DURANGO, Colo. - Steamworks Brewing Co., the southwestern Colorado-based operation known for its award-winning, hand-crafted premium beers, received yet another honor Sept. 9, as the Third Eye PA was awarded the “Crested Butte’s Favorite Beer Award” in the IPA (India Pale Ale) category.

The award was presented as part of the town’s annual Fall Festival of Beers and Chili Cook-off, and is the second time Steamworks has been honored at the event. The popular Steam Engine Lager received the “Favorite Beer Award” in the Dark Lager category in 2006.

“To our brew crew it means just as much to win a people’s choice award as those we have won from the certified judgings in which we compete,” said Brian McEachron, Steamworks’ director of marketing and sales. “Ultimately our success is determined by the palates of our customers and not those of a trained beer judge and connoisseur. It was also a real treat for our Director of Brewing Operations John Hiiva shake hands and raise a glass with the everyday folks who found our beer so delightful.”

Third Eye Pale Ale is one of Steamworks’ most heavily hopped beers, in the spirit of the English ales that originated in the early 1800s. After tasting a Third Eye PA for the magazine All About Beer (Vol. 27, No. 5, pg. 46), the late author Michael Jackson (Ultimate Beer, World Guide to Beer, Simon & Schuster Guide to Beer) was inspired to write:

“An attractive, pale orange color. The aroma reminded me of strawberries. Quite restrained though. Seemed to stand still, quiet for a moment, like a singer composing herself before launching herself into a Sondheim score. The notes are soft and smooth. More flowery and herbaceous, less orangey, than most American contemporaries. Nell Gwynne wasn’t there, but Blossom Dearie was. A touch of acidity and a powerful, bittersweet finish, which is rather abrupt. If you listen to this beer (TM Fred Eckhardt), you will be reminded that every supper club song has a touch of Lady Day.”

Third Eye Pale Ale is available in six-pack bottles and also on tap in numerous establishments throughout Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona.

“And when you crave a Third Eye when visiting either Steamworks pub in Durango or Bayfield, merely tap your forehead,” said McEachron, referencing the location of one’s mystical “third eye.” “Our bartenders know the shorthand. It’s emerged as a cult beer. Why seek enlightenment at the ends of the earth when you can find it in a Third Eye Pale Ale?”

Steamworks Brewing Co. – Durango’s “2005 Business of the Year” – is located at 801 E. Second. Ave., Durango (970.259.9200), and 442 Wolverine Drive in Bayfield Center, Bayfield (970.884.7837). Both brewpubs are open from 11 a.m., serving lunch and dinner.  

For further information, visit www.steamworksbrewing.com.

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