YOUR TOWN: Stevens Point Brewery celebrates 160 years

(WSAW)
Published: Dec. 4, 2017 at 1:26 PM CST
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More than 40 different beers, and 10 ciders are made and distributed in north central Wisconsin. The Stevens Point brewery is celebrating its 160th year-- dating back to before the city was even founded.

"Located here right on the corner of Beer and Water streets since 1857. And we've been a very important part of the Stevens Point community, established here one year before the city was established in 1858," said Julie Birrenkott, director of marketing for Point Brewery.

Point Brewery was founded by George Ruder and Frank Wahle.

"Located in the same building as it was founded in, all of our tanks in the brewhouse and packaging halls are in the original buildings," said Gabe Hopkins, brewmaster and director of operations with the brewery.

"We've survived the Great Depression, Prohibition, two World Wars, the Civil War. We have provided beer to the troops of the Civil War," said Birrenkott.

During Prohibition, Point Brewery thrived by producing soft drinks and near-beer in a time when many breweries shut down. Its legacy continues today.

"The Stevens Point Brewery is the third oldest, independently owned, continuously operating brewery in the United States," Birrenkott explained.

Hopkins said some of the original tanks that brewed craft beer in 1857 continue to be used today.

"We've been very blessed with a lot of capital upgrades in the last few years to modernize and remain competitive in the craft beer industry," said Hopkins.

Constantly changing and adapting to the times, the brewery has grown in even just the past several years.

"When I first got to Stevens Point Brewery six years ago, we had zero ciders and we had about 10 beers," said Hopkins.

They're now working to grow sales internationally.

"We've had some international distribution this year, distributing in different countries like China and the U.K.," said Birrenkott.

"The scene in today's crafters world, you have to constantly evolve, and constantly be on the cutting edge and stay ahead of the curve," said Hopkins.

Innovation that's received national and international respect.

"There has been many international and national awards that our brewery has won over the years. We've got the medals hanging on our wall. There's so many it's numerous and it's great to receive that recognition," said Birrenkott.

The Stevens Point Brewery constantly works to invent new flavors. They're currently working on a special summer beer planned to be released next year.