After a two-year long buildout, Garage Brewing will open its new, showpiece tasting room in Murrieta. The new tasting room will be within Garage’s production facility. It’s a strategic move as Garage looks to move away from the brewpub model it started in Old Town Temecula in 2013. The emphasis will now switch to showcasing the vast and diverse portfolio of beers and barrel-aged specialties at the larger Murrieta facility.
The new opening was announced via social media earlier this week. Opening day is Monday May 2nd at 2:30 p.m. It will offer the first view of what a Garage owner, Lou Kashmere calls: “a showcase for the brewery and the beers.”
The Murrieta production facility was part of the brewery’s expansion in 2015. With its 30-barrel brew system, automated processes, and advanced kegging and canning systems, the brewery is one of the finest in the area. A glass wall will offer full visibility from the 30-seat indoor tasting room. The patio will offer an additional 50 seats. Kashmere plans to offer informal tours. CCTV’s of the brewery will also be viewable in the tasting room.
Kashmere describes the patio as a “Lounge with upholstered furniture,” adding “It’s just like being out in a garden.” The patio runs the length of the building.
The tasting room will offer 32 taps. Over the past year, Garage has been establishing its Xxolo Mexican Lager, Bub2le Seltzer, and Redux barrel-aged brands. The barrel program will be one of the most exciting offerings at the new taproom with 9 dedicated handles. When I toured the brewery back in December, there were a lot of beers aging in barrels. At the Old Town brewpub, the barrels were pulling double-duty, aging beers and acting as table tops. Those same barrel-aging tables will be moved to the new facility, continuing Garage’s commitment to that program.
“I think the brewery is going to speak for itself,” said Kashmere. It certainly represents an opportunity to enjoy a wide diversity of Garage’s creative and ever-evolving portfolio, in a premier setting. Many beers are already distributed in 6-pack cans and 22oz bombers. Those same beers will be available for purchase to go. There’s also the option to purchase custom-filled bombers of any beer on tap, for $1 above the pint price. On the latter, Kashmere highlights an attachment that evacuates the oxygen during the bottle fill, ensuring better quality and durability over crowlers and growlers.
The original Old Town brewpub has had an indifferent ride during the pandemic. It closed again a few weeks ago when the latest outbreak caused staffing shortages. It will not reopen and Kashmere plans to lease it as a turnkey brewery or brewpub facility. Some may miss the old pizza joint. But, as Kashmere told me last year, “When I opened, there were no pizza places. Now they’re on every corner.” After the first pandemic reopening, it was redesigned as a fried chicken and beer concept.
The permanent closure may be something of a surprise but it’s part of a strategic reemphasis, one that has seen Garage’s beer output constantly grow. 2022 will be Garage’s busiest year to date. “I want to establish ourselves as a premier manufacturer of craft beer,” said Kashmere, “I’m here every day. I’m involved in the whole process. I can ensure the quality of our beer.”
In reference to the brewpub, he adds, “I’m not a restauranteur. I wasn’t present to make sure every pizza came out perfect. In the early years, I was there but that role diminished.” Now the focus is on the beer, on the quality of production and ensuring that Garage is better placed as a supplier and partner to those that are in the restaurant business. Restaurants constitute about a thousand accounts for Garage. “I don’t want to be a partner and a competing business,” Kashmere adds.
The Murrieta tasting room is an exciting new project. It will offer a prime view of Garage’s state-of-the-art brewery, something that had been previously closed to the public. It will also offer a wide diversity of fresh beers, right at the source. The number of barrel offerings is particularly noteworthy. Although Murrieta should be considered in the larger context of Temecula (the two sit side by side), the city does have five great breweries of its own – all within walking distance of each other.
This new direction is designed to drive Garage Brewing’s future growth and commitment to quality. It’s a brewery that’s already recognized as one of the major players in Southern California. With representation at Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Dodger stadium, that recognition is sure to advance.
The brewery and tasting room is located at: 26015 Jefferson Avenue, Murrieta, CA 92562. It will be open 7 days a week (visit garagebrewco.com for specific hours). You can get your first view and taste starting this Monday at 2:30 p.m.
For more information, visit our Garage Brewing Profile Page
