Stevens Point Brewery plans to expand capacity to 165,000 barrels per year in 2021, adding 40,000 barrels, new brewing capabilities, cutting-edge pasteurization, can variety packs, 19.2-ounce single serve, and more.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Stevens Point Brewery, one of America’s longest-running breweries, plans to expand with a $2.5M investment in new capacity, equipment, and capabilities. Scheduled to be operational in spring 2021, the upgrades to the historic Wisconsin brewery include four additional 300-bbl fermentation tanks, a second centrifuge, state-of-the-art tunnel pasteurization, doubled line speeds, variety pack cans, and more. The additional 40,000 barrels will bring Point’s annual output to 165,000 barrels.

Operating partner Joe Martino will oversee the brewery’s most expensive overhaul to date, surpassing a $2M expansion in 2006. Martino explains, “In recent years, Point Brewery has been primarily focused on innovative product development, brewing efficiencies, our Quality Program, and putting together a stellar team. Now, with demand increasing year after year for Point Beers, Ciderboys Hard Ciders, and Whole Hog Brews, the decision to invest was easy.”

Instead of a physical extension or new building, the $2.5M expenditure in Stevens Point will focus inside the existing structure, which boasts cellars and outer walls that date back to 1857. Martino continues, “This modernization is mindful of that history, and it’s a natural next step – all based on our solid infrastructure and the explosive growth of our brands.”

In addition to four new 300-BBL fermenting vessels, manufactured by Wisconsin-based Sprinkman, the Stevens Point Brewery is installing a state-of-the-art tunnel pasteurizer. This replaces a 1950s-era “workhorse” tunnel, and complements their modern KHS flash pasteurizer. Installation of the new pasteurizer will necessitate an entire redesign of their historic Bottle Shop. According to director of operations Dan Weilep, “This was the perfect time to replace our bottle filler with a faster, leaner machine. This will effectively double our bottling line speeds.”

To keep up with the added fermentation vessels and faster bottling, the brewery is also adding a second centrifuge, which works in conjunction with its Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filter for clarifying beverages. Point Brewery has also ordered a new, faster can packer, which will handle a greater variety of cans, including the taller, single-serve 19.2-ounce can.

These upgrades will free up their existing can packer to serve as a semiautomated variety-pack can assembler. According to marketing director Julie Birrenkott, “The demand for variety packs in cans is immense. We’re very excited to offer this to our customers in a streamlined way, since most breweries fill variety packs by hand.”

Stevens Point Brewery

Home to Point Special Lager, Point Craft Beers, Ciderboys Hard Ciders, Whole Hog Brews, Point Sodas, and now Tea Runner Hard Iced Tea, the Stevens Point Brewery has survived and thrived for 163 years thanks to a loyal community in Wisconsin, which radiates out. Martino is happy to admit, “We wouldn’t be here without this community, and we’re proud to invest right here in Wisconsin.”

News Coverage

WSAW NewsChannel 7: https://www.wsaw.com/2020/09/23/point-brewery-announces-25-million-expansion-renovation/

News 9 WAOW: https://waow.com/2020/09/24/stevens-point-brewery-expansion-will-add-to-capacity-distribution

Pictured above, from left to right: Julie Birrenkott, Stevens Point Brewery’s Marketing Director; Jim Campbell, Never Forgotten Honor Flight’s Co-Founder and VP of Marketing; Colin Hanson, George’s son; and Joanie Hanson, George’s wife.

STEVENS POINT, Wis. (January 13, 2020) – The Stevens Point Brewery raised $3,000 in support of the Wisconsin-based veterans nonprofit Never Forgotten Honor Flight with the help and support of a local veteran’s family.

Never Forgotten Honor Flight Donation

In homage to the late Stevens Point native George Hanson (November 22, 1946 – April 7, 2016), the brewery created a t-shirt that pays tribute to him and all veterans. George is pictured on the front of the shirt and the logo for the Never Forgotten Honor Flight is proudly displayed on the back. The Never Forgotten Honor Flight is a non-profit organization that provides veterans with closure, gratitude, and respect, by flying them to Washington D.C. to visit their memorials.

Over the span of 3 months, 333 t-shirts were sold online and in the Stevens Point Brewery Gift Shop. $3,000 was raised in support of the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, covering the flight for 6 veterans.

“George made a huge impact on the community,” said Melissa Wysocki, Social Media Manager for the Stevens Point Brewery. “This venture has been an amazing opportunity to work alongside George’s family. I have learned so many amazing stories about George from them, but also from members of the community that came in to buy the shirt. George continues to make an impact today. It’s with great pride that we were able to not only donate to a great cause, but to commemorate the donation in George’s memory.”

