Every Friday afternoon, the Brewer's Cabinet Brewery opens its silo to the public. From 3pm to 7pm, employees say their front sidewalk and parking lot has the feel of a tailgate party, complete with games and beer. The craft brewing company sells cans and kegs of Tahoe Beer. The brand has been around since 1862, and picked up by the Brewer's Cabinet in 2012.Â
"The historical aspect that it's been around for that long, that Tahoe Beer name, and it's back in Nevada," Ed Griggs, Brewer's Cabinet Sales Manager said. "It's a huge deal."
Griggs says the Tahoe Beer brand means locally made, and that gives residents in the region a bigger reason to buy it.
"Everyone seems like they're bringing a lot more local stuff in and that's what people want to buy," Griggs said. "They want to help support their neighbor."
More local craft breweries are moving into the Truckee Meadows. Mikey Cronin has been brewing beer for more than 13 years, and he says it has transformed Reno.
"A lot of food came with it, too," Cronin said. "So we have a lot of local food places that were like 'Oh sweet!' Everyone is wisening up on what's great to drink and what's great to enjoy and what's great to eat."
Additional brewers mean there are more options for consumers, but people in that industry say they don't look at each other as competition. They look at themselves as partners in a growing industry.
"People ask me if it's competition when I go to another brewery and it's not," Cronin said. "It's an enlightenment and I think it's great for our community."
Jeremy Warren is the CEO and Brewmaster for Revision Brewing Company. He agrees, and says the brewers often offer ways to improve each other's businesses.
"We share information, as long as it's not proprietary information," Warren said. "How can I help you make your beer better? How can I help you save some money? That's what's so cool about this industry and hopefully it never goes away."
Warren founded Knee Deep Brewing Company here, six years ago, before moving his business to California. He recently sold his shares of that business, and is opening Revision Brewing Company in Sparks. He is leasing a warehouse, with more than 30,000 square feet. He plans to be brewing by December, and will distribute in 11 states next year, from Hawaii to Georgia. He says now is a perfect time to open his new business in the Truckee Meadows.
"I'm kind of seeing like how some people would say 'Oh, it could be the next Portland or next San Diego' Where I go downtown, I'm looking at things differently and thinking no, Reno is going to be it's own," Warren said.
Revision plans on producing 15,000 barrels within five years, specializing in IPAs, Double IPAs, Triple IPAs and experimental barrel-aged and sour beers.
"We're still not seeing a lot of super fresh, super hoppy beers and that's something we hope we can provide and hopefully people will enjoy," Jeb Taylor, Revision Brewing Company President and Head Brewer said.
While the craft brewing industry is growing, Warren says the appetite for their products is also growing. He compares buying a craft beer to choosing a bottle of wine.
"I see the shift in craft beer to where it's not about going down the street and buying a 12-pack and just slugging beers," Warren said. "It's about finding something new, finding something unique."
