Bermuda Triangle Brewing Ltd. has begun brewing Bermuda's first indigenous beer, with consumers about to get their first taste next month.

Brewery manager Mr. Graham Redford said the capital cost of the small operation is already exceeding a million dollars.

The staff currently consists of six people, but pre-production strength at the end of the month is expected to climb to 10.

The company will establish its own distribution network for the projected start-up production of 2,000 to 2,500 barrels a year. Mr. Redford said that he doubted there would be a need for the maximum production speed of 5,000 barrels a year. He estimated that sales of 3,500 to 4,000 barrels is probably the best year that can be expected.

The company has spent $100,000 on water treatment equipment to ensure a consistent, quality product, because water is the primary ingredient.

"Our equipment has been designed to meet the highest quality standards in North America, while preserving the ability to produce beer using both traditional infusion and decoction methods practised by craft brewers in Europe,'' Mr. Redford said.

The company's first two products will be a Kolsch and Amber ale. They are at present developing both a light and a dark lager, which they hope to introduce shortly. They hope to have six products on the market by March.