Austin Beer Guide - Summer 2012

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Contents FROM THE EDITORS

I know, I know, last issue was a bit “Dad” heavy. For this issue I told the guys to take it easy on the dad stuff. They couldn’t help themselves, they were all new dads, brimming with love and excitement. I was the older, wiser, bitter old pop and I only bring this up because I am sitting in the labor and delivery room awaiting the birth of our second child, our first daughter. And it’s almost Father’s Day. But that’s it, that is where I will leave it.

Before going to press, I did a find and replace for a few choice words. First: Dad. I replaced every reference to dad, father, pop, padre, etc. with the words “Dive Bar.” See page 14 for more on that. Next: Kid. No one wants to read about kids, children, babies, etc. in a beer mag. So those were replaced with “Cans,” a hot topic these days in the beer world (p. 22). Actually it’s been a hot topic for awhile, but we are busy dads so it takes us a while to catch on to the trends.

Luckily, I was able to get the guys to ditch their families to head down to New Braunfels for an afternoon of beer drinking. Of course, to do this, we had to have a family brunch before hand. Read all about it on page 28. Also to lessen the dad stuff, we have a Season’s Drinking on wheat beers (p. 6). And everyone knows wheat beers are for moms, not dads. Don’t believe me. I had a can of Karbach’s wheat beer for the opening photo of the can feature and my pregnant wife said, “Don’t drink that, save it for me for after the baby comes.” See. Mom beer.

So as you can see, we’ve successfully cut down on the dad-ness and pumped up the beer-ness. Right here I was trying to think of a dad joke to perfectly close this thing out, but I got nothing. Now excuse me, I have to cut the umbilical cord of my newborn daughter. “Hold on doctor, just want to finish this last sentence.” —AC

Chris TroutmanJosh Spradling

Aaron ChamberlainShawn Phillips

BREWERIES

BREW puBS

BEER & lOaTHIng

BREWER’S BRaIn

MapS

WWW.auSTInBEERguIDE.COM

SEaSOn’S DRInkIng

nEWS & BREWMORS

FEaTuRE: CanS

Cover design:

FEaTuRE: DIvES

BONUS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY .................. Casey MoorePROOFREADERS ............Sofia and Sarah

Bp: DayTRIppERS

pODCaST

OvER a pInT

nEWS & BREWMORS

l To determine tap space in a congested market, Draught House introduces Throwdown Thursdays where they will pit two brewers against each other in a parking lot cage match. Betting encouraged.

l In light of the Jester King Barrel Weasel Rodeo and Whiskey Rodeo success, (512) Brewing announces Octo Absynth Wormwood Barrel Aged Mixed Nut Porter.

l North Central Austinites deem new Hopdoddy Burger Bar “line-worthy,” while area schooner fans, brimming with excitement, hesitate to label Austin in a schooner renaissance just yet.

l In an effort to improve their image, Lovejoys brings on executive chef Paul Qui (of Uchiko & East Side King) to roll out new Japanese and tobacco fusion menu.

l Thirsty Planet expands on popular Jittery Monk coffee dubbel with new Buzzed Belgian line. Styles to include tripel espresso and cappuccino quad.

l Austin Beer Guide, seeing the increase of niche dating services, launches Austin Beer Dating. “Bearded, befuddled, drunk, and lonely seeks hot, sexy, sweet, and sober. Must love plaid and have a clean driving record.”

This is the news

austin Brewmors (brew·mor [broo-mer]: 1. a beer related story or statement in general circulation

without confirmation or certainty as to facts. 2. brewing gossip; hearsay)

WInnIng!

Only in their first year of production, Hops & Grain won gold at the World Beer Cup competition this May for their Alt-eration in the German-style brown ale/Dusseldorf-style altbier category. Live Oak earned a silver for Primus in the German-style weizenbock/weissbock category. Houston’s Saint Arnold won awards for Pumpkinator, Endeavour, and Santo. Shiner Bock also received honors.

MaRk yOuR CalEnDERS

Real Ale is hosting their 16th anniversary party on June 30. They will also be celebrating the arrival of their new canning line. Look for cans of Firemans #4 to start rolling out around then. Last issue we told you Rogness should be hitting tap walls around the city. And they did. So to celebrate they are throwing a grand opening party on July 7 at their brewery in Pflugerville. Middleton Brewing in Wimberley is turning 1 and they are having . . . turn page, we got two pages of news!—>

nEWS COnTInuED . . .

a birthday party August 25. They will supply the beer. Looking ahead, events are already lining up for the annual fall onslaught of beer events. The Austin Flying Saucer will hold its Beerfeast on September 29. The Texas Craft Brewers Festival, Austin Beer Guide Readers’ and Editors’ Choice for best beer event in 2011, returns on October 6 to Fiesta Gardens. Draught House will host its 44th anniversary party during Austin Beer Week, happening October 20-28.

THERE’S a CIRClE FOR THaT

Circle Brewing got all techy and released a surprisingly solid iPhone app (for a brewery). Looking for a Circle brew? Look no further than your phone. It’s cheaper than Angry Birds (free).

TEx MEx gOES gRanDE

Adding their name to the Highway 290 beer crawl, Twisted X Brewing Company has secured land in Dripping Springs to build a 7,000 square foot destination-style brewery, including a full scale retail bottling line, on three acres.

FaRMHOuSE ORganICS

Jester King is now a certified organic producer under the USDA’s National Organic Program. This makes them the first and only brewery in Texas authorized to label their beers as certified organic.

On THE HORIzOn

Bastrop Brewhouse has popped up on the beer internet radar. They are planning to open in August 2012 on the banks of the Colorado River. Back in town, craft beer continues to drown Austin drinkers and is making its way to Rainey street, where two new spots, Craft Pride and Bangers, are in the works. Opening this summer, Bangers will have 101 taps (!) and 101 types of sausages (not really, but they will have a lot). Some sausages will be made in house, others from artisans across the country. Pint House Pizza on Burnet Road has begun construction. Pizza and beer to follow. Darkside Fermentation has found land for their brewery and had a groundbreaking party June 22. More good stuff to come from them for sure. And finally, we present you with two words: Infamous Brewing.

SEaSOn’S DRInkIng

OK, WE WILL ADMIT, NOT EvERyONE BOUGHT the whole IPA being the “perfect spring beer” thing last issue. I will take the blame. I still think it works. But this time we know we got it right. Summer definitely equals WHEAT beers. And

the brewers had plenty to say about wheats. So much so, we could have filled five pages. It was quite difficult to keep it to one spread. Summer is long, good thing there are so many good wheat beers out there. —Aaron Chamberlain

Summer Wheats

What makes your wheat special and/or different?

NATE SEALE (512) BrewingIn most ways, (512) WIT is a very traditional Belgian Witbier. Where we break from tradition is in adding dried grapefruit peel, rather than bitter orange peel, and it gives our beer a slightly more bracing dryness that isn’t found in other wheat beers.

JEFF YOUNG Black Star Co-opElba—American wheat ale with lemongrass, grains of paradise, bitter orange peel; Cul Sec—Belgian wheat ale with bitter orange peel; Wa-terloo—sour mashed Ameri-can wheat ale with peaches. Elba is special because it was designed by a forum of co-op owners. It was only supposed to be around for a couple months but ended up being so popular that we keep it on tap for half the year! Waterloo is a very technically difficult beer to make. Being sour, light, and hiding nothing, Waterloo gives peaches the attention they deserve while being a truly Austin inspired beer.

JOSH WILSON Draught House Pub & Brewery All my beers are “special,”

haven’t you heard! I tend to use more hops than many current styles dictate. I try and understand the core of a style and why it works, then try to riff on that. Add a twist, subvert the meaning or compound it.

JEFFREY STUFFINGS Jester King Craft BreweryAlthough most of our beers have at least some wheat in the grist, Bonnie the Rare Berliner Weisse and Drink’in the Sunbelt Hoppy Wheat Beer are the two wheat beers we make. Both are session beers with alcohol by volume below 4%. Bonnie the Rare incorporates souring bacteria to add tartness to the beer and is not boiled in order to preserve a starchy wheat character.

CHIP MCELROY Live Oak Brewing Co. We brew a proper Bavarian-style Hefeweizen. In a crazy mixed up world where American wheat beers are sometimes named “Hefe-weizen,” I guess that makes it special. Though, it shouldn’t be that way. It’s like having a restaurant with “sauerkraut” on the menu, but serving cole slaw instead. Just because they’re both 95% cabbage, they are nonetheless two dif-ferent foods. Nomenclature should reveal, not obscure,

identity. I’m not sure who said that. JAKE MADDUx Thirsty Planet Brewing Co. The Yellow Armadillo is an American-style wheat. Most peoples’ perceptions of wheat beers generally focus on German-style Hefeweizens with their banana and clove esters. I find that people that generally don’t like hefes, after trying our wheat come around to the style again.

AMOS LOWE Uncle Billy’s Nothing, we copy the Germans and Belgians.

What is your favorite aspect of wheat beers? What makes a good wheat beer?

WILL GOLDEN Austin BeerworksMy favorite aspect of a wheat beer is it’s effervescence, banana, clove, and vanilla esters. These beers also have a great digestive quality to them. With the correct cell load they also appear to glow.

BEN SABEL Circle Brewing It’s the perfect brew for a hot day or not. I can’t imagine a situation where a good wheat beer isn’t always welcome.

