Ever experienced the taste of molten toffee and chocolate, swirling in perfect harmony, with a light and crisp sparkle on the finish?

That’s what’s on the horizon for Tampa’s brew scene. This fall, the lager-focused BarrieHaus Beer Co. taproom is bringing dunkel lager along with many others to Ybor City. Located off the beaten path at 1403 E. 5th Ave., BarrieHaus is ready to share its more than 150 years of brewing experience to Tampa Bay’s thirsty community.

Jim Barrie, Co-Founder and Head Brewer of BarrieHaus, hails from a long line of family brewers originating in Germany. What we’re saying is, brewing is in his genes.

“My great-great-great-grandfather, Phillip Kling, immigrated to the United States from Germany as a cooper in 1836. He found his home in Detroit, Michigan and opened Peninsular Brewing in 1863, which marks the beginning of my brewing heritage,” Barrie shared. 

According to Barrie’s ancestors, Phillip Kling’s brewery was one of the first to introduce German lager beer to a population accustomed to English ale. What Phillip didn’t know was that his dedication to a solid brew would lead to upping Tampa’s beer game. 

Phil, we thank you. 

“When many people hear lager, they may think of the mainly bland American macro lagers. Our goal is to educate people that craft lager beer is much more than what the mega brewers produce,” Barrie said. 

“Lager can be a multitude of styles and flavors. People are surprised a 4.8% Helles or pilsner can be so delicious.” 

BarrieHaus is inspired by Jim and his wife Brittney’s honeymoon in Germany, where they fell in love with the communal atmosphere of the Bavarian beer hall while celebrating their love for each other. 

While this taproom serves as the ultimate ode to craft lager beer, the weekly rotating tap list will also include yeasty beers. Expect an eclectic range of lagers followed by a small selection of IPAs, stouts, and sours. Non-beer drinkers can sip on wine, cider and kombucha. 

“You should try a flight of lagers the first time that you come to BarrieHaus,” Co-Founder and Director of Hoperations, Brittney Barrie recommends. “We will serve up a variety of lager beers on tap – from light in color and alcohol like a Czech Pils to rich and complex like our Baltic porter.” 

The concept stands for two things: family and tradition. 

It’ll be a comfortable space to relax in and tip a few back with your family, friends and anyone who’s interested in beer education. Weekly special events like science night, trivia night and charity night aim to bring the community closer over great conversation and high-quality brews.

Although tipping their hat to the past, the brewery is also celebrating new stomping grounds with their signature pour called Tampa Export; a beer that’s hopped like a good German Pils but carries the malt backbone of a Munich Helles. According to Barrie, it keeps you interested but can go down by the liter. 

But don’t call your Lyft yet, BarrieHaus still has a couple more months their opening. The brewery will, however, be participating in the Halfway There: A Festival of Beer at Armature Works on this Sunday, August 25, presented by Tampa Bay Beer Week.

Taproom hours will be Tuesday through Thursday 4 p.m.-10 p.m., Friday 4 p.m.-midnight, Saturday noon-midnight and Sunday noon-6 p.m. 

Read More From Creative Loafing

Age Verification

You must be 21 years of age or older to access this site.