About George Hanson

George was an active community member, a dedicated Point Beer lover, and a Vietnam veteran. Below is the original photo of George that is displayed on the front of the shirt.

While serving in Vietnam in the early 1970’s, Hanson would regularly receive care packages from family back in central Wisconsin. Some shipments included cans of Point Special Lager. According to Julie Birrenkott, the Stevens Point Brewery Marketing Director, “We’re humbled by this photo. It was taken almost half a century ago from halfway around the world. It really puts the ‘home’ in hometown beer.”

About the Veteran T-Shirt

The Stevens Point Brewery will continue to sell the shirt and donate to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. Sizes Small through XL cost $20, 2XL costs $22, and 3XL costs $23. The t-shirt is available online and at the Stevens Point Brewery Gift Shop. The Gift Shop is open Monday through Friday 9a.m. to 5p.m., and Saturday 10a.m. to 5p.m.

STEVENS POINT, Wis. (February 23, 2017) – As part of our 160th Anniversary celebrations, the Stevens Point Brewery, in partnership with CREATE Portage County, is eager to announce an open call for artists interested in developing an original public art piece for the west-facing wall of the Galaxy Comics Games & More building (925 Clark Street) in downtown Stevens Point! We welcome artists and designers of all forms to apply but specifically encourage those who work in murals, public art, and mosaic.

This project is designed to commemorate our rich 160 years of exceptional beverage-making in Stevens Point. As such, artwork should focus on the story of the brewery and its impact on the Stevens Point Area. We are also eager to contribute to the placemaking goals of the growing downtown mural collection and thus encourage artists to envision contemporary public art that will draw people to the downtown. Our ideal is an iconic mural that becomes a staple for both locals and visitors taking pictures to celebrate their time in Stevens Point.

Application Details

Initial applications are due at or before 5:00PM on Friday, April 7th, 2017 and should be emailed to gregw@createportagecounty.org. These applications should include:

Artist’s resume (listing all public art projects), 2 to 3 letters of recommendation (please have them speak to the timeliness of your work), 5 to 10 representative digital images of your work, AND a written proposal with initial imagery to demonstrate your concept for the space.

The selection committee will judge proposals on the following criteria:

Quality, originality, and appeal of the concept Concept’s capacity to capture the spirit of the Stevens Point Brewery Concept’s appropriateness for a public setting Artist’s proven capacity for timely completion of the project

Artists, designers, studios, and teams may submit multiple concepts for this project, and artists from any location are encouraged to apply. However, preference will be given first to local and then to regional or Wisconsin artists.

Timeline & Fine Print

The selection committee will choose three to five finalists to make a presentation between May 15 – 19 that will include the following:

Finalized images of your project (preferably shown on the space), Explanation of the concept and its goals, AND a budget and timeline for the completed work.

The Stevens Point Brewery has set aside a stipend of up to $10,000 (depending on the scope of the project) to cover materials and artist compensation. Budgets should speak to the quality of materials and the execution of both surface preparation and a lasting, high-quality public art piece.

Artist must be available to begin this project on June 1st, to complete the project in July of 2017, and will agree to work with the Stevens Point Brewery on events that highlight and celebrate both the brewery and the creation of the public art piece. The selected artwork and its likeness will become the property of the Stevens Point Brewery, which reserves the right to use the image for promotional and retail purposes.

Thank you in advance for your thoughtful submissions. We are eager to find the right partner for this project.