JOSH WILSON Draught House Pub & Brewery I really like the plastic nature of Bavarian Hefe yeast and how versatile Belgian Wit yeast are for a variety of wheat and other beers. Wheat as a grain has so much to offer beer in terms of flavor, body, head retention etc. Honestly, nearly every beer I make has some wheat in it.

CHIP MCELROY Live Oak Brewing Co. The tart, light refreshing quality. Complexity without being overwhelming.

ERIK OGERSHOK Real Ale Brewing Co. I’m not a fan of American Wheat beers except Gumball Head. I like Wits and Hefe-weizens. Their light and re-freshing nature makes them great year round.

DAvE EBELRogness Brewing All about the yeast and fer-mentation temps. Yeast can impart such wonderful and interesting flavors to compli-ment your wheat beer. What is your favorite food to pair with a good wheat beer?

NATE SEALE (512) BrewingBeer Can Chicken. Even better if you can find a good canned wheat beer to stand it on, and make sure to squeeze some lemons into the can.

BEN SABEL Circle Brewing Eh, it’s all good.

CHIP MCELROY Live Oak Brewing Co. Interestingly, HefeWeizen can be paired with a lot of things, and certainly not just light foods. We once did a pair-

ing with a variety of cheeses and all of our beers. The outstanding pairing was Hefe with blue cheese. It can stand up to strong flavors but gives way to lighter flavors too.

ERIK OGERSHOK Real Ale Brewing Co. I like mussels with wit and pretzels and weisse, wurst with hefeweizen.

JAKE MADDUx Thirsty Planet Brewing Co. With wheat beers, I gener-ally like to have them with breakfast tacos (it’s often the first beer I have in a day). It’s also nice with whatever you’re eating while on a patio outside.

What’s your favorite commer-cial wheat beer besides your own?

JOSH WILSON Draught House Pub & Brewery Big fan of Live Oak Hefe, love Jolly Pumpkin Calabaza Blanca, am a huge fan of Berliner Weisse, could drink gallons of 1809, have always been a Hacker Pschorr man when drinking German beer, don’t have a “favorite.”

JEFFREY STUFFINGS Jester King Craft BreweryThe grist of authentic lambic is typically 30% to 40% wheat, so I’d say Cantillon Mamouche.

CHIP MCELROY Live Oak Brewing Co. Schneider - just about any-thing, but I like the Edelweiss.

DAvE EBELRogness Brewing Live Oak Hefeweizen. I have traveled to Germany and still the guys at Live Oak make the best Hefe I have ever had.

JAKE MADDUx Thirsty Planet Brewing Co. My favorite wheat beers are Anchor Summer (which was the first American style wheat in the US), Boulevard Unfil-tered Wheat, and Sunshine Wheat from New Belgium.

Fruit or no fruit?

NATE SEALE (512) BrewingI assume this question refers to garnishing with a lemon or orange peel. Some brew-ers get pretty snippy about this topic, like you’re adding ketchup to their perfectly-seasoned steak. I say if adding a piece of fruit adds to your enjoyment of our beer, then have at it. But maybe taste it without first?

CHIP MCELROY Live Oak Brewing Co. No fruit. Does the lily need gilding? Citrus, though complementary, is unneces-sary and covers inherent complexity. A brewer goes to all that trouble and then it gets covered up with fruit. It’s kind of like the fussy chef and salt. I side with the chef.

JAKE MADDUx Thirsty Planet Brewing Co. Hell no. Aroma is a big com-ponent of the overall flavor and wheats are somewhat delicate and citrus fruits are beautiful and bright flavors of their own which as you bring the pint in for a drink, you don’t smell the beer I spent a lot of time making, you’re smelling a lemon or orange. It bastardizes the beer and I’m on a mission to stop it wherever I see it.

ERIK OGERSHOK Real Ale Brewing Co. NO!

The plan was to go to Live Oak Brewing, drink as much beer as our beer bellies could hold, and record what was said. We would call it a podcast. Good thing Chris and Nico from Live Oak were there. They had a lot to say while we guzzled. Use the QR code to link directly to our podcast page.

aBg pODCaST

This is a podcast, it’s all about words.

When does a wheat beer become a wheat beer?

At conception.

We can’t all be friends.

Brought to you by:

aged on live Oak podcast

We’ve already said lots of good things.

Quit, don’t plug another blog!

Imagine Chris

Cherry’s head here

I guaran-goddam-fuckin-tee it.

Nico photo: R

ipped from Live O

ak’s ad from last issue.

From the Mind of Brian ‘Swifty’ peters . . .AS I SIT IN FRONT OF THE KEyBOARD contemplating the subject for this edition of Brewer’s Brain, I laugh to myself because this brewer’s brain is older and wiser, but definitely not as responsive as it was in its prime. And then I realize that time is the one thing we all have in common (and our love for good beer). With each passing second, we have more history and less time on earth. This is not a Woody Allen inspired “fear of death” monologue but rather the realization that the craft beer renaissance in Texas is a generation old.

It really sunk in recently when I looked at the old Waterloo Brewing Company equipment and determined it was made about 20 years ago. Weird but it just doesn’t seem that long ago when we were all enjoying the wonderful creations of Steve Anderson, the first brew pub brewer in the state of Texas.

Back in 1992, the Dog & Duck was the epicenter of my beer drinking world. Chip McElroy (Live Oak) and I met there at a Zealots homebrew meeting. We quaffed many pints with Billy Forrester and Steve, discussing the start-up plans for both Waterloo Brewing and Live Oak. Since that time, we helped birth the Austin craft brew scene, nurture it through its “terrible twos” and console it with each dying brewery. During that time, Steve has been the cornerstone of the Austin brew scene.

The list of Steve’s distinctions is as impressive as any brewer I know. As mentioned earlier, he is the state’s first brew pub brewer. His brewing skills were rewarded with multiple GABF medals during his Waterloo Brewing tenure. He commercially brewed the first of many styles in the state, including the great Guy Town IPA and the legendary One Ton Stout. He has the distinction of being the longest continuous craft brewer in the state. This

is not to be taken lightly. This industry is both volatile and physically grueling. Having the skills and stamina to survive that long is astonishing. But as he has always said, in his self-deprecating way, “It’s the only thing I know how to do. What else would I be doing?”

I had mixed emotions when Steve told me about his new venture, Big Bend Brewery. (He will be the head brewer for this start-up production brewery in Alpine, Texas.) I don’t want him to leave but he has always dreamt of living out west and this is a golden opportunity. He was like a kid talking about Christmas as he described the new brewing equipment he will pilot. The sparkle in his eye was there. It was exciting, like 1992 all over again.

With that, I would like everyone to raise their pint glass and toast the legend Steve Anderson. To Steve I say, “Thank you for being my friend for twenty years. I know this is what you want. Crush it out in Alpine. visit often. You will be missed.”Swifty is brewmaster at Uncle Billy’s (Lake Travis) and sits on the Board of Directors for the Texas Craft Brewers Guild.

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I knoW WhAT you’re ThInkIng: “These AusTIn Beer guIde Turds better tread lightly; if they get this dive bar list wrong, I’m gonna stop reading this whole magazine right here and now.”

In the past few weeks of planning, we’ve raised the question of which “dive bars serve good beer?” among the various circles we run in, and we’ve learned a few things:

1. “Dive bars” are a very contentious and passionate subject 2. Everyone HAS to tell us about a bar that we’ve NEvER heard of 3. “Dive bars” are usually defined by an individual’s first dive bar experience 4. Don’t ever call someone’s favorite bar a “dive bar” 5. No one can exactly nail down a solid definition for a “dive bar”

by CHRIS TROUTMAN

Illustration by Josh Cockrell

In our “investigation” [read: going to what we thought were dive bars and asking people there if they were at a dive bar] we discovered that there are two different definitions of the term that tend to prevail. Some folks immediately think of a dark, dirty, shady place where you’ll just as soon get stabbed as actually get your drink order correct. The second is the “my dive” definition—a bar you frequent often, feel the most comfortable at, and where you feel most at home. Think Cheers, sweat pants, and not brushing your teeth on Saturdays. Not exactly “slumming it,” but not first-date-material. Overall, we learned that a dive bar is more of a feeling than a definition.

We’ve visited a handful of establishments that could fall into either or both camps, and discovered that Austin has quite a few diamonds in the rough. We cast our net pretty wide, but in the end went at it with a scalpel, not a hatchet (remember that 2008 Presidential debate?). To make our list, a candidate had to meet the majority of the following criteria, with the “must haves” at the top and “nice to haves” at the bottom.

1. Has that “dive bar feel” 2. A significant portion of their beer selection be defined as “craft” or “local” 3. Jukebox 4. Darker than light 5. Regulars 6. Good chance of getting thrown out or in a tussle in the parking lot 7. Darts, pool, washers, shuffle board, etc., 8. Minimal employees 9. Ability to get a shot and a beer 10. Bathrooms

So in that context, we’ve found that Austin is littered with bars that fit the “sweat pants” and the “may get knifed tonight” descriptions and have noticed that more and more of these locations are starting to diversify their beer selection with much tastier beers. They’re like a dive bar hybrid that are steeped in several of the dive bar mainstays but are also embracing Austin’s growing craft beer appetite. These are establishments that hang a Jolly Roger shower curtain for a bathroom “stall” but also serve cask conditioned Jester King wild yeast creations, host a hip-hop mash-up DJ every Monday along with four Austin Beerworks taps, have a bartender with tattooed sideburns pouring you fresh house made beers, or host enough fucking hipsters to make you rethink your beard but serve Real Ale Devil’s Backbone in full pints. These may be dive bars, but they are also a little bit more.

