In yet another contraction of San Antonio’s craft-beer scene, Freetail Brewing Co. — the city’s second-largest brewery — is ending distribution to retail stores and restaurants to focus on its two brewpubs.
Retail distribution of Freetail beer will wind down over the remainder of the year, officials with the 15-year-old business said Monday. However, the brews will continue to be available at its two Alamo City restaurant-taprooms, 4035 N. Loop 1604 on the far North Side, and 2000 S. Presa St. in Southtown.
“San Antonio is home, it’s where locals hang out with friends and enjoy great pizza and world-class beer,” Freetail retail honcho David Olivares said in an emailed statement. “This has been our mission since our founding in 2008 and remains so today. We deeply appreciate our local customers and look forward to many more great years ahead together.”
The move comes as independent brewers across the nation close up shop, many citing higher prices for raw ingredients and consumers’ changing beverage tastes. Indeed, Freetail’s ownership group placed the brewery up for sale in January but was apparently unable to locate a buyer.
San Antonio’s Second Pitch Brewing Co., Weathered Souls Brewing Co. and Busted Sandal Brewing Co. have also closed this year, citing economic pressures, and Alamo Beer Co., the city’s largest brewer, has also put itself on the sales block this fall.
Freetail will continue to serve beer in take-home growlers at its two San Antonio locations, according to company officials.
“We thank our trusted partners for making our beer available across Texas and
Colorado. Their contributions have enabled Freetail to further become a beloved and trusted local brand,” Olivares said. “Serving San Antonio customers and this community is our priority.”
Freetail is known for collaborating with local organizations including the San Antonio Zoo and the UTSA Roadrunners on fundraising events and special-release beers. The business will “continue to deliver in meaningful ways” to the local community through donations and a special “mug club” for brewpub customers, officials said in Monday’s statement.
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This article appears in Oct 30 – Nov 5, 2024.
