Oskar Blues Brewery out of Colorado has continued its growth pattern posting a 50 percent increase nationally in shipments in the first quarter of 2011 versus the first quarter in 2010. First quarter Colorado IRI data confirms Oskar Blues as the leader in Dollar Sales Increase, Case Sales Increase and #1 Brand Sales Increase with Dale’s Pale Ale, which saw a 70 percent increase.
To continue to keep up with the growth and demand of the funky brewery for another explosive year for craft canned beers, the brewery will further its infrastructure while brewing more consistent quality beer than ever before. Two 200 BBL fermenters have been installed, as was a Wort Receiver, which will alow 20 percent more brews per day. In February, the brewery installed a 200 BBL fermenter and a 200 BBL bright tank as well as a new keg line and Hi-Cone six-packing machine. This expansion will allow the brewery to reach for 60,000 BBLs in 2011, compared to 44,000 barrels in 2010. In 2010, Oskar Blues had added a total of seven 200-barrel tanks in 60 days attempting to keep up with demand while pulling out of two markets.
While Oskar Blues has been expanding, they have also been winning gold medals at the World Beer Championships. So far, they have earned four Gold Medals for their beers, Dale’s Pale Ale, GUBNA Imperial IPA, Old Chub Scottish Style Ale, and G’Knight Imperial Red Ale. All four beers scored above 90 points out of 100.