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C. hunt’s Ice house9611 Mcneil Road

Owner Chester Hunt operated a meat packing plant on this North Austin property for over 50 years when sud-denly one day he said, “Fuck it, I’m ready to make the most fucking bizarre, awesome bar this side of Mexico.” And he did. Boasting Texas’ largest grapevine shad-ing their 45 plus picnic table-d bier garten, C. Hunt’s has something for everyone. Whether your vice be dominos, too large pickup trucks, an affinity for every fucking Budweiser swimsuit model ad since 1992, live possums, or a bar top with an ice trough, plus a decent bottle selection to boot, C. Hunt’s gots what you need to fill your C. Hunt shaped hole you didn’t know you had until reading this. Bring cash and no expectations, ‘cause they don’t do credit cards or anything else any other bar you’ve ever been to does.

tHe wtf DIVe

Mr. Tramps8565 Research Boulevard

Looking for futbol, a convenient view of 183, and plenty of great taps? Look no further, Mr. Tramps is where it’s at. This place probably qualifies more as a sports bar than a dive, but we liked it enough to get it a spot on the list. It definitely has that “my dive” feel to it, with plenty of regulars, near-sitcom-ish banter between the bartenders, and if you showed up wearing the wrong team colors during a fierce

match there’s a good chance you could find yourself in a decent brawl beneath Research’s Boule-vard’s ever present gaze. Among their peers on this list, Mr. Tramps has the greatest selection of national breweries alongside their local taps.

Billy’s on Burnet2105 Hancock Drive

Billy Forrester is a legend in Texas beer history, and his name’s sake is nothing less. Billy’s on Burnet rides the line between the “dive” and “my dive” camps with all the best things from both. Painted in black and red, Billy’s is home to the famous Cobra jalapeño bacon cheeseburger, the best Wednesday evening trivia, a killer selection of local and craft rotating taps, and this journal-ist’s favorite Galaga/Ms Pac Man machine in town. Not a beer fan? Have a saki shot. Not so much into meat? They have a vegetarian menu that rivals most vegetarian places. And of all the bars we researched for this list, Billy’s was the only one to meet several criteria, while still being a place you would take your wife and kid to for a burger and beer on a pleasant Saturday afternoon.

tHe faMILY DIVe

tHe foreIgn DIVe

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nasty’s 606 Maiden Lane (off Guadalupe)

If you’ve never been to Nasty’s, fold the corner of this page so you don’t lose your place, put the guide in your pocket, get in your car (pending your sobriety), and go to Nasty’s (if it’s after 6pm). This is the quintessential “good beer in low places” bar. This bar inspired this whole stupid list. Tucked just off of Guadalupe before you hit campus, Nasty’s is the blue brick building you might not notice if you weren’t looking for it. Inside you’ll find EvERyTHING you could want from either type of “dive” PLUS a luscious 52 taps and full bar. Last we visited, they had a (512) Bourbon Barrel Aged Double Pecan Porter tap nestled between the PBR and Shiner Bock tap. Ball so hard, they claim to be the first Austin draft account for Live Oak, the second for Independence, and dedicate a significant portion of their 52 taps to local and seasonal beers. Go on a Monday for a healthy dose of hip hop served up by DJ Mel. That shit cray.

THE CRay DIvE

Jackalope404 East 6th Street

Jackalope is one of the only bars on our list that claim the “dive” moniker; in fact, they boast to be the “best dive bar in Austin.” They made our list, but just barely. They meet nearly every criteria, except for serving a significant amount of craft or local beers. Sans the oasis of four Austin Beerworks’ taps, the primary malted beverage they sling is Lone Star. What they lack in quality, they more than make up for with “that dive feel.” Between the velvet topless paintings littering the walls, plethora of pirate nicknacks, and deafen-ing music (remember, we’re all dads now and getting “too old for this shit”) they set the bar pretty high for other bars aiming to take their title. When you go, get a jalapeño bacon honey burger with your Fire Eagle and if you go on a Wednesday your second burger is free.

THE DIvE’S DIvE

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Lovejoys Taproom and Brewery604 Neches Street

There were several “discussions” had between the Austin Beer Guide staff concerning which locations to include in this feature, but Lovejoys was never even questioned. Remember that biker bar that Pee-Wee ended up at in Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure? Lovejoys is that place, but with great taps and house made beer. Besides pouring several great local and national beers, brewer Todd Henry supplies this dive with three to five unique house beers on tap at any given time. A 100% authentic biker bar at heart, Lovejoys is probably the weirdest brew pub you’ll ever visit, in a good way. With hand-welded bar stools, sprawling murals barely visible under the low lights, gnarly clientele, and a jukebox with a mind of its own, Lovejoys falls unquestionably in the “dive” category.

THE BREWERS’ DIvE

Any Bar opened east of I-35 since 2006East Austin

you can’t throw a rock on the East side and not hit four bars that fit our criteria. Seriously, name one East side bar that’s opened since 2006 that shouldn’t be on this list? Exactly. you can’t. Call us lazy, but we’re just going to lump in a handful of our favorites/ones we can remember going to. These bars are also great for checking in on Austin’s “what’s hip today” scene, be it music, hair-cuts, proper male shorts length, the appropriateness of Adam’s Family tattoos, hoopsters’ actual basketball cred, or summer

g&s Lounge2420 South 1st Street

Tommy, Jimmy Woods, Kevin Flynn, and Billy Mitchell all have regular spots at the bar as well as hold the house high scores at G&S. Like an unkempt, adult Chuck E. Cheese’s, G&S is an Island of Misfit Toys for a decent sized collection of pinball, arcade, air hockey, and other coin operated entertainment machines. Plus they maintain a nice selection of bottles in the cases beside the bar that’s nothing to scoff at. They have a great jukebox, lots of secu-rity cameras, and a solid “dive feel.” They definitely hold their own on the South side.

THE WIzaRD DIvE

THE TOO COOl DIvES

ANSWERS: A-C.Hunts, B-Jackalope, C-MisterTramps, D-Bender Bar, E-Nasty’s, F-G&S Lounge, G-Live Oak, H-Billy’s, I-Lovejoys

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hats. But even as these trends come and go, the majority of the bars on the right side of I-35 are consistently slinging lots of PBR, Lone Star, and a good amount of locally crafted beer. Check out White Horse, Grackle, Shangri La, yellow Jacket Social Club, or violet Crown Social Club for a few examples.

DIvE BaR BaTHROOM MaTCH up

Think you know your dive bars? Are you a degenerate alcoholic? Enjoy peeing in the dark? This is the game for you. Only men’s rooms here, sorry ladies. It was embarrasing enough taking photos in the bathroom, like we

are getting ladies’ rooms involved too, pshaw.

____ Jackalope

____ Live oak

____ Lovejoys

____ C.hunts

____ Mister Tramps

____ g&s Lounge

____ nasty’s

____ Billy’s

____ Bender Bar

D E F

a B C

g H I

ANSWERS: A-C.Hunts, B-Jackalope, C-MisterTramps, D-Bender Bar, E-Nasty’s, F-G&S Lounge, G-Live Oak, H-Billy’s, I-Lovejoys

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We know you’ve heard the horror stories. Residents of Austin travel into Round Rock and never return the same. Some don’t return at all. People say it’s a whole different world once you cross over that Wilco border. Well we’ve heard those stories too. And we’re here to prove them wrong. Come check us out.

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FOR yEARS, IF yOU WANTED TO DRINK FROM A CAN yOU WERE RELEGATED TO THE lights, the Lone Stars, and the American lagers. But no more. From the originators (Oskar Blues), to the established (Sierra Nevada), to the new kids on the local block (Austin Beerworks, Hops & Grain), your options for drinking better from a can have expanded in the past few years.

Talking about canned craft beer can seem a little passé at this point, but if we don’t do it, what Austin-based print beer guide will? We actually tossed around the idea for this feature last summer but Texan options at that point where still a little thin. But now we can safely say the canning explosion in Texas is here (and if it comes from us, you know it’s official).

The national trend has been taking off in the state since Conroe’s Southern Star started putting their Pine Belt Pale in 16 ounce tall boys back in 2008. With the access to rivers, lakes, beaches, parks and numerous sunny (albeit hot) days, Texas beer drinkers have been thirsty for it. Now it has gotten to the point where any Texas brewery, new or established, gets the “plan to can?” question more than they’d probably like to answer.

THE FUTURE OF TX BEER IS IN THECAN

We’re all big fans of cans, just follow us on Instagram and you’ll see. The portability, reduced breakage factor, added degree of coolness, and shotgun-ability are all big pluses (ok, we only shotgunned once and it wasn’t our thing but it’s so hot right now we’ll go along with it. See next page.). Oh, and there’s also the “green” benefits. We live in Austin so obviously we’re into that, too.

To find out more about why more breweries are making the shift to this packaging option (aside from the badass factor), we went straight to the source and asked two of Austin’s canning breweries why it’s right for them. —Josh Spradling

Josh hare of hops & grain

I chose to package our product in cans for a number of reasons.

First and foremost we chose aluminum because of it’s environmental benefits. Lighter in the distribution chain, better space allocation and better recycle-ability.

There is a much larger upfront cost when purchasing cans but once you have them you don’t have to worry with a labeling machine or an erector for the six pack bottle holder. Less equipment maintenance equals cost savings in packaging.

