[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 54 (Tuesday, April 20, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E703-E704]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                H.C. BERGER BREWING COMPANY OF COLORADO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 1999

  Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, last week, I visited several small 
businesses in Fort Collins, Colorado involved in beer making. Northern 
Colorado is fast becoming known for its growing number of high-quality, 
small brewers, in addition to being home of America's largest 
breweries.
  Beer is a significant industry in Colorado's Fourth Congressional 
district supporting agriculture suppliers, farmers, shippers, and 
others. Among the manufacturers I visited was the H.C. Berger Brewing 
Company of Fort Collins.
  Mr. Speaker, the H.C. Berger Brewing Company, rapidly establishing a 
name throughout much of the U.S. as a maker of superior quality beers, 
finds its strength in family tradition. Owners Peter and Bob Davidoff 
trace their family's culinary roots back to the Cafe Schiller in turn-
of-the-century Berlin; at one time,

[[Page E704]]

their grandfather owned Central Park's famous Tavern on the Green 
Restaurant. The name of the brewery is traced to an old German 
Brewmaster from the early 1900's. This sense of history and a resolute 
commitment to excellence have fueled H.C. Berger's expansion in the 
booming microbrewery market.
  H.C. Berger opened in Fort Collins, Colorado, in the spring of 1992. 
In its first year, the company sales were 930 bbls, all to the Fort 
Collins area. The brewery now (1996) sells in excess of 5500 bbls a 
year to buyers throughout Colorado, Wyoming, Ohio, Texas, Kentucky, 
Illinois, Michigan, and London, England. Plant expansion, completed 
during the summer of 1996, provided a new capacity of 25,000 barrels a 
year, while still maintaining the high H.C. Berger standards of 
quality. Bob Davidoff handles all Distributor relations and sales both 
in Colorado and the rest of the United States. Peter Davidoff handles 
brewery operations and marketing.
  H.C. Berger beverages are brewed in both American and German styles 
using blended malts to produce truly outstanding micro-brewed beers and 
ales. H.C. Berger creates beers with the care and dedication of a 
vintner, and like a great wine, the company has flourished with age.
  Mr. Speaker, here are a few key facts about the brewery.
  H.C. Berger Brewing Company was founded in 1992 in Fort Collins, 
Colorado.
  Web site: www.hcberger.com
  Since its opening in 1992, the company has expanded sales from the 
Fort Collins area to all of Colorado, as well as Wyoming, Ohio, 
Illinois, Texas, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, Indiana, Virginia, 
North Dakota, South Carolina, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and 
Minnesota.
  Recent plant expansion increases the brewery's capability to 25,000 
barrels a year. H.C. Berger offers a stellar selection of beers and 
ales under its label, including Whistlepin Wheat, Mountain Kolch, 
Indego Pale Ale, Red Banshee Ale, Chocolate Stout, Red Raspberry Wheat 
as well as several specialty and seasonal ales.
  During 1996, H.C. Berger launched their high-end Grand Cru 
Brewmaster's Choice Dunkel, Kolsch, and Stout. The Brewmaster's Choice 
label also includes seasonal specialties such as Maibock (in May) 
Dopplebock (fall), and smoke beer (Rauchbier)--ideal beverages for fine 
dining establishments.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend the Davidoff brothers for their community 
leadership and business success. The fine employees at H.C. Berger are 
committed to the Fort Collins community and dedicated to the craft of 
beer making. I deeply appreciate the time they spent to help me better 
understand the small brewery business and the many contributions H.C. 
Berger Brewing Company makes to Colorado's superior quality of life.

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