Redhook to increase Portsmouth production

Redhook Ale Brewery’s New Hampshire facility will be increasing its capacity just in time for those warm summer days.

Four new fermenters — each holding 16,000 gallons — will be hoisted into place April 13 by a crane, said Doug MacNair, brewmaster for the Portsmouth operation of the Washington state-based beermaker.

He said double-digit growth has fueled the need for the additional capacity.

“This is our third expansion in the last couple of years,” said MacNair.

MacNair estimated the Portsmouth facility made about 100,000 barrels of beer last year. “The new fermenters will enable us to brew about 115,000 this year,” he said.

According to Redhook’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the project will cost about $1 million.

Production in the new fermenters is expected to begin in late May. — CINDY KIBBE