FrankenBrau introduces craft beers

FrankenBrau opened last Sunday, with the business partners hoping to take beer drinking on Saipan to another level by introducing craft beers made by five independent brewers in the United States—four of which are located in the Rocky Mountain State of Colorado.

Co-owners Dr. Bruno W. Doestsch and Dr. Gary W. Caille thought of establishing their own beer distribution here on Saipan with the help of former Department of Commerce secretary and representative Andrew Salas, who became their local business partner.

Doetsch, a German native who works as an international business consultant, is no stranger to beer as he grew up in Bavaria the region known for Oktoberfest. Bavaria is known to have the highest density of breweries in Germany.

He and his partners planned the business point of view on how to market quality made beers on Saipan, and soon on Tinian and Rota.

“Drinking craft beer is a form of lifestyle, a philosophy. We enjoyed quality beer, so why not introduce it to the people of Saipan,” said Doetsch, who added the five independent breweries that they signed up combined traditional methods with new techniques in creating their beers.

“Craft beers are made in small batches, at least 30,000 barrels a year. It keeps the high quality of beer made. Of course, the most consumed beers remain those made by large breweries,” Doetsch said.

Beers by Abita in Abita Springs, Louisiana and Colorado-based breweries Aspen Brewing Company in Aspen, Grimm Brothers Brewhouse in Loveland, Upslope Brewing Company in Boulder, and Telluride Brewing Company in Telluride are the ones being distributed here.

“All five know each other. The craft beer family is small and most are family owned so it is easy to work with them as a team,” said Doetsch, who holds a masters and doctor of physics degrees.

There are 21 different beer varieties with the price ranging from $2.19 to $2.89. “It is a bit expensive but still affordable. Plus it is a higher quality of beer. We also offer sampling of four different beers,” Doetsch added.

“We’re also talking to other breweries with two more we are already working out to add their products on our current lineup. We’re not yet done, and we’re going to expand our list. But everything depends on the business here, how will be the reception of the local market.”

He said that they personally meet owners of each brewery they wanted to partner with and are pretty much hands on in picking the products. “We visit their breweries, talk to the brewmasters, and taste their beers.”

From the breweries in Colorado, the shipment goes to California, then to Guam, and finally to Saipan. They are transported in containers that maintain a 45°F or lower. The storage facility at FrankenBrau’s store in San Antonio also has three cooling units to keep its freshness.

For more information, call 234-2288.