This past Saturday saw the 3rd bottle release of Freetail Brewing Co’s popular La Muerta, a day otherwise known as: Dia de La Muerta. La Muerta is Freetail’s immensely popular Imperial Stout. Its release, whether in the bottle or on draft, is always highly anticipated. Usually release in November each year in conjunction with Dia de los Muertos. Each year LaMuerta’s reputation seems to grow and has spread outside of Texas.
photo courtesy of Freetail Brewing
This year, folks were lined up as early as 9am at the San Antonio area brewpub, to ensure they had a shot when bottles went on sale at 11:30. Last years bottling was around 85 or so and sold out quickly. This year, bottling was increased to around 450 and those clamoring for bottles were limited to 4 each. Despite the increase in bottling this year, La Muerta sold out in about 3 hours, showing again it quite the hot commodity.
This years offering certainly has not disappointed. Filled with strong, yet balanced. notes of smoke and chocolate. Fair warning to the faint of heart, this homage to the dearly departed weighs in at around 10.2% ANV (Alcohol by Volume). Tread lightly, but enjoy. It’ quite the treat and perfect for the cooler fall weather in San Antonio.
The success and popularity of La Muerta seems to mirror that of the brewpub itself. Coming up on its second anniversary, Freetail is actually looking to expand. Numerous reports have abounded in the last couple of weeks regarding Freetail’s Project: Gemini, with possible site locationo to include San Antonio of course, but sites in Houston, New Braunfels and San Marcos are also being considered. However, don’t expect the new location to be like the current one says Freetail founder and CEO Scott Metzger. “We’ve looked at some historical buildings with unique character in interesting locations,” explained Metzger. “For this one, look for an expanded menu and dynamic ambiance, but one that still embodies the Freetail spirit.”
Selection of a site is expected to six to eight months and create around 50 new jobs. The new location is estimated at around 3 million dollars and could open as early as a year from now. However, Metzger has said that if they find the time is not right or they have not found the right location, the new location may wait, but they are seriously looking at opening another location.
More details to follow on this and Freetail’s Second Anniversary weekend. Also check out Freetail’s website for more information.
La Muerta sounds amazingly delicious! Wish I could have some. At least save me an empty bottle, please, I love the design. Cheers!