E-Malt.com News article: USA, MI: Frankenmuth Brewery to roll out craft beers in bottles

Frankenmuth Brewing Co, a micro-brewery/restaurant in Michigan, is all set to launch its craft beers in bottles at big name grocery stores, chain stores, independent retail outlets, convenience stores, pharmacies and gas stations, Drinks Business Review reported July, 29.

The roll-out will happen in phases. Frankenmuth Brewery will initially introduce its Pilsener beer in a six pack bottle package on August 1, and then launch Marzen style Oktoberfest, a seasonal beer made by its brewmaster Jeff Coon, in mid-August.

Following the roll-out of Pilsener and Oktoberfest, Frankenmuth Brewery will launch Munich Dunkel in early October, with plans to roll out the rest of the four house brands, including Frankenmuth Blonde Ale, Hefeweizen, Batch 69 IPA and Red Sky Ale, packaged in a special 12 pack container, for the holiday season.

The Michigan microbrewery said that it had been concentrating on kegs during 2009 and 2010. It designed and sampled a 12 pack version and other limited quantities of bottles in late 2010 and early 2011, which it claims was a hit.

Frankenmuth Brewing president Haithem Sarafa said the company recently increased its manufacturing and supply capabilities and the Frankenmuth Pilsener will be its flagship brand with the other ales, lagers and seasonals to follow.

Currently, Frankenmuth Brewing operates as a micro-brewery/restaurant serving casual classic American fare as well as featuring a banquet/entertainment facility with full service beer, wine and liquor selections.

The 28,000sqft German brewery features seating for 432 indoor diners and 250 patio diners with free adjacent parking on Main Street in downtown Frankenmuth.

05 August, 2011