The Brass Tap Makes Debut in Craft-Beer-Crazed Colorado

It’s no surprise that craft beer is immensely popular among Colorado beer drinkers. In fact, Colorado’s craft-beer industry contributed a $1.7 billion economic impact in 2015, and it now counts more than 350 breweries throughout the state. That figure represents 48 percent growth from 2014, according to a recent study from the University of Colorado’s Leeds School of Business.

Those impressive numbers are attracting more and more places that specialize in serving beer—including The Brass Tap*, a chain of upscale craft beer bars founded eight years ago in Florida. This fall, the brand opened its first Colorado bar—its 37^th location nationwide—in Colorado Springs.  And now, with seemingly unlimited room to grow throughout the state, The Brass Tap is hoping to continue their Coloradoan sprawl in the years ahead.

According to Peter Petrosian, the chief development officer for FSC Franchise Co., the company that owns The Brass Tap concept, the brand was attracted to Colorado because of the thriving craft beer industry.

“Craft beer is alive and well and growing in Colorado. It’s a great place for us to plant the first flag,” Petrosian said.

Owned by Mike and Darlene Warmouth, the Colorado Springs Brass Tap location has 60 craft beers on tap and nearly 120 in bottles and cans. The beer selection will be one of the largest south of Denver, and the offerings change daily. But the real stars of the show, Mike Warmouth says, are the locally-produced brews. Industry research shows local beers are favored by 53 percent of beer drinkers between 21 and 34, and both Mike and Darlene made sure to stock their bar appropriately. For example, when they first opened their location back in September, they partnered with Colorado brewery Oskar Blues for a saison, called Mancrush Brass & Blues, for the new bar. It was only tapped at the Colorado Springs location and at the Oskar Blues’ taproom.

“We wanted to give back to the community. Colorado Springs has such a vibrant scene of brewers, and we wanted to reward those people who make good beer by introducing it to as many people as possible. There are so many incredible beers being produced in this region, and we owe it to everyone who walks through our doors to make those flavors known to others that may not have yet tried it,” Mike Warmouth said.

With plans for continued expansion throughout Colorado, the early success of The Brass Tap in Colorado Springs is a good indicator of things to come for the up-and-coming brand. With 37 open units and upcoming openings on the horizon, The Brass Tap is positioned to quadruple in size throughout the country in the next few years.

“New locations are opening all over the country, showing demand for local beer and a great atmosphere to gather with friends, family and coworkers alike. The Brass Tap is thrilled to be bringing that experience to beer fans throughout the U.S.,” Petrosian said.