Helm’s makes it a double

Though not as talked about as Kearny Mesa neighbor and brewing industry cult favorite, Societe Brewing Company, there’s a lot to talk about lately when it comes to Helm’s Brewing Company (5640 Kearny Mesa Road, Kearny Mesa). The company recently signed a distribution deal with Statewide Beverage Company, distributor of other local brands, including Aztec Brewing Company and Oceanside Ale Works.

The deal will get kegs and bottles of four of Helm’s beers — Captain’s Pale Ale, Wicked As Sin IPA, Hop the RIPA (red India pale ale), and Beeruccino — throughout Southern California. This includes placement in BevMo stores, which will significantly raise the visibility of the nautically-themed operation.

In order to help keep up with increased distribution, Helm’s recently installed two 30-barrel fermenters, more than doubling their annual brewing capacity from 750 barrels to 2,000 barrels. This follows the addition of a 15-barrel fermentation tank and the debut of Helm’s beers in 22-ounce bottles in the second half of 2013.