Overview: For years, American drinkers have been missing out on the unique taste of Australian hard ginger beer. But now, thanks to TooSteppin Saloon’s newest venture in East Boulder, Colorado is finally getting a taste of this popular down under drink.
The Full Story
Australian-style hard ginger beer has been a staple in Australia for decades, but it wasn’t until the McGrath family stumbled upon its absence from local liquor stores that they decided to bring it to Boulder. Stewart McGrath, co-founder of TooSteppin Saloon, grew up in Western Sydney and had always known the joy of sipping on a cold hard ginger beer after a long day. But when his wife asked him if he could pick one up at the local store for Christmas dinner in 2023, they were met with disappointment.
“We kind of all looked at each other and said, ‘Sorry, but we can’t,'” McGrath recalled. “It didn’t exist here.” This epiphany sparked an idea – to brew their own hard ginger beer using traditional brewing mechanics and fresh ginger root.
Production & Profile
The result of this effort is a highly refined and sophisticated beverage that defies the reputation of commercial ginger sodas. Unlike its non-alcoholic counterparts, TooSteppin’s hard ginger beer relies on natural heat from chopped and boiled fresh ginger root to create an intense gingery kick. This process also involves adding herbs and spices, cane sugar, “Colorado snowmelt” (water), and yeast for fermentation.
“We use real fresh ginger when we make our ginger beer,” McGrath said proudly. The final product boasts a crisp, clean taste that is drier and sharper than its non-alcoholic counterparts. Moreover, it’s 100% gluten-free – an added benefit for those who need to avoid this common allergen.
Brand & Industry History
The TooSteppin Saloon brand has deep roots in the McGrath family’s history of country music and a love for traditional brewing practices. Stewart McGrath grew up on his uncle’s farm, rounding up sheep and playing in a band. His passion for creating an authentic Australian experience was sparked by this childhood memory.
McGrath met co-founder Patrick Sullivan through mutual friends when they were both working at tech startups in Boulder. Together, they began experimenting with hard ginger beer recipes using fresh ginger root and traditional brewing techniques.
What This Means
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