Firehouse Brewing Co. in Rapid City stands as the state’s oldest operating brewery. Since 1991, the company has become an iconic institution offering patrons a unique blend of craft beers.
Over the last year, Firehouse Brewing Co. has introduced a new era to its business with a new head brewer, a fresh lineup of beers, and an expanded role in distribution.
In February 2023, Mike Beebe stepped into the role of head brewer, carrying an abundance of experience under his belt.
The New York native knows a thing or two about running a local brewery, having worked in brewhouses since 2011.
“My first job in the industry was at Sprecher Brewing Co. in Milwaukee as a tour guide and bartender,” shared Beebe. “Once I finished graduate school, my wife and I were looking for a change, which led us to Bradenton, Florida.”
It was here where Beebe had a shot of working on the production team at Motorworks Brewing.
“After starting from the bottom, I worked my way up to head brewer, the head of research and development, and barrel program director, and gained valuable knowledge and responsibility,” shared Beebe.
When his time at Motorworks ended, Beebe and his wife contemplated their next steps. After living in various states throughout the East Coast, Beebe set his sights on the Midwest.
“When it came to the job hunt, I entertained multiple possibilities in different states, but Firehouse presented an impressive pitch about themselves and Rapid City as a whole,” said Beebe.
Beebe was just what Firehouse Brewing Co. was looking for to move their business forward. His first step was to introduce a new line of crafted beers.
“The first new beer I introduced was the Maltese Cross—a Vienna-style lager—and from there I began to bring in new, popular core styles,” shared Beebe.
With 15 beers on tap, the range of the menu introduces customers to different styles and profiles of beer.
Firehouse Brewing Co.’s menu consists of The Watch, Firehouse Light, Smokejumper Stout, Bell Tower, Blazin’ Mango, Fire Engine Red, Infernal Glow, Slow Town, Rapid Crick, and more.
“I’m a true-to-style type brewer,” explained Beebe. “I want our beer to fit the specs of the way the beer styles are designed, and I see it as a creative and technical challenge to hit the mark precisely.”
STAY TUNED…
Firehouse Brewing Co. offers a rotating menu that will continue to grow & reflect different preferences. Beebe will also showcase seasonal brews for the fall & winter.
Amongst the classic flavors of an IPA, lager, or stout, Firehouse’s menu also includes sour ales such as Prairie Twilight and Tipsy Flamingo.
“Our menu is going in all kinds of different directions,” said Beebe.
In the past, Firehouse Brewing Co. only dispensed kegs, but now the brewery is hitting the ground running with its new distribution strategies.
“I came from a larger production facility—which is what we’re turning Firehouse into—and I came in with a lot of experience in the brewing world,” shared Beebe.
Beebe adds there are many moving parts when functioning as a solid distributing production brewery.
It includes building a relationship with a distributor, educating them on their product, having the correct materials like kegs and cans, curating designs for cans, training a canning line team, and maintaining the consistent flavor of beer.
Firehouse Brewing Co. distributes six beers from its core lineup: The Watch, Firehouse Light, Bell Tower, Fire Engine Red, Maltese Cross, and Smokejumper Stout.
Today, these brews can be found in various liquor stores and grocery stores throughout cities in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Nebraska.
Firehouse Brewing Co. is joined by a sister company, Firehouse Wine Cellars.
The winery began as a négociant winery in 2014, producing 2,000 cases of wine per year. In 2018 the business expanded into its current 13,000-square-foot facility in downtown Rapid City.
Now the cellar functions as a full-production winery, producing about 10,000 cases per year.
The winery has always focused on creating high-quality, small-batch, traditional wines from the finest grapevines.
AWARD WINNING WINE
Firehouse Wine Cellars has been awarded over 100 medals from international competitions.
2017 GOLD MEDAL FOR MARQUETTE
San Francisco International Wine Competition & World Spirits Competition
2018 GOLD MEDAL FOR BRIANNA/ EDELWEISS
Finger Lakes Wine Competition
2018 MALBEC GOLD MEDAL
San Francisco International Wine Competition & World Spirits Competition
2019 BEST OF SHOW FOR SANGIOVESE ROSE
USA Wine Ratings
2019 GOLD MEDAL FOR LE CRESCENT
San Francisco International Wine Competition & World Spirits Competition, Denver International and Finger Lake Wine Competitions
2019 SANGIOVESE BEST OF CLASS
San Francisco International
2019 TOP 10 WINES OF 2019 FOR SANGIOVESE ROSE
USA Wine Ratings
2020 CAB FRANC GOLD MEDAL
San Francisco International Wine Competition & World Spirits Competition
2020 GRAVIER BLANC GOLD MEDAL
San Francisco International Wine Competition & World Spirits Competition
2020 PETIT VERDOT GOLD MEDAL
San Francisco International Wine Competition & World Spirits Competition
“Firehouse Wine Cellars sources grapes from sustainable vineyards in Washington state and our local vineyard, Old Folsom Vineyard,” shared winemaker Adam Martinez.
The winemakers collect 75 to 100 tons of grapes each harvest season, ensuring a wide range of varietals and blends.
“We offer a great deal of variety,” said Martinez.
The winery boasts 34 different lots of wine, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and more.
Among Firehouse Wine Cellars’ rare flavors are Roussanne, Marsanne, Sémillon, and Sezao.
“We serve hand-crafted local wines, such as Marquette and Petite Pearl, as well as whites and sweet wines,” added Martinez.
Throughout his time as head winemaker, Martinez has created award- winning wines.
“Over the past decade, we’ve been lucky to have been awarded over 100 medals at international competitions,” shared Martinez.
“WE LOVE WHAT WE DO, AND WE’RE PROUD OF THE WINES WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SHARE WITH OUR COMMUNITY.” -Adam Martinez
Firehouse Wine Cellars is passionate about sharing their story and wines and making memories.
Now, anyone in the United States can indulge in the Cellars’ traditional flavors of wine with the Wine Club.
“Our members enjoy a well-stocked wine cellar and first access to our best vintages,” shared wine club manager Nicole Weimer.
The Wine Club offers three memberships to choose from: the Club 1915, Damn Few Cru, and Winemaker’s Collection.
A subscription includes quarterly shipments of wine from the winery’s portfolio, as well as discounts on wine, food, merchandise, free wine tastings, and member-exclusive events.
“I love being able to interact with our members,” said Weimer.
As Firehouse Brewing Co. and Firehouse Wine Cellars continue to grow and evolve, they remain committed to their roots.
“There’s no complacency. There’s effort, dedication, and focus,” said Beebe.