–Julie Birrenkott, Director of Marketing, Stevens Point Brewery

–Greg Wright, Executive Director, CREATE Portage County

Apply Now

STEVENS POINT, Wis.  (April 19, 2016) – What’s the best fruit beer brewed in the United States? According to the Los Angeles International Beer Competition judges, it’s new Point Siesta Key Pale Ale, which received the gold medal in the 2016 competition’s American-Style Fruit Beer category. The judges also decided America’s best Blonde Ale comes from Stevens Point, too, and crowned Point   Dead Blonde Ale the gold medal winner in the Golden or Blonde Ale category. In addition, Point Special Lager won the silver medal in the American-Style Lager, Light Lager or Premium Lager judging; the brewery’s Ciderboys Peach County hard cider received the silver in the  Cider & Perry category; and Point Classic Amber Lager earned the bronze in the American-style Amber Lager segment. “Winning any medal in a well-regarded beer judging like the Los Angeles International Beer Competition is  an honor when you consider that more than 1,000 beers from across the country were entered. To receive five medals, including two golds, is especially exciting for all us at the Stevens Point Brewery and for our loyal fans, too,” said Joe Martino, Stevens Point Brewery Operating Partner. “These awards are more proof that Stevens Point Brewery brews some of the best craft beers in America.” Point’s Winning Entries Gold medal winner Point Siesta Key Citrus Pale Ale was introduced just a few weeks at retail wherever Point brands are sold. An American-style pale ale available from April through August, Siesta Key is brewed with Vic Secret hops, a new variety developed in Australia’s Victoria state, and fresh grapefruit juice from Florida. Point’s brewers dry hop the ale twice during the brewing process for an inviting hops flavor and aroma. Drop Dead Blonde Ale is brewed with Sterling hops from the Pacific Northwest. A blend of two-row barley malts provide Drop Dead Blonde Ale with its bright golden color and smooth, slightly sweet malty taste. It’s the second year in a row that Point Special Lager has been recognized at the Los Angeles International Beer Competition. The full-bodied pilsner-style beer won the gold in the American-style Lager, Light Lager and Premium Lager category last year. Ciderboys Peach County is a repeat winner, too. The seasonal fruitful pairing of crisp apple cider with juicy peach also won the Silver Medal in the Standard Cider and Perry category in the 2015 judging. Point Classic Amber Lager, meanwhile, added to its awards collection with its bronze medal. Brewed with roasted caramel malts and American Tettnanger hops, Classic Amber has subtle caramel character, a reddish-amber hue and a gentle hop aroma. Los Angeles International Beer Competition The 16th annual Los Angeles International Beer Competition, held April 9 and 10 at the Los Angeles County Fairplex in Pomona, Calif., featured more than 1,000 beers competing in 97 categories. Medal-winning beers will be featured at LA on Tap, a beer festival scheduled at the Fairplex on May 7, and during the Los Angeles County Fair in September.

STEVENS POINT, Wis. (April 14, 2016) – If life is a beach, new Siesta Key Citrus Pale Ale from Stevens Point Brewery is the right beer for relaxing on the sand.

Point Siesta Key Citrus Pale Ale is an American-style pale ale available from April through August wherever Point’s handcrafted beers are sold. Packing a burst of grapefruit tartness for smooth, tropical refreshment, Siesta Key is brewed with Vic Secret hops, a new variety from Down Under, and fresh grapefruit juice from Florida. The new brew is packaged in six-packs and 12-packs of Point’s new-style 12-ounce bottles, on draft, and in can packages perfect for the beach, boat or pool: 12-packs of 12-ounce cans and four-packs of 16-ounce cans.

Pale ales continue to be one of the fastest-growing craft-beer segments, according to Julie Birrenkott, Point Brewery Marketing Manager, who noted that Siesta Key’s modest alcohol content of 4.2% ABV make it a satisfying session beer for summer socializing

“It only makes sense to offer what craft-beer fans are looking for, and with summer coming, we are excited to introduce a refreshingly different and highly sessionable pale ale like Siesta Key Citrus Pale Ale,” she said. “It’s the right beer at the right time.”

Unlocking the secret of Siesta Key

Siesta Key Citrus Pale Ale is Stevens Point Brewery’s first seasonal pale ale and the first Point beer to use Vic Secret hops, an aroma and flavoring variety developed in Australia’s Victoria state specifically for brewing pale ales. Growing in popularity among craft beers for the past several years, Vic Secret hops remain in limited supply in the United States, according to Point Brewmaster Gabe Hopkins.

“Vic Secret hops impart a very perfumy aroma to the ale along with nice fruity citrus flavor components,” Hopkins said. “They are the perfect hops to pair with fresh Florida grapefruit juice to brew our new pale ale.”

To optimize Siesta Key’s fresh hoppy aroma, Point’s brewers dry hop the ale twice during the brewing process with generous amounts of Vic Secret hops, once on the fourth day of fermentation and again during cold storage before packaging.

The Stevens Point Brewery

 

Stevens Point Brewery, founded in 1857, uses only the highest-grade barley malts, specialty malts, grains and the choicest hops to brew its handcrafted beers.

The brewery’s year-round lineup features flagship Point Special Lager; Point Amber Classic, an American-style Amber Lager; Newly introduced Point S.P.A. (Session Pale Ale) an American Style Pale Ale; Point Onyx Black Ale, a robust dark ale; Point Beyond the Pale IPA, a robust, hoppy India Pale Ale; Point Smiley Blue Pils, a Czech-style Pilsner; and Point Drop Dead Blonde Ale, a 110 calorie golden ale.

