Crammed into the tight corners of the Watershed Tavern are four stainless steel tanks. Thousands of gallons of savory beers once flowed through them, but now they’re empty. 

Two years ago, Win Mitchell, the founder of Boothbay Craft Brewery, wanted to find out how well he could brew beer. It turned out he wasn't too shabby at it. First came the beer, then came the tavern and now there are bigger tanks to fill. 

“We knew we had to expand to be able to make more beer, which means adding more tanks and bigger vessels to be able to ferment more beer at a time,” Mitchell said.

For the modest microbrew that first came in containers called “growlers,” Boothbay Craft Brewery had gotten to the point where they couldn’t make enough beer during the summer to keep the local clients stocked. So Mitchell and his staff broke down walls of the brewery into a new production facility replete with a canning line, a keg wash, a catwalk and a mezzanine bar.

“We're expanding to start marketing our beer outside of Boothbay. And we'll hopefully carry the name outside of the region as well,” Mitchell said.

In November the brewery added almost 2,000 square feet to its facilities to make way for new fermenting and conditioning tanks that came just in time for Christmas. In a matter of months, the brewery will grow from brewing 155 gallons a day into a full-scale brouhaha, capable of producing almost 700 gallons in 48 hours.

While Boothbay Craft Brewery makes a name for itself in a state already booming with craft beers, Mitchell said he wants to maintain fun and creative approach to his life business.

“Beer is a very creative thing.” Mitchell said. “The consumer will know when you don't have your heart into it. If you haven't made it to the best of your ability, than they will know. It's got to be good.”

The Watershed Tavern is the cozy wood-fired pub conjoined with the brewery that features an organic farm-to-table menu perfectly paired with what's on tap. From the caramel malts of their signature “633” pale ale, to the rich “Ken Brown” ale, the chances are promising that customers will find the perfect meal to match.

But beyond the cozy tavern walls there is also talk of a mysterious lore called “The Inner Circle.” No it's not some shadowy cult but rather a secret club for guests who seek exclusive access to hidden brews and special rewards. Curious customers are welcome to inquire at the tavern, Mitchell said.

Boothbay Craft Brewery is adding more fun and surprises for the upcoming year. With games, contests and new entertainment scheduled every week, the Boothbay Craft Brewery continues to add a little more flavor to our way of life.