Since opening as a brew-your-own-beer spot in 2012 on North High Street, North High Brewing has grown exponentially. In 2014, co-founders Gavin Meyers and Tim Ward opened a 20 bbl production facility on Cleveland Avenue just north of 5th Avenue. This brewing system went into production with five 40 bbl fermenters. In May 2015, they began canning operations with the aid of weekly visits from Buckeye Canning’s mobile operation. Then this past November, they added a 20 bbl fermenter and two 60 bbl fermenters to the Cleveland Avenue facility. Oh, and along the way, they snagged Jason McKibben away from San Francisco’s renowned Anchor Brewing and made him a partner and head brewer.
There is no sign of things slowing down in 2016. This past week, the North High team fired up their new in-house, 12 head Palmer canning line. With a capacity of 100 cans per minute, the line will allow them to expand their retail footprint well outside the bounds of central Ohio. Columbus-area retail outlets like Kroger, Giant Eagle and Andersons have consumed 23% of North High’s production since they introduced four of their signature beers in cans this past spring. Going forward, they expect this portion of their business of rise to 60% as they expand their territory with the help of their distributor, Premium Beverage Supply, and the addition to the North High team of a new brand manager focused on the Cleveland market.
Expect to find some new North High beers on the supermarket shelves in the coming months. In addition to canning their IPA, Milk Stout, Pale Ale and Hefeweizen, they will introduce some new seasonal brews as the year progresses.
One Comment on "North High Brewing hits the can"
Love your Milk Stout! First tried it at Brewfontaine in Bellefontaine, then found your delicious gems at Kroger’s! Super stoked to be able to get them whenever I can, whether it’s supporting my local brew house or making a quick trip to the store! Love it!