Colorado’s Pikes Peak Brewing announces expansion (Code Name: Project BASECAMP)

Monument is a pint-sized town located at the base of the Rampart Range in El Paso County, Colo. It borders Pike National Forest on the west and is home to the appropriately named Pikes Peak Brewing Co., which claims to be “elevating the craft of beer.” That claim is slowly being confirmed as the popularity of Pikes Peak continues to rise (we definitely dig its can designs and of course beer). In fact, the brewery just announced a major expansion of brewery operations (Code Name: Project BASECAMP), using new federal crowdfunding laws.

“Pikes Peak Brewing Company has made a great impact on the Tri-Lakes area [which consists of Monument Lake in Monument, Palmer Lake in Palmer Lake and Lake Woodmoor in Woodmoor]. They have brought jobs, philanthropy, a sense of community and of course great beer!” said Terri Hayes, executive director of the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce. “With the addition of Project BASECAMP, their reach will grow awareness of our fantastic region and help put us on the map.”

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Pikes Peak Brewing is on track to produce over 2,700 barrels (83,700 gallons) of beer this year and is quickly approaching capacity on its current system. In order to meet current and future demand in Colorado and other select markets, Project BASECAMP will consist of a 30-barrel (bbl), four-vessel brewhouse, four 90-bbl fermenters, two 90-bbl brite tanks and other improvements and upgrades to its canning line and facilities.

Pikes Peak will be expanding at its current location by adding over 5,900 square feet with a capacity to produce more than 13,000 bbls per year. That’s more than 333 percent growth in capacity, which would place Pikes Peak Brewing in the top 20 breweries in Colorado (according to 2014 data from the Brewers Association). The existing 10-bbl brewhouse will be used to produce more seasonal, collaboration and barrel-aged beers.

The whole expansion was apparently made possible via new federal crowdfunding-type laws. Pikes Peak is funding the expansion by offering preferred economic shares in the company to its customers and neighbors.

“By staying here in the Tri-Lakes community and offering our customers and neighbors an opportunity to participate in our growth and success, we are investing in our local community,” said Chris Wright, founder and head brewer.

Pikes Peak Brewing expects to add at least five full time positions with Project BASECAMP. Project BASECAMP is expected to be complete by late fall of 2016.