Another major factor in our decision was the portability of cans. They can be taken to most any outdoor activity where glass is prohibited and they weigh less once consumed and pack out smaller in a back pack. If you drop a can it won’t shatter like glass and when the can gets wet you don’t see the paper labels peel off and become litter.

Another aspect of the can that is very important to us is the fact that you are provided with 360 degrees of branding real estate. If you approach the design of a can properly you can expose your brand and your message regardless of which direction the can is facing on the shelf. In our opinion a can creates a better visual experience for the consumer and, we hope at least, a more lasting impression of our brand.

Last but definitely not least, it sets us apart from most other breweries in Texas that bottle. Craft beer in a can grabs more attention on the shelf given that 95% of craft beer in most grocery store shelves is in bottles and we feel like most craft beer consumers are promiscuous with their purchasing and always look for something new when shopping for beer. Might seem counterintuitive but we feel that the uniqueness and the small niche that is canned craft beer sets us apart from most other breweries in Texas.

Michael graham of Austin Beerworks

We package our beer in cans because we think it’s better for the beer and better for the beer drinker.

Our beer is our baby and we want to keep it as safe as possible. After doing the research and talking with other canning breweries, we came to the conclusion that cans protect beer better than glass bottles. They keep beer from getting skunked from light striking or stale from oxygen exposure. Cans are basically just little kegs.

We also think cans are better for the consumer. Personally, we enjoy drinking beer outdoors. We like bringing it with us wherever we go and there are quite a few places where glass bottles aren’t allowed. With cans, you never have to worry about broken glass. And they have the added bonus of cooling down much quicker than glass bottles. We don’t have cold-activated mountains on our cans so you’ll just have to take our word for it.

And finally, if done right, cans look fuckin’ cool.

Texas Cans

Austin BeerworksBlack Thunder Schwartz

Fire Eagle IPAPeacemaker Extra Pale Ale

Pearl Snap Pils

hops and grainALT-eration Altbier Pale Dog Pale Ale

karbach (Currently available only in Houston)

Hopdillo IPARodeo Clown Double IPASympathy for the Lager

Weisse versa Wheat

real Ale Fireman’s #4

shiner Shiner Blonde Shiner Bock

Shiner Light Blonde

southern starBombshell Blonde

Buried Hatchet StoutPine Belt Pale Ale

Seasonal

Coming soon: rogness

LIFE OF A BEER CAN

2 3 4 5 6

1 A beer can begins life as

a sheet of aluminum 5 feet

wide, and as thin as human

hair. “Cups,” 5.5 inches wide

are punched from the sheet.

2 Each cup is stretched

around a beer-can-shaped

mold. An iron smooths

the can tightly around

the shape of the mold.

This gives the can its

canny shape (Youtube has

some great videos on this

process).

3 The lip of the open can is

trimmed and smoothed.

4 The can is turned over

and its base varnished. This

allows it to move more easily

on conveyer belts.

5 The can is cleaned,

painted, then oven-dried.

The cleaning process gives

the can a shiny fi nish.

6 The can’s interior is

varnished to stop the can

eroding and ensures

there is no metallic taste

transferred to the beer

from can’s metal sides.

7 The cans are then

palletted and delivered to

the brewery to be fi lled

and “capped.”

8 Cans are fi lled and

“capped” at the brewery.

9 Cans are distributed

to bars, stores and other

vendors, where they are

purchased by consumers.

10 Recycling cans is

super cost-effective.

Cans are almost infi nitely

recyclable.

11 The recycled material

is formed into a fi ve foot

wide aluminum sheet, and

the process begins again.

The varnish used here will only show up

under ultraviolet light.

In some facilities, cans

are painted and varnished at a rate of 1800 cans per

minute.

The lid of the can is made

of a thicker alloy than aluminum. When being

made, the lid is scored so it will open easily when

the tab is pulled.

The can is designed to

withstand pressures of over 90 psi.

Many cans use aluminum

that is as thin as human hair.

1

Gra

phic

: Oct

ober

Cus

tom

Pub

lishi

ng

7

8

9

10

11

ABG BEER CAN GRAPHIC SKETCH AC.indd 1 6/11/12 11:48 AM

BEER & lOaTHIng

IN LATE SPRING THE FOUR OF US PLUS OUR good friend Bryan Gutmann ditched our wives, fiances, kids, and regular Sunday afternoon inhibitions and piled into a Honda hybrid (at the time we were considering theme-ing this issue the “green issue,” yeah, it didn’t pan out) with our sails set for New Braunfels. We were sick and tired of drinking in boring old regular Braunfels and we needed something new.

Being it was only mid-spring and still a little bit chilly, we were on a mission to find some of the best dry drinking spots in that very wet town. Tubing was not on the agenda.

We hit I-35 right about 1pm with our bellies full from our yummy Austin Beer Guide family Sunday brunch at Contigo (dropping this sentence hoping to get some extra flap jacks in my next short stack *wink wink*). Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, we made quick time of the 50 odd miles whilst forcing Siri to pull up various breweries’ and bars’ phone numbers for us as we haphazardly called and left our “credentials”

via voicemail hoping for some free beer when we arrived.

It worked.Our first stop was at the brand new

Guadalupe Brewing Co. We met up with brewer and founder Hunter Weilbacher at the brewery after meeting him the previous week at Whip In’s anniversary party where he was serving his Honey Ale. Hunter was a very gracious host and let us try nine of his latest beers brewed on his “frankenbrew” 4 barrel brewhouse. Everything was amazing for a brand new brewery, but the Czech-style pilsner and Austrian-style pilsner were close to some of the better Texas made European-style pilsners these Austin Beer Guide palates have ever savored. After we were satisfactorily quaffed, he brought out samples of his Grand Cru and bourbon oak aged scotch ale. Both were like venus’ Transit over our tongues. As of press they do not offer public tours, so this is not so much a stop that you could make

Off-River Drinkin’ in new Braunfels by CHRIS TROUTMAN

without prior arrangements, but when in New Braunfels, seek them out. And Godspeed them to Austin.

We blew our time budget at Guadalupe, but luckily Hunter was buddies with the brewer at our next stop and offered to lead the way. It was the New Braunfels’ craft beer equivalent of a police escort.

Our next “planned” stop was the Faust Hotel and Brewing Co., a historic hotel that has been restored (not renovated or updated) right off of the main drive going into town. It’s the classiest joint in New Braunfels and they brew their own beer to boot. We met up with brewer Ray Mitteldorf at Faust’s bar. We all drank the Alt. It was pretty great. Ray gave us a tour of his copper clad 7 barrel brewhouse and then at some point we all ended up in a suite on the fourth floor. It was pretty swanky. Historic swank. The best kind. We had another beer or two, left the Honda, and walked to our next destination.

Still following Hunter’s lead and with Ray in tow, we trekked a few hundred paces deeper into New Braunfels’ gullet and found ourselves awkwardly walking in on some type of talent show at the Phoenix Saloon. While effectively doubling their talent show audience, we all found seats at the bar and made ourselves comfortable. This establishment fits that nouveau Hill Country aesthetic that is becoming so hip at finer places south and west of Austin. With about 30 taps, and several of the local usual suspects, this was a solid stop on our trip. We ordered a few appetizers and especially enjoyed the sweet potato wedges. They had a yummy whipped cream dipping sauce. So good. Again, we dipped too deep into our time budget here as we delved into talking about Hawaii, getting married, having babies, how much everyone loved the Spring guide, how we would probably disappoint with the Summer guide, and how much we loved the whipped cream dipping sauce for the sweet potato wedges.

After a group trip to the little boys’ room, Hunter took me downstairs to the Phoenix basement and showed me where they once hosted illegal alligator fights and the trap door and shoot they used during prohibition. If that last sentence doesn’t convey it, I’ll spell it out: this place is legitimate. A must stop when in New Braunfels.

FAUST HOTEL ROOM

NEW BRAUNFELS ERDEWEISS

At this point in our trip we are entering the “loathing” portion of “beer and loathing.” Still following Hunter and Ray’s lead, we continued on foot to the Black Whale Pub.

I would like to pause our story shortly to address our future selves: if in the next few years time travel is an affordable option, please convey a message to our past selves to just get back in the Honda and head home at this point. OK? Also, some tasty stock tips would be nice.

Back to the present past, we had heard from more than a few sources that Black Whale hosted several Belgian taps including a significant number of Trappists. This was enough to keep us going and avoiding the texts and calls from spouses wondering when we would return to town. So yeah, we didn’t end up with anything Trappist. If I recall correctly we had a few draft PBRs and Rolling Rocks, sat on the back patio, and lamented our last beers as we all played out the eventual repercussions we’d face when we returned home nearly two hours late.

On our walk of shame back to the Honda, blame was thrown and then there was a tense 45 minute drive when we were all pretty close to throwing in the towel on this whole shebang. Luckily, with clearer heads and a few good nights’ sleep, we all made friends again and were ready to close the book on another successful Beer and Loathing.

Lessons learned: you’ll most likely stay longer than you plan and that last place, no matter how good it sounds at the time, will most always turn into a bad idea. Overall, New Braunfels has some worthwhile drinking opportunities and makes for a great planned day trip.

BLACK WHALE = CLASSy

NEW BRAUNFELS ERDEWEISS

Kevin Brand moved back to Austin from California in early 2008 to start the brewery and began brewing beer that summer. Brand’s initial lineup was the Wit, Pale, and IPA, but quickly added the Pecan Porter to the year round line up after the enormous reception it received as the first winter seasonal.

