DUBLIN, Texas — Every town in Texas is near and dear to me but there’s something about Dublin that gets my Irish eyes a smiling. For years this small Texas town has been associated with a drink we’ve all doctored up a time a time or two but now their entering a new age in elixirs, all while sticking to the sweet roots.
Katt Stowers from Dublin Bottling Works popped our top on the terrific history of this storied soda stop. Opened in 1891 by Sam Houston Prim, Dublin Bottling Works was the first place that a fine Texas treat was bottled, Dr. Pepper. Ben Hogan, the man who changed the game of golf, his Dad Chester even worked here.
“1891 is when we started bottling Dr. Pepper and we served it up until 2012 with the lawsuit,” Katt said.
Dublin was no longer allowed the produce Dr. Pepper in 2012, ending a a 122 year partnership. Today Dublin Bottling works concentrates on their own 16 flavorful flavors, but they still embrace their Dr. Pepper past because it’s a part of who they are.
Sticking to their core confectionary values was the main goal which is why all of Dublin’s drinks are made with pure cane sugar.
“We were the only ones that used the Imperial Pure Cane Sugar when everyone was switching over to the high fructose corn syrup and so that’s really what really made us stand out, compared to everybody else,” Katt said.
The bottling line that brimmed with pride while producing Dr. Pepper can still be seen today.
“So this is going to be our bottling line,” Katt said. “Dates ranging from 1920s to 1965 and that’s the newest piece we have on our line right now. It is very old school, that’s why we are hoping to get a new bottling line that way we can keep up with competitors because this stuff is a little outdated.”
An off the wall collection of Dr. Pepper promotional products are still in the old museum here but the main attraction is to simply belly up the bar.
“Alright, and this is our 1930s soda fountain,” Katt said. “Which we make everything by hand. So we mix the syrup and the carbonation together to make it your own personal drink. We have 16 flavors you can choose from.”