USA, TN: Blackstone Brewing Co. adds three new tanks to increase fermentation capacity by 60%

Nashville–based Blackstone Brewing Co. is growing by three new tanks, a move that will increase fermentation capacity by about 60 percent, the company announced on December, 21.

Officials did not disclose the cost of the equipment upgrade. The company purchased the tanks from Elroy, Wisc.-based W.M. Sprinkman Company.

Nashville’s oldest brew pub (having opened in 1994 on West End Avenue and with an on-site brewing facility), Blackstone began larger-scale operations in its Clinton Street brewing and bottling facility in late 2011. Relatedly, St. Louis-based Schlafly began brewing from the facility in mid-2011.

Blackstone officials said the expanded brewing capacity will support the anticipated 2013 growth of Blackstone’s core brand, four seasonal brands and one high-gravity brand. Additionally, one new brand and a new high-gravity brand will be introduced in the spring. Blackstone will also expand its distribution to remaining Tennessee markets and limited markets in Kentucky and Alabama.

“2012 has been an exciting year for Blackstone Brewery,” Stephanie Weins, co-founder of Blackstone, said in a release. “Our sales increased more than 50 percent, and we bottled our one millionth bottle of beer. The addition of the new tanks will allow us to continue to grow in 2013 — and beyond. We are already planning the addition of two more tanks next summer to further increase our capacity.”

Blackstone beers are distributed locally by Ajax Turner Co. and are available in bars and stores across Middle Tennessee, Clarksville, Cookeville, Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga.