USA, FL: Perfect Plain Brewing Co. anticipates its brewery construction to start in early May

Downtown Pensacola's next craft brewery has stepped closer to fruition, the Pensacola News Journal reported on March 30.

An ownership group led by D.C. Reeves, the co-founder and co-owner of the forthcoming Perfect Plain Brewing Co., closed on March 30 on property at 50 E. Garden St. Plans for the 5,400-square-foot building will go before the Pensacola Architectural Review Board on April 20 for final approval.

Reeves anticipates construction to start in early May, with early September targeted for the brewery's launch.

"Everybody's really excited," he said. "We've gotten a great response so far. We think there’s room in the local craft beer industry to expand in the number of breweries, but also in terms of our sophistication in craft beer and the different types of styles that we see."

After unveiling the initial plans for the brewery in February, Reeves said concepts for much of the business remain unchanged. The bar will feature two to four signature beers each month, eight to 12 seasonal varieties based on the time of the year and about 10 on tap at all times. It will have an outside seating area. The interior will encompass an open-air space with no barrier separating customers from the bar's 10-barrel brewing system.

A dose of influence in flavor will derive from establishments in the upper South and Southeast. Reeves cited the brewing styles of Burial Beer Co. and Wicked Weed Brewing in Asheville, North Carolina, Fonta Flora Brewery in Morgenton, North Carolina, and Creature Comforts Brewing in Athens, Georgia.

Reeves, who is also the operations director for Studer Family of Companies, expressed optimism that the brewery would add to the burgeoning momentum downtown in venues near Jefferson Street. With the first phase of Studer Properties' $52 million Southtowne apartment project slated for summer operations and the $16 million Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA having opened in November, attractions have started to shift beyond Palafox Street and Seville Square.

"We hope to be the catalyst for not only a second corridor for entertainment downtown, but also for our own street with Garden Street," Reeves said.

Local beer enthusiasts are already thirsty for the new brewery, with many having contacted Reeves and his group to convey their excitement.

Sitting outside World of Beer in downtown on Wednesday afternoon, Brett Hutchins welcomed the prospect of an addition to the local brewery scene, which includes Pensacola Bay Brewery, Gulf Coast Brewery, McGuire's Irish Pub and the Redneck Riviera Brewing Project.

Hutchins, who works in digital marketing for Innisfree Hotels, highlighted the culture surrounding breweries as one of the more captivating aspects of the businesses.

"The spirit that comes with local breweries, it’s kind of just independent thinkers that do their own thing," Hutchins said. "I fully support that 100 percent."

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