In a year that has seen some crazy changes within the craft beer industry, 2016 sees yet another move. In the last eight months, we've already seen former Stone brewmaster Mitch Steele leave to start his own brewery, as well as the departure of Todd Haug from Surly Brewing and multiple AB-InBev buyouts. Now craft beer industry sales veteran Jason Armstrong, former National Direct of Sales for Stone Brewing and most recently of Buffalo Bayou Brewing in Houston, has joined Colorado based Ska Brewing as its Texas sales rep. 

Ska is best known for its hop forward ‘Modus Hoperandi’; the Vienna style Lager ‘Mexican Logger’, Euphoria Pale Ale and Pinstripe Red Ale.

“We’re thrilled to have Jason’s breadth and depth of craft sales experience help continue our growth in Texas and the surrounding region,” said Ska President, Dave Thibodeau, “He will be a great mentor to the team and he already embodies Ska’s commitment to the highest level of customer service and focus on the highest level of quality craft brews.” 

Armstrong was with Stone Brewing for eight years when he left in April to return to his home state of Texas. This move will keep Armstrong in Texas and allow him to grow the Ska brand in Texas where it has enjoyed a loyal following since its debut in the Lonestar State in 2008. “I'm excited” said Armstrong when reached by phone on Tuesday “I'm joining a great team with a great approach and of course a fantastic line up of brews”. 

The move allows Ska, who has been brewing up ales and lagers in Durango, Colorado since 1995, to have an experienced heavyweight leading their sales efforts in a state that still ranks second in overall beer consumption, but falls near the bottom when it comes to consumption of craft beer. “We’ll get it done” says Armstrong “This is another great opportunity for me to help contribute to the growing craft beer community in Texas”.