2013 – A Year Of Growth For Fort Collins Brewery

In striving to always keep the FCB brew in admirable condition, 2013 was by far the year for new equipment and expanding their brew haus. In October, the addition of a 50bbl Automated Rolec System from Germany was put in commission. The brew haus is designed to achieve the highest product quality

and efficiency, as well as production safety. To the Gravity 1020 customers, the 50bbl system provides a unique and fascinating view as it stands just on the other side of the restaurant and brew haus common window.

FCB continued redefining the brew haus by adding a 7bbl Newlands Pilot System from Canada, which furthers the brewers capability to be creative and to try new style of brews on a smaller scale. The Pilot System’s primary use is to brew the three Tap Club beers per month, along with any collaboration brew in the future.

Just before the New Year, FCB was able to sneak in the additions of the Wittemann 2” Pinpoint Carbonator and the GEA Westfalia Centrifuge. This style of carbonating allows for greater consistency and increased foam head retention. The Centrifuge process, ensures that FCB’s beer is never passed through a filter, stripping out essential flavors and aromas achieved during the brew process.

In 2013, FCB and Gravity 1020 laid down its identification roots with their Create Share Savor mission. The philosophy for which they’re founded on, that beer should be created and enjoyed, and the values that guide how they run their business and interact with their community. This past year FCB was most proud to be a local partner of the Habitat for Humanity project, The House That Beer Built, directly benefiting the rebuilding of a home that was lost to the High Park Fires.

Along with defining their community footprint, FCB was honored to also make an economic impact while being recognized as one of 50 companies to receive the 2013 Colorado Companies to Watch award. An award according to the Companies to Watch website given to a “second-stage company that fuels the economic fire of Colorado by accounting for much of the economic growth and economic independence of individuals throughout the state.” A prestigious recognition was also given to Gravity 1020 Modern Tavern, as they were listed as one of 7 restaurants featured in, USA Todays Best farm-to-table movement restaurants, throughout the world.

FCB continues to grow as a company through new equipment, community presence and to a national audience, but more simply the FCB brand expands through the production of their hand-crafted brews. 2013 saw a flight of new brews from the launch of the Hoptitude series to the award-winning Out of the Ashes Bomber Series, along with the ever popular Double Chocolate Stout and Big Shot seasonals – to name a few.

All in all, FCB and Gravity 1020 reflect on 2013 as the “year of growth,” and the ability to provide a cleaner, consistent and crisper outlook for all aspects of the company and they look forward to the hike of 2014.

“We have a lot in store for 2014, I hope it can keep up! We’re excited to kick off our collaboration brews with other breweries, both locally and nationally, along with creating fun events and new brews that will entice people to become a FCB and Gravity supporter if they aren’t already,” said The Fort Collins Brewery Marketing Coordinator, Kaylee Kulich.