DURANGO, CO— Ska Brewing and Steamworks Brewing Co. will release the 2023 batch of Faceplant on Friday, May 26 at both brewery locations. This year’s recipe will again include Tailwind Nutrition electrolytes.
This collaboration beer, the original joint effort, is a 27 year-long tradition between the two breweries. Last year, Durango local company Tailwind Nutrition got on board to celebrate 50 years of this iconic bike race with the addition of their orange blossom electrolytes in the recipe. “This year’s Faceplant is very similar to last year in that it’s an ale-lager hybrid that has a pleasant orange citrus flavor and aroma and a slightly orange hue. The citrus character is derived from the use of Mandarina Bavaria hops, Tailwind’s mandarin electrolyte mix, sweet orange peels and orange blossom honey,” says Steamworks Head Brewer Ken Martin. “At about 6% ABV it should be light, refreshing, and… hydrating?”
"The Faceplant partnership is the essence of what Durango is all about," says IHBC Race Director Ian Burnett. "It really shows the amazing respect and support Durango has to bring together two breweries in the same town to create a beer. This support is the kind of fun partnership that has kept the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic going for 51 years."
On Friday, May 26 local and visiting cyclists are invited to the Iron Horse Unofficial Bike Rally & Tapping Party at Ska Brewing at 4:20pm. The event includes a free commemorative pint glass, a Faceplant beer, tunes by DJ Mountain Menace, and a chance to win door prizes for all riders 21 and over before a 3-mile group ride to Steamworks Brewing.
The 2023 batch of Faceplant Lager is available on-tap only at Ska and Steamworks for Iron Horse Weekend and while supplies last.
Media inquiring about Ska Brewing can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THE IRON HORSE BIKE CLASSIC
The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is a 3-day cycling festival, which includes a 47-mile bike race and tour over two 10,000’ passes from Durango to Silverton, Colorado. The tradition began in 1971 when Tom Mayer challenged his brother Jim to see if he could ride the route faster than the train. Today the Iron Horse includes mountain bike and gravel events as well as numerous other cycling festivities around town. ironhorsebicycleclassic.com
ABOUT SKA BREWING
Based in Durango, Colorado, Ska Brewing was founded in 1995 and produces more than a dozen award- winning beers fueled with Ska music, and lots of it. Pioneers in the canned craft beer movement, Ska Brewing is known for an array of styles in 12 oz cans that include Mexican Logger, Modus Hoperandi, and Rue B. Soho. For information (a lot of it), more music, and a good time, visit skabrewing.com.
ABOUT STEAMWORKS BREWING COMPANY
Steamworks Brewing Company has been making award-winning beer in Durango for over 25 years. With 19 taps to choose from at their brewpub just one block off Main Avenue in historic downtown, there’s always a craft beer style available for every palate to pair with their eclectic food menu options. Visit steamworksbrewing.com to see what’s currently on tap and to view our extensive food menu.
ABOUT TAILWIND NUTRITION
Celebrating its 11th anniversary in 2023, Tailwind Nutrition manufactures all-natural sports nutrition products that are free of GMOs, dairy, soy, and gluten, are easy to digest, and support an athlete’s fueling and recovery needs during exercise. Owned, operated and manufactured in Durango, CO, Tailwind Nutrition’s specially formulated drink mixes help athletes perform and compete at their highest level without the worry of food allergies or sensitivities. Tailwind is all you need. Really. For more information visit tailwindnutrition.com.