The brewery’s seasonal beers include Point Apricadabra Apricot Wheat Ale for the spring; Point Coast Radler, a mix of beer and natural citrus flavors for the summer; New Siesta Key Citrus Pale Ale, also for summer; Point Oktoberfest, a Bavarian-style Märzen beer; and Point St. Benedict’s Winter Ale, a rich, dark beer available from November through February.

In addition to the year-round and seasonal craft brands Point offers four seasonal variety 12-packs, each containing three bottles of four unique beers available only in the variety packs.  Available in the summer months, the Long Days variety pack features four refreshing fruit lagers: Point Lime Lager, Point Mango Lager, Point Tart Cherry Lager and Point Watermelon Mojito Lager. During the winter months, the Long Nights variety pack features Malted Milk Shake Lager, Pistachio Nut Brown Ale, Gingerbread Ale and Salted Caramel Toffee Ale. For Fall, The Harvest Craft Creations 12-pack features Point Cranberry Wheat Ale, Point Squash Ale, Point Pumpkin Peach Ale and Point Blood Orange Amber. Four unique year-round India pale ales – Point Spruce Tip IPA, Point Peach Mango IPA, Point White IPA and Point One Shot IPA are available only in the Point IPA variety 12-pack.

Whole Hog Limited Edition “big beers” include year-round Whole Hog Espresso Stout and Whole Hog Six-Hop India Pale Ale.

Seasonal offerings include Whole Hog Peach Hefeweizen, Whole Hog Russian Imperial Stout, Whole Hog Barley Wine and Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale.

Point also brews four unique James Page specialty beers sold only in convenient 12-ounce cans: A Cappella Gluten-free Pale Ale, Casper White Stout, Healani Pineapple Hefeweizen, and Bastian Black Forest Cake, a dark porter just introduced at retail.

Point’s Ciderboys Cider Co. hard ciders blend unexpected fresh fruit flavors with apple cider. Ciderboys’ year-round products are First Press, a traditional hard cider; Raspberry Smash, alive with the tartness of raspberries; and Strawberry Magic, a blend of fresh strawberries and apple cider. Ciderboys also produces winter seasonal Mad Bark, made withnatural cinnamon; fall seasonal Cranberry Road, a pairing of apple cider and cranberries; and seasonals Pineapple Hula, Peach County and Grand Mimosa. Pineapple Hula is made with fresh Hawaiian pineapple, Peach County combines pure peach flavor with apple cider, and Grand Mimosa is a winter cider made with succulent Florida oranges.

Gourmet soft drinks from the Stevens Point Brewery include Point Premium Root Beer, Point Premium Diet Root Beer, Point Premium Orange Cream, Point Premium Vanilla Cream, Point Kitty Cocktail and Point Premium Black Cherry Cream Soda.

For more information about the Stevens Point Brewery, please visit www.pointbeer.com or call 1-800-369-4911. Tours of the brewery are available; schedules are listed on the website.

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STEVENS POINT, Wis. (March 10, 2016) – Ale lovers seeking the perfect session beer need look no further.

Point S.P.A. (Session Pale Ale) is an American-style pale ale brewed with Citra hops for a refreshingly smooth citrus flavor and high drinkability. Available in six-packs and 12-packs with Point’s new-style 12-ounce bottles as well as in 12-packs of 12-ounce cans and on draft, Point S.P.A. is being introduced in the 22 states nationwide where Point’s handcrafted beers are sold. Starting this spring, Point S.P.A. will also be included in Point’s popular variety 12-pack.

Pale ales are one of the largest segments of the U.S. craft beer market, reports Julie Birrenkott, Point Brewery Marketing Manager. Pale ales brewed with Citra hops are growing faster than most.

“Point S.P.A. is our interpretation of a modern, well-balanced American session ale, offering craft beer fans the fruity flavor and aroma typical of pales ales as well as a modest alcohol content for high drinkability,” Ms. Birrenkott said. “Point S.P.A. pairs very well with any meat, but is refreshing and delicate enough to accompany spicy foods, too. It’s a great beer for any social occasion and we think it will be an instant favorite of Point beer fans.”

Citra hops, especially well-suited for brewing pale ales, have continued to rapidly grow in popularity among craft brewers and home brewers alike since the variety was developed in the Pacific Northwest in 2007. In fact, Stevens Point Brewery endured many months on a waiting list before it was able to secure an adequate supply to brew and launch S.P.A.

