Steamworks Brewing Co. beers now available in Texas
DURANGO, Colo. – Steamworks Brewing Co., the southwestern Colorado-based operation internationally known for Steam Engine Lager, its four-time Great American Beer Festival Gold medal winner, and other premium beers, has announced its partnership with Austin-based Authentic Beverage Co., opening opportunities for all Steamworks products to now be sold in Texas.
To distribute across state lines, all breweries and distilleries must by federal law secure independent state distributors. Steamworks currently enjoys distributors in Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona, and has been awaiting legal permission to begin distribution in Texas through Authentic Beverage Co. since May.
“Liquor laws and licensing varies from state to state,” said Kris Oyler, Steamworks CEO. “Texas has requirements we’d not faced previously. They weren’t insurmountable. It just took a little longer than we’d originally anticipated.”
Steamworks opened its second, expanded, 5,000-barrel capacity brewery in Bayfield, Colo. in April 2004 with the explicit purpose of meeting the expected demand in New Mexico, Arizona and Texas. The company initiated its New Mexico distribution efforts in January of 2005 and Arizona in summer 2006.
Authentic Beverage Co. specializes in and distributes only “craft” beer, and target markets for Steamworks’ beers include Austin, San Antonio, Houston and the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Steamworks joins fellow Colorado breweries Left Hand and Tommyknocker in the Authentic repertoire.
“The market for craft beer is continually expanding throughout the United States and has now reached 5 percent of the total beer market in terms of dollars,” said Brian McEachron, Steamworks director of marketing and sales. “Tastes are evolving and beer drinkers now appreciate the nuances and flavor of a variety of craft beers. Authentic Beverage Co. understands those buyers, and we’re honored to be joining their line-up.”
Oyler has been traveling throughout Texas, laying the groundwork and introducing the brews to liquor stores, restaurants and bars throughout the state – telling the Steamworks story and essentially “priming the pump.” This personal service has proven key to Steamworks’ success in all markets.
The initial delivery of Steamworks’ products arrived at Authentic’s distribution center Oct. 26, with plans for immediate distribution to key accounts. The initial order includes Steam Engine Lager in six-pack bottles; Third Eye Pale Ale in six-pack bottles; 22-oz. bomber bottles of Lizard Head Red and The Conductor Imperial India Pale Ale, plus half-barrels of the Steam Engine Lager and Third Eye Pale Ale for draft accounts. For specific delivery details, contact Authentic Beverage Co. at 512.445.2337.
Steamworks Brewing Co. – Durango’s “2005 Business of the Year” – is located at 801 E. Second. Ave., Durango (970.259.9200), and 442 Wolverine Drive in Bayfield Center, Bayfield (970.884.7837). Both brewpubs are open from 11 a.m., serving lunch and dinner.
For further information, contact Kris Oyler, CEO, 970.375.9686 or Brian McEachron, Director of Marketing and Sales, 970.799.3481 or visit www.steamworksbrewing.com.
