After operating from a lease-to-brew suite inside Brewery Igniter’s shared facility in North Park, San Diego, Barley & Sword Brewing is taking a major step forward. The brewery has acquired the former Jacked Up Brewery location in Escondido, a 6,812 square foot space split between a production facility and a kitchen/tasting room, with plans to relocate part of its operations there.

For founder Mike Howell, the move is about growth but preserving identity. Barley & Sword has built strong recognition for championing Old World beer styles rarely seen among new breweries — German lagers, Belgian saisons, Irish styles, rather than chasing the latest IPA trend.

“Our North Park site is great,” Howell said, “but we’re bumping against a ceiling. Escondido gives us breathing room to expand our cellar, host larger events and serve as a destination while keeping the core Barley & Sword feel.”

The Escondido facility includes equipment from Jacked Up’s 10-barrel brewhouse and approximately 37 fermenters. Howell says he aims to eventually grow to over 140 barrels of capacity.

Licensing and regulatory approvals from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control are pending, but Howell hopes to begin serving the public before November. Meanwhile, he intends to retain the North Park location and gradually transition functions.

Barley & Sword’s growth is a good sign of ambition in the craft scene, and the brewery says it will continue brewing styles of character rather than chasing trends. Fans in San Diego and visitors to the region will soon have more access to this distinctive brewer.