How Point Brews S.P.A.

Citra is a high alpha acid aroma hop that delivers a prominent tropical citrus aroma that does not overpower its pleasing fruity hop flavor, according to Point Brewmaster Gabe Hopkins.

“Citra hops give Point S.P.A. a huge aromatic nose and an intense hop flavor that is very citrusy and lemony, but still has a smooth, clean finish,” Hopkins said. “S.P.A. is on the lighter side, with both the aroma and flavor of an India Pale Ale, but without the heavier body, higher alcohol content and pronounced bitterness of an IPA. This makes it a very sessionable beer.”

Hopkins and his brewers use a two-hour mash cycle, unusually long for pale ales, to completely break down the starches in the two-row barley malt used to brew Point S.P.A. The beer is dry-hopped twice during the brewing process with generous amounts of Citra hops, once during fermentation and again during cold storage before packaging. The final result is a pale straw colored brew with an alcohol content of 4.2% ABV, making it an ideal session beer.

The Stevens Point Brewery

Stevens Point Brewery, founded in 1857, uses only the highest-grade barley malts, specialty malts, grains and the choicest hops to brew its handcrafted beers.

In addition to the new S.P.A., the brewery’s year-round lineup features flagship Point Special Lager; Point Onyx Black Ale, a robust dark ale; Point Drop Dead Blonde Ale, a 110 calorie golden ale; Point Amber Classic, an American-style amber lager; Point Beyond the Pale IPA, a robust, hoppy India Pale Ale; and Point Smiley Blue Pils, a Czech-style pilsner.

The brewery’s seasonal beers include Point Apricadabra Apricot Wheat Ale for the spring; Point Coast Radler, a mix of beer and natural citrus flavors for the summer; Point Oktoberfest, a Bavarian-style Märzen beer for the fall; Point St. Benedict’s Winter Ale, a rich, dark beer available from November through February; and Point Bock a traditional full-bodied bock available from January through March.

In addition to the year-round and seasonal craft brands, Point offers four seasonal variety 12-packs, each containing three bottles of four unique beers available only in the variety packs. The Long Nights variety pack features Malted Milk Shake Lager, Pistachio Nut Brown Ale, Gingerbread Ale and Salted Caramel Toffee Ale. The Harvest Craft Creations 12-pack features Point Cranberry Wheat Ale, Point Squash Ale, Point Pumpkin Peach Ale and Point Blood Orange Amber. The Long Days variety pack offered in the warm months features four refreshing fruit lagers: Point Lime Lager, Point Mango Lager, Point Tart Cherry Lager and Point Watermelon Mojito Lager. Four unique year-round India pale ales – Point Spruce Tip IPA, Point Peach Mango IPA, Point White IPA and Point One Shot IPA – are available only in the Point IPA variety 12-pack.

Whole Hog Limited Edition “big beers” include year-round Whole Hog Espresso Stout and Whole Hog Six-Hop India Pale Ale. Seasonal offerings include Whole Hog Russian Imperial Stout, Whole Hog Peach Hefeweizen, Whole Hog Barley Wine and Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale.

Point also brews four unique James Page specialty beers sold only in convenient 12-ounce cans: A Cappella Gluten-free Pale Ale, Casper White Stout, Healani Pineapple Hefeweizen, and Bastian Black Forest Cake, a dark porter just introduced at retail.

Point’s Ciderboys Cider Co. hard ciders blend unexpected fresh fruit flavors with apple cider. Ciderboys’ year-round products are First Press, a traditional hard cider; Raspberry Smash, alive with the tartness of raspberries; and Strawberry Magic, a blend of fresh strawberries and apple cider. Ciderboys also produces winter seasonal Mad Bark, made with natural cinnamon; fall seasonal Cranberry Road, a pairing of apple cider and cranberries; and seasonals Pineapple Hula, Peach County and Grand Mimosa. Pineapple Hula is made with fresh Hawaiian pineapple, Peach County combines pure peach flavor with apple cider, and Grand Mimosa is a winter cider made with succulent Florida oranges.

Gourmet soft drinks from the Stevens Point Brewery include Point Premium Root Beer, Point Premium Diet Root Beer, Point Premium Orange Cream, Point Premium Vanilla Cream, Point Kitty Cocktail and Point Premium Black Cherry Cream Soda.

For more information about the Stevens Point Brewery, please visit www.pointbeer.com or call 1-800-369-4911. Tours of the brewery are available; schedules are listed on the website.

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