Former Green Flash brewmaster signs lease in Paso Robles for new brewery

The former brewer at San Diego’s Green Flash Brewing Co. is moving forward with plans to open a brewery in Paso Robles.

Chuck Silva, renowned for his contributions in building the state’s craft beer industry, has signed a 5-year lease (with an option for two additional terms) for a 1,265-square-foot space on Pine Street, directly behind the Paso Robles Pour House.

There he plans to install a 10-barrel brew system and open a small tasting room offering Silva Brewing samples, growler fills and special hand-bottled releases.

“It’ll be a small space with small production,” said Silva, a San Luis Obispo native who returned to the area after leaving Green Flash in September. “It’s a great opportunity for getting started.”

His investment is “over $300,000 just on brewing equipment plus tenant improvements to the space,’’ he said.

Eager fans will have to wait a while to taste the results, however. Before production can start, Silva has to order equipment and get all the requisite federal and local approvals, a process that could take four to six months.

Silva said he hopes to begin brewing by August or September.

“We should be able to get some good, fresh beers out within about 3 weeks after that,” he said.

This story was originally published February 4, 2016 at 12:30 AM with the headline "Former Green Flash brewmaster signs lease in Paso Robles for new brewery."