Houston craft beer advocate, distributor murdered

Sad news today, as craft beer trailblazer and distributor Ashley Scott Rowell’s death was reported from Houston. Rowell was shot and killed by an unidentified suspect as he opened the door to his home after hearing the doorbell ring, the Houston Culture Map reported.

“Mr. Rowell was at his residence at the above address when he answered a knock at the door,” explained a statement from the Houston Police Department. “When he opened the door he was shot. His wife and residents inside the house then called 911. The unknown suspect fled the scene in a dark colored sedan. At this time, it is believed Rowell knew the suspect and the incident was not a home invasion.”

Rowell was well known as the owner of Duff Beer Distributors, which touted itself as “ independently owned” and “passionate about beers” — two qualities that the craft industry is built on. The Culture Map reported that he was an early proponent of the craft beer movement and helped to promote start-ups Southern Star and No Label.

“Ash was our distributor from the start and he really helped us get off the ground,” Bryan Royo of No Label Brewery, which launched in 2010, told the Culture Map. “He was a great guy and has done so much for the Texas beer community, especially in Houston.”

For the full story, head over to the Houston Culture Map. If anyone has any information about the incident, please contact the Houston Police Department Homicide Div. at (713) 308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-TIPS. Our heartfelt condolences and sympathies go out to the Rowell family and Texas craft beer community.