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Dressel’s Pub Launches Rock & Horse Brewing Company

During a climbing trip in Ridgway, Colorado, Ben Dressel found his inspiration in an unlikely place – a tiny pub with a brew system. The Colorado Boy Pub & Brewery, owned by brewer Tom Hennessy, planted a seed in Dressel’s mind that would come to fruition more than a decade later.

In 2024, Dressel’s Pub launched its own brewing operation, Rock & Horse Brewing Company. The pub, a Central West End staple for over 40 years, is brewing its own beers, marking a new chapter for the iconic family-owned spot.

The idea of brewing beer at Dressel’s had lingered for years, but it wasn’t until the pandemic that it became a serious consideration. After signing up for one of Hennessy’s brewery training courses in Colorado, Dressel returned to St. Louis with a renewed vision. Rock & Horse Brewing, the brewery housed in the pub’s basement, was born.

Dressel’s journey into brewing was made possible with support from the local brewing community, which guided him through recipe development, technical brewing processes, and day-to-day operations. The brewery’s first lineup reflects his dual love for British and American beer styles. Standout beers include Saddle Sore IPA, Otto’s Nordwand Pilsner, White House Witbier, Cwrw Welsh Ale, and Joe Brown Brown Ale.

Although tucked away in the basement, Dressel has kept much of the pub’s original charm intact. Looking ahead, Dressel is excited about expanding Rock & Horse’s offerings and collaborating with other local breweries.

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