BrewDog only recently stormed the United States by planting a very big flag in Columbus with the opening of its new 100,000-square-foot brewery in Canal Winchester, just outside of town, but this Scotland-based brewery has been making big noise for a decade.
Launched in 2007 by a pair of 24-year-old beer lovers, BrewDog played by its own rules while burning every bridge it could find. By year two they had become Scotland's largest independent brewery and by year five they were named the "Fastest Growing Company in Scotland." Along the way they brewed a beer at the bottom of the ocean, projected their naked bodies onto the houses of Parliament, and brewed the world's strongest beer ever, Tactical Nuclear Penguin, which clocked in at 32 ABV.
Since launching, the company has opened numerous BrewDog bars all across the UK and well beyond, including spots in Italy, Spain, Brazil and Japan. But up until this year, all BrewDog beer had been brewed in Scotland. Now, with the opening of its Columbus brewery, the company is preparing to get its products into the hands of more American beer lovers.
BrewDog plans to expand distribution throughout the state and into neighboring states. Also is in the works are two additional BrewDog-branded craft beer bars in Columbus – in Franklinton and the Short North – which will join the lively taproom at the production facility.
Following up on rumors we've heard about a possible Cleveland spot, we reached out to the company for comment. Up next, says Tanisha Robinson, BrewDog USA CEO, is Cleveland.
“BrewDog Cleveland is in the works!” she confirms. “We want Cleveland to be our first site outside of Columbus, and are currently scouting locations for a BrewDog bar.”
The brewery’s goal, she adds, is to get one open before the end of 2018.
While the hunt already is on for the perfect perch, Robinson is eager to hear your suggestion as to where they should land. Tweet them with your bright ideas @BrewDogUSA.