Currently (512)’s beers are only available on draft but they have released a limited number of bottles of Whiskey Barrel Aged Double Pecan Porter (along with Wild Bear and THREE) in the past and sprinkled them around town.

Later this summer, keep your eyes open for (512) FOUR (maybe a quad???), their fourth anniversary release. They are also planning to re-release (512) ONE, TWO, and THREE.

InFO

Brewer/Founder . . . .Kevin Brand (Owner), Nate Seale (Brewer)

estaBlished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Summer 2008tours. . . . . . . . . . . Some Saturdays with RSvP url . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.512brewing.com

yEaR ROunD BEERS

(512) Wit style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wit or white beeraBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.2% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DraftQuick sip. . .Light, semi-tart, hint of grapefruit Food it chases down well . . . white pizza,

light pastas, hummus, salads, seafood

(512) IPAstyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .American IPAaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DraftQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hoppy, citrusy, solidFood it chases down well . . . . Spicy Thai,

Tex-Mex, Italian, ALL pizza, BBQ

(512) Palestyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . American Pale AleaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.8% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DraftQuick sip. . . . . . . .Drinkable, hoppy, quenchingFood it chases down well . . . . . . Burgers,

chiles rellenos, fish and chips

(512) Pecan Porterstyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PorteraBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.8% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DraftQuick sip. . . . . . . . . .Full bodied, roasty, pecansFood it chases down well . . . .Red meats,

ice cream, chocolate

CuRREnT SEaSOnal

(512) ALTstyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AltbieraBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.0% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DraftQuick sip. . . . . . . . .Roasty, nutty, slightly sweetFood it chases down well . . . . . . . . Grilled

sausages, fish Note: (512) ALT is technically a spring seasonal, but will probably be found on taps in June.

WE RECOMMEnD

ALT, IPA, Wit

*See full listing of available beers at www.austinbeerguide.com

(512) Brewing Co. BREWERIES

In early 2010, Scott Hovey was ripe for a mid-life career change and when he looked for inspiration he found it in the eclectic and exciting life of his deceased older brother, Adelbert. Inspired by his brother’s willingness to chase his dreams, Scott decided to turn his homebrew hobby into a career. Always a fan of Belgian style ales, Scott was introduced to the complexities and flavor possibilities in bottle conditioned aged Belgian beers at the 2010 Craft Brewers Conference. He returned and set out to start Austin’s first all Belgian style bottle and keg conditioned brewery, aptly named after his older brother. Of the six beers to be released in 2012, each one is named after an experience or story that his brother Adelbert loved to tell.

InFO

Brewer/Founder . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Hovey estaBlished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winter 2011/12tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fridays, 5-8pm url . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.adelbertsbeer.com

yEaR ROunD BEERS

rambler Ale style . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Belgian Style Blonde AleaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.3% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/BottleQuick sip. . . . . . . Bright, semi-spicy, drinkable Food it chases down well . . . . . . Chicken,

cheese, grilled tilapia, rustic bread

scratchin’ hippo style . . . . . . . . . . Belgian Style Biere de GardeaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.8% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/BottleQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . Malty, earthy, semi-sweetFood it chases down well . . . . . . . . . . Thai,

steak, spicy Italian

Tripel Bstyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Belgian Style Tripel AleaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.3% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/BottleQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cloudy, candy, fruity Food it chases down well . . . . . . Spinach

salad, strawberries, lobster

dancin’ Monksstyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Belgian Style Dubbel AleaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.2% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/BottleQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sweet, nutty, plumFood it chases down well . . . . . . . . . Ribs,

brie, brownies

COMIng SOOn

naked nunstyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Witbier

Philosophizerstyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Saison

Black rhinostyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Belgian Dark Ale

WE RECOMMEnD

Scratchin’ Hippo, Tripel B

adelbert’s Brewery BREWERIES

Austin Beerworks is a collection of four friends spanning from the East coast to Austin, united and “hell-bent on excellence” in beer making. The beerworkers, Michael, Will, Adam and Mike, have raised an impressive production brewery and cannery in the northwest sector of town since April 2011. With their regular lineup of four beers, including GABF silver medal winner Peacemaker Extra Pale, the four friends have come storming out of the gates and onto the Austin beer scene. The Austin Beerworks fellows aim to make super tasty, yet drinkable beers, perfect for our refined, but also often heat-parched Austin palates.

InFO

Brewer/Founder . . . . . . . . Adam DeBower, Michael Graham, Mike McGovern

and Will GoldenestaBlished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Summer 2011tours. . . . . . . .Fridays, 5-8pm (RSvP required)url . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.austinbeerworks.com

yEaR ROunD BEERS

Fire eagle American IPA style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .American IPAaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.2% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/CansQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hoppy, piney Food it chases down well . . . . . . . . . Thai,

steak, spicy Italian

Peacemaker extra Pale style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . American Pale AleaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.1% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/CansQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Drinkable, crispFood it chases down well . . . . . . . . vegan

hotdogs, pickles, Sidora’s homemade Chex mix

Pearl-snap german Pilsstyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . German PilsneraBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.3% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Cans

Quick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Light, hoppy, crispFood it chases down well . . . . . .Sausage,

breads, mustard, burgers

CuRREnT SEaSOnal

Missile dropkick (Anniversary beer)style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Double IPAaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DraftQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sticky, big, citricFood it chases down well . . Smoked fish,

aged cheddar, Hot Tamales Note: Flying Headbutt also released as an anniversary beer similar to Missile Dropkick but with Belgian yeast.

COMIng SOOn

einhornstyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berliner Weisse

WE RECOMMEnD

Fire Eagle, Pearl Snap


austin Beerworks BREWERIES

Ben Sable and Jud Mulherin were childhood friends in Tennessee. As youngsters they shared a dream to open a “shop.” Like many young friends, as they grew up, their lives took different paths, but they never lost touch. And they never forgot their dream. As adults they both loved beer, so it was inevitable that their dream would morph into becoming brewery owners. Circle Brewing appeared on the internet beer rumor mill in the second half of 2008. Fast forward two years, Ben and Jud were brewing their first batches of beer for Austin. Envy Amber and Blur Texas Hefe were their first beers to be released. They followed those with their Nightlight Dry Irish Stout. Circle brews their beer following the Reinheitsgebot, the German purity law from 1516. Their basic philosophy: to make beer “with only the best ingredients and NONE of the other stuff.”

InFO

Brewer/Founder . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ben Sabel and Jud Mulherin

estaBlished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winter 2010/11tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Quarterly open houses;

check websiteurl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.circlebrewing.com

yEaR ROunD BEERS

Blur Texas hefe style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HefeweizenaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.6%imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DraftQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . Bananas, light, gulpableFood it chases down well . . .Pizza, salad,

crab legs

envy Amber Ale style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amber AleaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.8% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DraftQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Light hops, spicy,

biscuity malt, crispFood it chases down well. . . . . . . . . . .Grilled

meats, chips and salsa, seafood

nightlight dry Irish stoutstyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Irish Dry StoutaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.7%

imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DraftQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roasty, dry, cocoaFood it chases down well. . . .Raw oysters,

shepherd’s pie, stew

CuRREnT SEaSOnal

Wryteous style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rye-Wheat-IPA hybridimBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DraftQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sweet, light hopsFood it chases down well. . . . . . . . . .Lobster

rolls, tostadas, Texas Ranger games

WE RECOMMEnD

Blur Texas Hefe, Alibi, Circle App

Circle Brewing Co. BREWERIES

Hops and grainBrewery

Bringing his Colorado beer knowledge and inspiration to Austin, Josh Hare has opened one of Austin’s latest craft breweries. They started out with two year-round beers that are canned for easy use during your outdoor drinking endeavors. One of these, the ALT-eration, took home gold at the 2012 World Beer Cup. Additionally, Josh has plans to brew up to 10 more experimental beers in his first year on the 3 barrel pilot system they’ve dubbed The Greenhouse. Styles include a porter, barleywine, Belgian pale ale, schwarzbier, and Indian brown lager. Expect these to show up (and move quickly) on draft and (eventually) in 22 ounce bottles. They even collaborated on a beer with us called Night RyE-der. If that isn’t enough, Hops and Grain is an environmentally sustainable operation that uses up- cycled malted barley from brewing to make natural and wheat free dog treats called Brew Biscuits.

InFO

Brewer/Founder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Josh HareestaBlished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winter 2011/12tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Friday 2-6pm

Saturday 12-4pmurl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.hopsandgrain.com

yEaR ROunD BEERS

Pale dog Pale Alestyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . American Pale AleaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.0% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/CansQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dry, hoppy, bitterFood it chases down well. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fish

tacos, salt and vinegar chips, gummy bears

Alt-eration Alestyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Düsseldorf-style AltbieraBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.2% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/CansQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Malty, nutty, moodyFood it chases down well. . . . . . . . . . .Grilled

fish, any kind of meat on a stick

The greenhousestyle . . . . . . .Rotating series of small batchesimBiBing options . . .Draft/Bottles (In future)

WE RECOMMEnD

Alt-eration, Greenhouse Beers

BREWERIES

IndependenceBrewing Co.

