Point Brewery Hires Brewmaster to Keep Pace with Demand

The Point Beer Brands continue to grow in sales-both here at G&M and with the Brewery in Stevens Point. Below is a recent article on the good fortunes going on there.

POINT BREWERY HIRES BREWMASTER TO KEEP PACE WITH DEMAND

Increased sales, brewing capacity mean additional brewing talent required

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STEVENS POINT, Wis. (December 6, 2011) – A new brewmaster is on the job at the Stevens Point Brewery, which expanded its production capacity earlier this year to keep pace with continued double-digit sales growth.

Gabe Hopkins, a native Oklahoman who is a veteran of regional breweries in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, joins long-time Brewmaster John Zappa to brew Stevens Point Brewery's portfolio of handcrafted specialty beers.

"We expanded our production capacity to keep up with increasing demand and it was only a matter of time before we needed to bring in some brewing reinforcements," said Joe Martino, Stevens Point Brewery Operating Partner. "We are thrilled to add someone like Gabe, with his experience, talents and creativity, to our brewing team. Point beer lovers everywhere will reap the benefits."

Originally from Stillwater, Okla., Gabe earned a degree in biochemistry from Northwestern Oklahoma State University. During his brewing career he has brewed everything from American-style "macro-beer" lagers to high-end craft ales and lagers.

"My brewing philosophy is very simple and straight-forward: I want to brew the best, most drinkable craft beers possible and continue to grow Point's brands," Gabe said. "Brewing high-quality, drinkable craft beers are what the Point Brewery does best and I am excited to become part of the team. Satisfying Point's loyal customers and recruiting new craft drinkers from the world of macro-beers is what it's all about."

What is Gabe's favorite Point beer? "I enjoy them all, but I would have to say Cascade Pale Ale is my favorite," he said. "It is a hoppy, very well-balanced beer with an excellent clean finish. It is delicious."

Gabe's brewing talents have been put to good use as the Stevens Point Brewery continues to grow. Point Oktoberfest, for example, has proved so popular that production was increased by 70 percent this year. A new 12-pack can package for the fall seasonal was also introduced. To meet the ever-increasing demand for Point Oktoberfest and its other year-round and seasonal craft beers, the brewery expanded its production capacity by 25 percent to 100,000 barrels, adding more warehouse space, new aging tanks and new fermenting tanks.

Stevens Point Brewery, founded in 1857, uses only the highest-grade barley malts, specialty malts, grains and the choicest hops to brew their handcrafted beers, including flagship Point Special Lager, which won the gold medal in the American Premium Lager category at the 2003 Great American Beer Festival.

Seasonal specialty brands include Point St. Benedict's Winter Ale, a dark, abbey-style ale available from November through February; Point Nude Beach Summer Wheat, an award-winning unfiltered wheat ale; and Point Oktoberfest, a Bavarian-style Märzen beer for the fall.

Point's year-round specialty beers include Point 2012 Black Ale, a robust dark ale; Point Horizon Wheat, an unfiltered wheat ale; Point Belgian White, a Belgian-style wheat ale; Point Burly Brown American Brown Ale; Point Cascade Pale Ale, a hoppy American-style pale ale; and Point Amber Classic, an American-style amber lager. The brewery's craft beers also include the Whole Hog Limited Edition Brewmaster's Series of "big beers," including year-round Whole Hog Six-Hop India Pale Ale, and seasonal Whole Hog Raspberry Saison, Whole Hog Russian Imperial Stout, Whole Hog Barley Wine Ale and Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale.