Community Beer Company joins Dallas craft brewery scene January 19

by Tiney Ricciardi

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And there are plenty of places you can get a taste the week prior.

DALLAS — In just a year, Dallas has become a craft beer city. Between the recent designation of Meddlesome Moth as the best beer bar in the world in 2012 and the boom in local breweries, hometown beer is here to sip.

Prepare to add another craft name to the local listing when Community Beer Company opens its doors in the Design District on January 19. The brainchild of veteran homebrewer Kevin Carr, Community Beer Company is about more than just good beer and good times -- though both are important. Carr says his brewery is about incubating Dallas’ artistic and philanthropic communities.

“It’s this dual benefit of providing a product that everyone enjoys, and doing some good in the process,” Carr said in an interview.

The brewery, which has been two years in the making, is located in a 21,000-square-foot warehouse on Stemmons Freeway across the highway from American Airlines Center. About 14,000 square feet is dedicated to brew manufacturing and the other 7,000 square feet will function as taproom and events space. Construction on the taproom begins soon, and Carr hopes to have it finished mid-spring.

“We want to do a lot of events at our brewery — charitable events, fun stuff, pre-events for AAC — and we need enough square footage,” Carr said. He added that the warehouse is also big enough for expansion when the time comes.

In terms of brewing capacity, Community Beer Company boasts a 30-barrel system with four vessels, meaning it can brew about 60 kegs at a time. The number of vessels in its system improves the quality of beer, Carr said. He hopes to produce 4,000-5,000 barrels in 2013 and make the leap into bottling by spring.

Carr began homebrewing more than 15 years ago when his passion for beer provoked interest in the process. Like most, he started with a beginner kit, then moved up to mixing grains of flavors he enjoyed. When opportunity appeared to make his hobby a profession, he couldn't escape the draw.

“A few years ago when I started down this road, I was looking for a reason not to do it,” Carr said of touring breweries in Northern California and Colorado, among other places, and networking in the scene.

“I didn’t find one,” he said.

Community Beer Company has three brews ready to tap — Public Ale, Community Pale Ale, and Community Lager. The Public Ale (ABV 5.5%) is an English-style Extra Special Bitter characterized by rich, bready malt flavors and fruity esters. Community Pale Ale (ABV 6%) is an especially hoppy blend with grapefruit, lime, peach, tropical, and grassy aromas. The Community Lager (ABV 5.2%) is an award-winning recipe from brewmaster Jamie Fulton and ode to classic, old European lagers. Come February, the Inspiration Ale (strong Belgian ale weighing in at 9% ABV) and Regalement (winter seasonal) will also be available, Carr said.

Before the brewery gates open, Community Beer Company is hosting a variety of launch parties around the city.

Wednesday, January 16: Get in on the inaugural tap at Meddlesome Moth

Thursday, January 17: Celebrate with the crew at The Common Table

Friday, January 18: Grab a pint at Craft & Growler

Saturday, January 19: You know what to do at the Community Beer Company grand opening

Sunday, January 20: Double dose of grand opening at the brewery

Soon after the official opening, Community Beer Company will host a recurring "Beer School." Carr said he wants to break down the knowledge barriers of craft beer.

“It’s a whole new world,” Carr said, “and once people step away from [big beer manufacturers], they tend to never go back.”

Shannon Sutlief contributed to this story.

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