space?
Robbings said that the old space will operate as a pilot brewery and taproom for exploring new beers recipes and preparations.
“Keeping our existing brewery as a pilot brewery and barrel house was key to us continuing to be able to brew a wide variety of beers,” said Robbings. “We already have bourbon, whiskey and tequila barrels on their way and sherry and red wine puncheons are ready to start our sour program. We are also really excited to also expand our distribution as at last we have beer for existing and new customers.”
Indeed, the expansion has been a long time coming as Reuben’s beers continue to win awards and stir demand. Reuben’s was ranked top 10 brewery at the 2014 and 2013 U.S. Open Beer Championships. They have also won 21 medals at the World Beer Championships and runner up for Best Small Brewery in the 2013 Washington Beer Awards.
The new space will be open seven days a week, Monday through Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Thursday through Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.