New microbrewery and craft beer distribution coming to Fayetteville

As Fayetteville’s craft brewing scene continues to grow, folks here can expect to find more and more options when hunting for delicious craft beer on retail shelves and local taps.

There have been plenty of new additions this year already, including the recent (expected) arrival of Summit, Founders and Bayou Teche.

Also new to town is Prairie Artisan Ales, brewers of the famous Prairie Bomb! we reviewed last week. The Tulsa-based company has become one of the nation’s most buzzed-about brands, thanks to brewmaster Chase Healey, who’s been called the “Wes Anderson of craft beer.”

New distribution

We’re hearing about a few more breweries entering the northwest Arkansas market in the coming weeks.

Conroe, Texas-based Southern Star Brewing Company has partnered with Arkansas Craft Distributors to ship Bombshell Blonde Ale, Buried Hatchet Stout, and Pine Belt Pale Ale to the area. All three will be available in cans. Southern Star’s founder, Dave Fougeron, was once the head brewer at Houston’s Saint Arnold Brewing Company.

Vermont’s Magic Hat Brewing Company will arrive next month via Premium Brands NWA. No word yet as to which Magic Hat brews to expect, but it’s a safe bet that #9 – their “not quite Pale Ale” – will be among them. A quick glance at the brewery’s website reminds us of a long strange trip and morning dew. Magic Hat should do well in Fayetteville based on the colorful vibe it projects.

Horny Goat Brewing Company from Milwaukee, Wisconsin is known for approachable beers, including its Watermelon Wheat. Glidewell Distributing tells us that Horny Goat will serve as a “gateway beer” for folks looking for something more adventurous than the typical light lager.

We’re also hearing whispers that four or five of the major craft brewers who have yet to enter the state will look to do so in the next year or so. Names were not given, but it’s fun to think about Stone, Lagunitas, Bell’s, Dogfish Head, or Deschutes showing up on local shelves and taps. Stay tuned, craft beer lovers!

New microbrewery planned in Fayetteville

701 W. North St.

As if the area isn’t already poised as a contender for a “best beer cities” list, it looks like another craft brewery is in the works in Fayetteville.

A permit application was submitted to city planners for a microbrewery called Columbus House Brewery at 701 W. North St. just west of the railroad crossing.

According to city documents, co-owner Jason Corral plans to operate a small-scale brewery with a taproom in the building, which is located just a few steps from Scull Creek Trail.

Corral and business partner Carey Ashworth still have a couple of hurdles to clear, including state approval of their native brewer permit, and City Council approval of an Industrial Planned Zoning District needed to allow beer production in the building.

If approved, Columbus House would add another stop to the Fayetteville Ale Trail, which already includes eight local breweries.