Steamworks Brewing Co. will celebrate its 15th Anniversary Sept. 14-16, 2011, with events serving as a prelude to and launch for the inaugural Durango Beer Week organized by the Bootlegger’s Society.

“As of Sept. 14, Steamworks will have been brewing beer for 15 years, and Ska turns 16 on Sept. 24, plus with the Bootlegger’s Society taking over the annual Oktoberfest, we decided to go all out and truly celebrate craft beer in our community,” said Kris Oyler, Steamworks co-founder.

In 1996, Steamworks Brewing Co. caused a stir around Durango as Oyler and co-founder Brian McEachron transformed what once had been a circa 1920s motor works into a brewpub. Today, after all the trials and successes, the brewpub is a thriving local business, a respected employer, and Steamworks beers have earned numerous national and international awards.

“To kick off this brewerly merriment, Steamworks will tap a special 15th Anniversary Barley Wine at 3 p.m. on Sept. 14,” said McEachron. “We will also bottle 15 cases of this limited edition barley wine, and the 750 ml bottles will be available for sale at $15. There’s a definite theme of 15.’”

McEachron added that on Sept. 15, Steamworks plans to roll the pint price back to 1996 and offer $2.75 pints throughout the day. Also as part of the anniversary celebration, the regular Thursday night $1 Pint Night will be extended to $1 for all pints with purchase of a pint glass throughout the day.

Durango Beer Week (Friday, Sept. 16 – Saturday, Sept 24) officially kicks off with Steamworks’ 15th Anniversary Beer Dinner, to be held on the brewpub’s back deck, Sept. 16, 7 p.m. Celebrating Steamworks as a “gastropub,” Chef Sean Clark will offer a five-course meal matched to the artisan brews of Brewmaster Ken Martin. Cost is $40 per person and reservations are available by calling 970.259.9200.

“The menu is truly a gourmet feast,” said Oyler, noting that Chef Clark continues to gather accolades nationally as a leader in pairing food and craft beer. “We are limiting attendance to 50.”

[Note: The complete menu for the Steamworks Anniversary Beer Dinner follows this overview press release.]

Durango’s annual Oktoberfest is set for Saturday, Sept. 17, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Main Avenue between 9th and 10th Streets, and is organized by the Durango Bootleggers Society: Carvers, Durango Brewing, Ska and Steamworks. Food vendors, children’s activities and live music throughout the day from the Alpiners, Midnight Backhand and Moreland & Arbuckle are also planned. Durango Herald Arts & Entertainment Editor Ted Holteen will serve as master of ceremonies.

The Durango Bootlegger’s Society is a qualified not-for-profit under the Community Foundation. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Women’s Resource Center.

Durango Beer Week continues with a variety of activities, including a Beer Brunch at Carvers, a bike tour of the breweries and Ska’s 16th Anniversary party on Sept. 24 featuring nationally revered ska band The Toasters. Information is available atwww.realbeer.com.

[Note: A preliminary Durango Beer Week line-up follows this overview release.]

The award-winning Steamworks Brewing Co., open 11 a.m. to closing seven days a week, is located at 801 E. Second. Ave., Durango (970.259.9200). For further information, visit www.steamworksbrewing.com.