By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Apr 23, 2016 at 5:09 PM

This weekend marks the grand opening for 3 Sheeps Brewing Company’s new 10,000 square foot barrel warehouse and taproom, located in one of two buildings formerly inhabited by the Coca-Cola Distribution Plant at 1837 North Ave. in Sheboygan.

The opening coincides with the release of the new limited edition brew, "Roll Out The Barrel," a Belgian style golden strong ale, which is aged in bourbon barrels.

The new facility mimics the style of west-coast taprooms with an open-concept layout and industrial feel. A hand-poured concrete bar showcasing 16 taps, picnic style wooden tables created from bleachers repurposed from The Armory, a Sheboygan landmark, and sofas where customers can lounge and play board games.

During the summer, the taproom will also showcase an open-air vibe as it opens the expansive overhead doors to reveal a beer garden set alongside sweeping willows and functioning train tracks.

In addition to its common area, the taproom also houses two dedicated spaces suited for private social or corporate meetings and events. It also functions as a warehouse for the brewery’s expanding barrel aging program and sour beer production – a new focus for the brewery.

At the bar, a cask-conditioned Firkin tap line showcases traditional English-style beers along with experimental one-off flavors. Customers can enjoy pints of flagship, seasonal and experimental brews, along with beer flights served up in logoed taster glasses on flight boards made from barrel staves. Beer will also be available for carry out in growlers and bottles.

"We are so excited to be able to open our taproom to the public. Being able to connect directly and share our beer with our fans and friends is going to be such a treat," said 3 Sheeps Brewing Co. founder and brewmaster Grant Pauly. "The 3 Sheeps crew, in proper brewer fashion, plans to commemorate this milestone with a full taproom and lots of fun and unique brews!"

The second phase of construction on the two-building property, which will be completed this summer, will include a functioning brew house with state-of-the-art equipment, packaging and company offices. 

The 3 Sheeps tap room is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m., Friday from 4 to 11 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.