Karl Strauss Brewing, a California-based brewer, has expanded its business in the Inland Empire region with increased distribution and a new brewery restaurant in the gateway city of Temecula.

The restaurant is the brewery’s first in Riverside County, where the company has reported double-digit growth in beer sales year over year.

The new brewery restaurant features a custom-built 7-barrel JV Northwest system, 2-vessel brew house, 14-barrel fermenter, and two 14-barrel bright tanks.

The custom-built concrete bar features 12 taps of Karl Strauss’ handcrafted beers including favourites such as Wreck Alley Imperial Stout, Red Trolley Ale, and Tower 10 IPA.

The brewery restaurant will also tap special releases and tank-tap beers brewed on-site.

Karl Strauss Brewing brewmaster Paul Segura said they are putting the finishing touches on the brewery and their inaugural brew will be ready to go by Thanksgiving.

"We know the locals like their hops, so we’re kicking off our tank-tap program with Rasta Red, a bold, hoppy red ale," Segura added.

The brewery currently distributes its beers to approximately 1,000 on and off-premise accounts in the greater Inland Empire, with sales expected to increase in 2014.

Segura said the craft beer scene in Temecula is taking off, and they have seen that reflect in their beer sales.

"We are looking forward to sharing our innovative line-up of beers with thirsty fans at our new brewery restaurant and expanding retail accounts," Segura added.