Husband and wife Rob and Amy Cartwright started Independence Brewing Co. in South Austin in 2004, but were active members of the ATX brewing community long before. Rob began brewing at Austin’s Copper Tank (RIP) in 1994 and after meeting Amy decided to open the brewery. Prior to opening the brewery the couple embedded themselves in the Austin beer community by putting on the Texas Craft Brewers Festival in 2004 and 2005.

Since opening, Independence has created a local niche for themselves by packaging the OU Suks bottles every fall for the UT vs. OU game, supplying the Alamo Drafthouse house beer from 2004-2009, and hosting the largest monthly beer gathering at their first Saturday tasting and tours.

This year they have been releasing one-off beers in their Brewluminati series. For latest info on this series stay tuned here: www.independencebrewing.com/our-beers/brewluminat

InFO

Brewer/Founder. . . .Rob & Amy CartwrightestaBlished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fall 2004tours. . . . . . . . . . . First Saturday of the monthurl . . . . . . . . .www.independencebrewing.com

yEaR ROunD BEERS

Bootlegger Brown Ale style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . American Brown AleaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/BottleQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Big roasty malt flavor,

caramel, nuttyFood it chases down well . . . . . . . . Steak,

roasted pork, Chinese takeout

Independence Pale Alestyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . American Pale AleaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.5%imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/BottleQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . .Piney, hoppy, light maltFood it chases down well . . . . . Reubens,

sausage and peppers

stash IPAstyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .American IPAaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Bottle

Quick sip. . . . . very hoppy, balanced malt bodyFood it chases down well . . .Greasy-fatty

Mexican, pizza

Convict hill oatmeal stoutstyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oatmeal StoutaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.5% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/BottleQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cacao, licorice, roastFood it chases down well . . . . . . . . . . . Ice

cream, chocolate, toffee

CuRREnT SEaSOnal saisonstyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SaisonaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DraftQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Light, drinkable,

refreshing, semi-yeastyFood it chases down well . . . . . . . Salads,

sandwiches, breads, poultry

WE RECOMMEnD

Stash IPA, Saison


BREWERIES

Jester king Craft Brewery

Conceived in the fire of a homebrewer’s heart, Jester King was birthed by brothers Jeff Stuffings and Michael Steffing in the early fall of 2010 amongst the hills in Southwest Austin. Ambitious from the start, the brothers made their commercial debut with a session beer, wearing the moniker Commercial Suicide. It was anything but. They followed this shortly with the wildly popular Rye IPA Wytchmaker, a beer that bars could rarely keep on tap. The brothers could not fail. Recently, they have moved their original lineup to farmhouse versions (Farmhouse Wytchmaker, Farmhouse Black Metal, etc.), in part won a court ruling against the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, and brewed a second collaboration beer with gypsy brewer, Mikkeller, called Beer Geek Rodeo / Whiskey Rodeo / Weasel Rodeo. Also, they are now a certified organic producer under the USDA’s National Organic Program.

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Brewer/Founder . . . . . . . . Jeffrey Stuffings and Michael Steffing

estaBlished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fall 2010tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Most Saturdays, 1-4pmurl . . . . . . . . . . . . www.jesterkingbrewery.com

yEaR ROunD BEERS

Black Metal style . . . . . . . . . . . . Farmhouse Imperial StoutaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/BottleQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Big roast,

coffee, chocolateFood it chases down well . . .Cheesecake,

roast beef and other bloody meats

Le Petit Princestyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Farmhouse Table BeeraBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.9% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/BottleQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Subtle hop spininess,

yeast esters, wild flowersFood it chases down well . .Crackers and

light cheeses, pears, grilled flaky white fish

Mad Megstyle . . . . . . . . . . . .Provisional Farmhouse AleaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.6% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Bottle

Quick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spicy, earthy, dryFood it chases down well . . . . . . . Tomato

salad, soft cheeses, sardines

Wytchmaker style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Farmhouse Rye IPAaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.3% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/BottleQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Drinkable,

hoppy, quenchingFood it chases down well . . . . . . Burgers,

pizza, chips and salsa WE RECOMMEnD

Le Petit Prince, Wytchmaker

*See full listing of available beers at austinbeerguide.com

BREWERIES

live Oak Brewing Co.

Built by hand by Chip McElroy and Brian Peters (now of Uncle Billy’s fame) in a small (and now worn) building on the east side of town, Live Oak has been an Austin staple since 1997. They use an old-world style of brewing mostly practiced throughout Germany and the Czech Republic and use techniques such as open fermentation and secondary lagering on some of their styles to give their beers a very distinct Live Oak taste. This is best reflected in their Pilz and much beloved HefeWeizen.

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Brewer/Founder . . . .Chip McElroy (owner, founder), Dusan Kwiatkowski (Brewer)

estaBlished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1997tours. . . . Saturdays at Noon (RSvP required)url . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.liveoakbrewing.com

yEaR ROunD BEERS

hefeWeizenstyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HefeweizenaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.1% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DraftQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bananas, cloves, hazy,

super refreshingFood it chases down well. . .Blue cheese!

Pilz style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Czech PilsneraBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.7% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DraftQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hoppy, dry, refreshing Food it chases down well . . . . . .Sausage,

pizza, burgers, anything really

Liberation Alestyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .American IPAaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.3%imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DraftQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . Hoppy, great malt balanceFood it chases down well . . . . . . Tobacco,

foie gras or other duck dishes

CuRREnT SEaSOnal

roggenbierstyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RoggenbieraBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.8% imBiBing options . . . . Draft (Early Summer)Quick sip. . . . . . . . . . . Smooth, fruity, drinkableFood it chases down well . . . . . .Pastries,

mild cheeses, melon WE RECOMMEnD

Pilz, HefeWeizen, Schwarzbier


BREWERIES

Real ale Brewing Co.

One of the longer running breweries in central Texas, Real Ale has been in operation since 1996. The brewery originally operated out of a basement of an antique shop in Blanco (50 minutes outside Austin). In 1998, current owner Brad Farbstein took over. Maxed out at 5,500 barrels a year, Real Ale moved just outside the downtown area in 2006 to a new facility that allowed them to produce 10-12 times that amount.

In 2009 they started bottling their seasonal beers, with the most recent edition being Hans’ Pils this summer. In 2010, they began turning out a series of experimental Mysterium verum (Real Mystery) beers, including seasonals aged in oak barrels or entirely new brews. They are celebrating their 16th anniversary this summer. The anniversary party is set for June 30. Look for their 16th Anniversary Ale after that.

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Brewer/Founder . . . . . . . . . . Philip & Diane Conner (Founders), Brad Farbstein (Owner),

Tim Schwartz, Erik Ogershok (Head Brewers)estaBlished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1996tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fridays 2-5pm url . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.realalebrewing.com

yEaR ROunD BEERS

devil’s Backbonestyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Belgian-Style TripelaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.1% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/BottleQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sweet, boozey, honeyFood it chases down well . . . . . . . . . Tuna

salad, grilled cheese, tomato soup

Firemans #4 Blonde Alestyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blonde AleaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.1% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . .Draft/Bottle/CanQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Light, bready maltsFood it chases down well . . . . . . .Poultry,

pizza, whatever’s on the grill

Lost gold IPA style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .American IPAaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.6% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/BottleQuick sip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Citrusy hops,

strong malt background

Food it chases down well . . . . . . . . . Fried chicken, gorgonzola,

gumbo (spicy or otherwise)

rio Blanco Pale Ale style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . English Pale AleaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.3% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/BottleQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Light hops, spicy,

biscuity malt, crispFood it chases down well . . . . . . .Seafood

grilled chicken, chips and salsa

CuRREnT SEaSOnal

hans’ Pilsstyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . German PilsneraBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.3% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/BottleQuick sip . . . . . . .Crisp, toasty, assertive hopsFood it chases down well . . Smoked fish,

pickles, schnitzel

WE RECOMMEnD

Lost Gold IPA, Hans’ Pils


BREWERIES

Rogness Brewing Co.

Founders Forrest and Diane Rogness, along with Dave Ebel, Dave Heath, and Dan Wheeler, their three brewer-sales-label approval-other-jack of all trades, collectively brew and conjure up recipes that they enjoy and hope others will too. All done without too much concern over style guidelines or popular “safe bet” beers. With the ethos of a homebrewer, Rogness aims to change it up, and keep it interesting, while delivering high quality brewed beers. As of Summer 2012, they are still defining their regular lineup and trying out new recipes. They plan to begin canning their more popular beers as early as late Summer 2012, and soon after begin packaging “bigger” beers in large format bottles for aging and sharing.

InFO

Founders . . . . . . Forrest and Diane RognessestaBlished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spring 2012tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Check website url . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.rognessbrewing.com

RECEnT RElEaSES

Beardy guardstyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Biere de GardeimBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft

(Cans/Bottles Soon) Quick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Slight spice, earthy, Food it chases down well . . . . . . . . . .HEB

rotisserie chicken (you know, the kind you get when you are too lazy to cook, but want

something somewhat tasty)

oststyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PorterimBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft

(Cans/Bottles Soon) Quick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Smooth, cocoa, malty Food it chases down well . . . . . . . . veggie

burger, fried anything

rook style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scotch AleimBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft

(Cans/Bottles Soon) Quick sip . . . . . . . . . . . . . Smoky, sweet, toffee Food it chases down well . . . . . . Smoked

gouda, pork chop, brisket

Vinton style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blonde AleimBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft

(Cans/Bottles Soon)Quick sip . . . . Quaffable, nontraditional, tasty Food it chases down well . . . . . . .Poultry,

artisan bread, asparagus

gigantophis style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Imperial IPAimBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft

(Cans/Bottles Soon)

Note: Gigantophis unavailable for tasting at press time.

