Pulpit Rock Brewing Company Toasts to 10 Years

Your contribution fuels the stories that shape Decorah—make a difference today. DECORAH — Pulpit Rock Brewing Company celebrated its 10th anniversary Saturday with live music, family-friendly activities, and the release of two special beverages. The downtown Decorah brewery hosted a community celebration that included an adventure-style bouncy house, balloon creations by Twisted by Mariann, and fireworks to close the evening. The event drew locals and longtime fans. Two anniversary drinks were introduced. The first, called TEN, is a stout blend aged in 33- and 27-month-old barrels and finished with Tanzanian vanilla, almonds, hazelnuts and two types of toasted coconut. The second was a house-made Danish-inspired aquavit, a Scandinavian-style spirit flavored with caraway, coriander, dill and juniper. Justin Teff, co-head brewer at Pulpit Rock, said the aquavit is part of an early-stage plan to expand into distilling. "We've been toying around with launching a distillery for four to five years now, and this seemed like the right time to try it out," Teff said. "The idea is still in its infancy, and first and foremost we're still a brewery, but this is a nice avenue." Teff said the brewery's goal has always been to offer something for everyone and to provide a gathering place for the community. He added that the brewery will likely continue expanding into different types of beverages in the future. "Over the next ten years, we'll continue to diversify into more of a beverage company rather than just a brewery, but with that same community feel," he said. Decorah resident and regular Jonathon Struve said the brewery's welcoming atmosphere keeps people coming back. "I appreciate the laid-back atmosphere. It makes you feel welcome, and they just so happen to make high-quality beer," Struve said. "The aquavit is not something I would normally seek out, but for the 10th anniversary, I'm willing to branch out." The celebration also included a rededication ceremony and ribbon-cutting led by the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce. Brewery owner Pete Espinosa recognized original investors, past and current staff, and thanked the community for a decade of support. "[Justin] Teff and [Bob] Slack are quality people making quality beer," Espinosa said. "I appreciate and value everyone who has ever been involved with Pulpit Rock Brewing Company. Here's to ten years—let's go for another ten." Stay ahead of the curve! Subscribe to free newsletters for exclusive insights, local trends and analysis delivered straight to your inbox.