WE RECOMMEnD

Ost, vinton

BREWERIES

South austin Brewing Co.

Parked in the same neighborhood as Independence and (512) breweries, South Austin Brewing Co. have been chomping at the bit (yeah we use that phrase. We’re dad’s now, remember?) to get to brewing since the 2010. Founder Jordan Weeks has a rich brewing history in Austin, and with his trusty 50-barrel Newlands brewhouse plans to supply the fine folks of South Austin and beyond with yummy Belgian inspired beers. Out of the gates, SABC are slinging beers both on draft and in 750 ml cork and cage bottles to be found at finer locations.

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Brewer/Founder . . . . . . . . . . Jordan WeeksestaBlished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winter 2012tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Check website url . . . . . . . . . . .www.southaustinbrewing.com

yEaR ROunD BEERS

Belgian style golden Alestyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Belgian Golden AleaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.8% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/BottleQuick sip. . . . . . . . . . . . .Fruity esters, quaffable,

brite, smoothFood it chases down well . . . . . . . . . .Fish,

fruits and honey, soft cheeses, frites

saison d’Austin style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Belgian SaisonaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/BottleQuick sip . . . . . . . . . . . . Sweet, spicy, peppery Food it chases down well . . . . . . . Salads,

chicken, pheasant, fruit

WE RECOMMEnD

Belgian Style Golden Ale, Saison D’Austin

BREWERIES

SOUTH AUSTIN’S GRAND OPENING

Thirsty planet Brewing Co.

Everyone remembers when they first really started falling in love with beer. For Brian Smittle it was while he was living in England studying British politics and experiencing true “real ale.” Following college graduation, Brian made the move to Colorado where he took his affection for beer one step further and volunteered at a brewery in vail. He soon became a paid employee and full-time brewer (a.k.a. “living the dream”). Through his work there he met some college students who offered him an ownership piece of a brew pub in Oklahoma. They opened in 1993 and grew to include a brewery and four satellite stores. While successful, Brian wanted to get back to the brewing operations so he and his wife Tammy looked for a location to set up their own operation. They chose Austin and started putting their beers on the market in the summer of 2010 beginning with the Buckethead IPA. They celebrated their two year anniversary this summer with the release of Franklin Smoked Porter, a beer containing malts smoked in the famous Franklin BBQ pits.

InFO

Brewer/Founder . . .Brian & Tammy SmittleestaBlished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Summer 2010tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Saturdays, 11am-3pmurl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.thirstyplanet.net

yEaR ROunD BEERS

Buckethead IPA style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .American IPAimBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DraftQuick sip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Slightly sweet,

bitter finish, hoppy nose Food it chases down well . . . .Pâté, pizza,

fish and chips

Thirsty goat Amberstyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amber AleaBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.8% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DraftQuick sip . . . . . . . . . . . .Malty, clean, drinkableFood it chases down well. . .Sandwiches,

chips and queso

yellow Armadillo Wheatstyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .American WheataBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.1% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft

Quick sip . . . . . . . Crisp, refreshing, drinkableFood it chases down well . . . . . .Sausage,

crawfish

CuRREnT SEaSOnal

Franklin smoked Porter*style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Smoked PorterimBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft

WE RECOMMEnD

Buckethead IPA, Thirsty Goat Amber

*Unavailable for tasting at press time

BREWERIES

Twisted x Brewing Co.

Since our first issue in April 2011, Austin’s beer scene has changed (it seems to change and grow each month). One of those changes: Twisted x. Started by Jim Sampson and Shane Bordeau in Cedar Park, they are one of three breweries that has opened since then. They held their initial release party on Cinco de Mayo, where they introduced beer fans to the Fuego Jalapeño Infused Tex Mex Pilsner, Twisted X Premium Tex Mex Lager and then unnamed Premium Tex Mex Dark Lager. The dark lager has now been blessed with the moniker: Cow Creek. Also be on the look out for Siesta, a prickly pear lager. It is a summer seasonal that proved to be quite popular and could still pop up around town. With a Tex-Mex theme they are bound to quench the thirsts of a large swath of Austin beer drinkers. Austinites love Tex-Mex. Austinites love beer. Tex-Mex beer? Forget about it, a match made in heaven. Could a pico-de-gallo beer be in the works? Let’s hope so. Mole Porter—that’s the ticket!

InFO

Brewer/Founder. . . . . . . . . . . .Jim Sampson and Shane Bordeau

estaBlished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spring 2011tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Check websiteurl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.texmexbeer.com

yEaR ROunD BEERS

Cow Creek Premium Tex Mex dark Lager style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vienna (Dark) LageraBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.4%imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DraftQuick sip . . . . . . . . . .Drinkable, slightly sweetFood it chases down well . . . . . . Gorditas,

tostadas, tamales

Fuego Jalapeño Infused Tex Mex Pilsnerstyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chile Beer/PilsneraBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.2%imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DraftQuick sip . . . . . . . . . . . . Crisp, slightly dry, hotFood it chases down well . . . . . . . . Steak,

roasted pork, Chinese takeout

señor Viejo Tex Mex Imperial Black Lagerstyle . . . . . Barrel Aged Imperial SchwarzbieraBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.2% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft

Quick sip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sweet, agave, oak Food it chases down well . . . . . . . . . . Mole

or by itself after a big meal of mole

Twisted X Premium Tex Mex Lager style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Light LageraBV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.2% imBiBing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DraftQuick sip . . . . . . . .Light, very drinkable, clean Food it chases down well . . . . . . . . . Elote,

nachos, enchiladas

WE RECOMMEnD

Fuego, Señor viejo

BREWERIES

alaMO BEER COMpany

location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Antoniourl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.alamobeer.com

DEEp ElluM BREWIng COMpany

location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DallasestaBlished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011url . . . . . . . . . . . .www.deepellumbrewing.com

FRanCOnIa BREWIng COMpany

location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . McKinneyestaBlished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008url . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.franconiabrewing.com

nO laBEl BREWIng COMpany

location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .KatyestaBlished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011url . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.nolabelbrew.com

RaHR & SOnS BREWIng COMpany

location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fort Worth

estaBlished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2004url . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.rahrbrewing.com

RangER CREEk BREWIng & DISTIllIng

location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San AntonioestaBlished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2010url . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.drinkrangercreek.com

SaInT aRnOlD BREWIng COMpany

location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HoustonestaBlished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1994url . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.saintarnold.com

SOuTHERn STaR BREWIng COMpany

location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ConroeestaBlished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008url . . . . . . . . . .www.southernstarbrewery.com

SpOETzl BREWERy (SHInER)

location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ShinerestaBlished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1909url . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.shiner.com

*Texas breweries with beer currently available in Austin

More Tx Breweries*

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location. . . . . . . . . . . . . .7020 Easy Wind Drive Midtown Commons, Suite 100

Austin, Tx 78752phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-452-BEERhours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4pm-12am url . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.blackstar.coop

HOuSE BEER SaMplIng

high esteem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pale Aledouble dee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amber AleVulcan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rye IPAWaterloo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sour Wheatelba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wheat Ale

BREW puB SnapSHOT Black Star Co-op is the first known cooperatively run/owned brew pub in the world with members from across the globe. Monthly beer socials, starting in 2006, provided an outlet for recruiting new members and grew to host up to 500 members at each gathering. Black Star Co-op encapsulates everything Austin with an emphasis on local producers and community action, all through enjoyment of local beer.

WE RECOMMEnD

vulcan, Waterloo

Black Star Co-op BREW puBS

InFO

location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4112 Medical PkwyAustin, Tx 78756

phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .512-452-MALThours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mon-Thu 5pm-2am,

Fri-Sun 1pm-2amurl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.draughthouse.com

HOuSE BEER SaMplIng

red Planet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Red AleBombay IPA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .American IPAJubal Ale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winter WarmerBig Tex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . American Strong AleMalt Ball. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .American Porter

BREW puB SnapSHOT Brewer Josh Wilson likes to keep his beers moving. Josh doesn’t adhere to the general brew pub rules that say you have to develop four solid recipes and keep those on year long while only reserving a few taps for experimentation and seasonals. After visiting Draught House for a few years, you may notice that Josh keeps a loose yearly brewing schedule with styles and specific brews mirroring the seasonal calender.

WE RECOMMEnD

Malt Ball, Red Planet (also Double Red Planet), Bombay IPA

Draught House

BREW puB SnapSHOT North by Northwest is Austin’s most upscale brew pub and offers a complete menu, with the restaurant itself driving many people to the establishment. Identifiable by the grain silo out front, the feel is very “Northwest lodge,” rounded out by stone, wood and a fireplace. The beers are solid and their monthly cask nights have a dedicated following.

WE RECOMMEnD

Pyjingo Pale Ale, Barton Kriek

InFO

location. . . . . . . . . 10010 Capital of Tx Hwy NAustin, Tx 78759

phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-467-6969hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . varied, check website url . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.nxnwbrew.com

HOuSE BEER SaMplIng

northern Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pilsnerduckabush Amber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amber AlePyjingo Pale Ale . . . . . . . . . . American Pale Aleokanagan Black Ale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Black AleBarton kriek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sour/Lambic

lovejoysInFO

location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 604 Neches Street Austin, Tx 78701

phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-477-1268hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4pm-2am url . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.myspace.com/lovejoys

HOuSE BEER SaMplIng

samson’s Best . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pale Alesad Family somber Ale . . . . . . . English BitterAJ Porter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .American Porteroktober Lovefest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oktoberfestdr. shock IPA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .American IPA

BREW puB SnapSHOT Located off 6th Street, but a world away. Lovejoys is unlike the frat-packed-shot-bars that surround it, hosting an eclectic mix of patrons and beer styles. With Todd Henry at the helm of the four barrel system, the beers have greatly improved over the past three years. Now with a solid lineup and the gnarliest jukebox in Austin, this is the place to drink freshly brewed beer downtown.

WE RECOMMEnD

Samson’s Best, AJ Porter

north by northwest

BREW puBS

BREW puBS

BREW puB SnapSHOT Texas is BBQ heaven. Austin is Texas Craft Beer heaven. Put them together and you get Uncle Billy’s Brew and Que. Brian Peters and Amos Lowe have been crafting beer in Austin for years and it shows in their solid house beers. Now with two locations, Uncle Billy’s is the ideal spot after boating on the lake or a day of festival-ing at Zilker Park. Along with their regular lineup of four beers, you’ll find 2-3 rotating house beers and a handful of Texas guest taps.

WE RECOMMEnD

Agave Wit, Ax Handle

InFO

location #1. . . . . . 1530 Barton Springs Road Austin, Tx 78704phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-476-0100location #2. . . . . . . . . . .6550 Comanche Trail

Unit B - Suite 201 Austin, Tx 78732

phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-266-0111hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . varied, check website url . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.unclebillysaustin.com

HOuSE BEER SaMplIng

Back 40 Blonde. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blondehill Country organic Amber . . . . . . Amber AleAgave Wit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WitbierAx handle Pale Ale . . . . . . . American Pale Ale

uncle Billy’s

unclebillys.com

Visit us at our Barton Springs Rd. & Lake Travis locations!

• Back 40 Blonde Ale• Agave Wit• Hill Country Organic Amber• Ax Handle Pale Ale• Hop Zombie IPA

Specialtybeers alsoavailable!

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BREW puBS: DayTRIppERS

InFO

location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207 Mercer StreetDripping Springs, Tx 78620

phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-829-4636hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . varied, check website url . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.barbershopbar.com

BREW puB SnapSHOT Barber Shop is another testament to the iron will of homebrewers. With an emphasis on the “bar” in Barber Shop, they left the historical buildings name the same, while sprucing up the inside with a lush wood bar, rustic amenities and a strategically occupied tap wall. Brewer John McIntosh intends to focus on English pub ales.

Barber Shop


InFO

location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208 Avenue HMarble Falls, Tx 78654

phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 830-693-5165hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . varied, check website url . . . . . . . . . . .www.doublehornbrewing.com

BREW puB SnapSHOT Double Horn, the first and only brew pub in Burnet County, is seated right off 281 in Marble Falls. Frustrated by the lack of quality beer, food and atmosphere to enjoy it in, owner Dusty Knight opened Double Horn last May. Knight and head brewer Eric Casey have made it their mission to supply residents with quality house beers and local craft brews.

Double Horn Brewing Co.

InFO

location. . . . . . . 9595 Ranch Road 12, Suite 4 Wimberley, Tx 78676

phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-847-3435hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . varied, check website url . . . . . . . . . . www.middletonbrewingllc.com

BREW puB SnapSHOT The owners, the Middletons, hale from the sunny state of California. They brought with them, like many other west coast brewers, a love for the HOP. In addition to hoppy monsters, they specialize in subtle Belgian style ales. They are housed in the same complex as Wimberley Brewing Company, a one stop pub crawl!

MiddletonBrewing


InFO

location. . . . . . . . .2200 South IH-35, Suite B1 Round Rock, Tx 78681

phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-244-3549hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lobby opens one hour

before first show time (See website for show times)

url . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.flixbrewhouse.com

BREW puB SnapSHOT How many movie theatres have a brewhouse in their front window? Not many. You might even catch brewmaster Justin Rizza, formerly of Independence Brewing, brewing up something tasty as you rush in for the latest Hunger Games flick. Drink from their four regular and two seasonal house taps or one of many guest taps.

Flix Brewhouse

InFO

location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 East Pecan Drive Johnson City, Tx 78636

phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 830-868-2500hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . varied, check website url . . . . . . . . . . .www.pecanstreetbrewing.com

BREW puB SnapSHOT Pecan Street resides in a space formerly occupied by the town hardware store, in Johnson City’s historic town square. Owners Tim and Patty Elliott, with their head brewer and son Sean, aim to make the brew pub the town gathering center that the hardware store once was. Their house beers and guest taps are complimented by head chef John Yachimski’s eclectic brick oven pizza, salad and burger menu.

pecan StreetBrewing

InFO

location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9595 Ranch Road 12 Wimberley, Tx 78676

phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-847-3435hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . varied, check website url . . . . . . . . . . . .www.wimberleybrewing.com

BREW puB SnapSHOT Wimberley Brewing is housed in the same complex as Middleton Brewing (Wimberley was there first). As you walk into Wimberley you will notice there are a lot of kids running around. Actually, they are not running around, they are working. This is a true family business. The beers are good here and the pizza is surprisingly fantastic. Try the spinach pizza.

Wimberley Brewing Co.

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BaRS & RESTauRanTS A. Flying saucer

815 West 47th Street B. Crown and Anchor Pub

2911 San Jacinto BlvdC. dog and duck Pub

406 West 17th Street d. scholz garten

1607 San Jacinto Blvde. 24 diner

600 North Lamar Blvd F. opal divine’s Freehouse

700 West 6th Streetg. Little Woodrow’s

520 West 6th Street

h. kung Fu saloon 510 Rio Grande

I. Alamo drafthouse-ritz 320 East 6th Street

J. The ginger Man 301 Lavaca Street

k. Frank 407 Colorado Street

L. hopfields 3110 Guadalupe Street

M. Contigo 2027 Anchor Lane

n. house Pizzeria 5111 Airport Blvd

o. easy Tiger Bake shop and Beer garden 709 East Sixth Street

P. The Brew exchange 706 West 6th Street

BREW puBS Q. draught house Pub &

Brewery 4112 Medical Parkway

r. Lovejoys Tap room & Brewery 604 Neches Street

s. double horn Brewing Co. 208 Avenue H, Marble Falls

BREWERIES T. hops & grain Brewery

507 Calles Street

u. Live oak Brewing Co. 3301-B East Fifth Street

STORES V. Central Market

4001 North Lamar BlvdW. hyde Park Market

4429 Duval StreetX. Whole Foods Market

525 North Lamar Blvdy. Antonelli’s Cheese shop

4220 Duval StreetZ. in.gredients

(opening soon) 2610 Manor Road

CEnTRal auSTIn

Hamrick's Market

401 Cypress Creek Road512-250-5100

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Largest Selection of craft beer in Cedar Park.A true Mom & Pop Store.

We Love Your Face!!

Hamricks.indd 1 6/12/12 6:52:11 PM

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BaRS & RESTauRanTS A. Zax restaurant & Bar

312 Barton Springs Road B. Alamo drafthouse /

highball 1120 South Lamar Blvd

C. hopdoddy Burger Bar - soCo 1400 South Congress Ave

d. Barley swine 2024 South Lamar Blvd

e. Black sheep Lodge 2108 South Lamar Blvd

F. Whip In 1950 South Interstate 35

g. red’s Porch 3508 South Lamar Blvd

h. opal divine’s, Penn Field 3601 South Congress Ave

I. draft Pick 1620 East Riverside, #1618

BREW puBS J. uncle Billy’s, Barton

springs 1530 Barton Springs Road

k. The Barber shop 207 Mercer Street, Dripping Springs

L. Faust hotel & Brewery 240 South Seguin Avenue, New Braunfels

M. Wimberley Brewing Co. 9595 Ranch Road 12, Wimberley

n. Middleton Brewing 9595 Ranch Road 12, Wimberley

o. Pecan street Brewing 106 East Pecan Drive, Johnson City

BREWERIES P. Jester king Craft Brewery

13005 Fitzhugh RoadQ. Thirsty Planet

Brewing Co. 11160 Circle Drive

r. (512) Brewing Co. 407 Radam Lane, F200

s. Independence Brewing Co. 3913 Todd Lane

T. south Austin Brewing Co. 415 E Saint Elmo Rd, Ste 1D

STORES u. Thom’s Market

1418 Barton Springs RoadV. Central Market

4477 South Lamar BlvdW. spec’s-Brodie Lane

4978 West HWY 290X. Live oak Market

4410 Manchaca Road

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BaRS & RESTauRanTS A. The dig Pub

401 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park

B. Alamo drafthouse- Lake Creek 13729 Research Boulevard

C. Mister Tramps 8565 Research Boulevard

d. Alamo drafthouse-Village 2700 West Anderson Lane

e. Pour house Pub 6701 Burnet Road

F. Billy’s on Burnet 2105 Hancock Drive

g. hopdoddy Burger Bar - Anderson 2438 West Anderson Lane

BREW puBS h. north By northwest

(nXnW) 10010 N Capital of Tx Hwy

I. Black star Co-op 7020 Easy Wind Drive

J. Flix Brewhouse / homeField grill 2000 S I-35, Round Rock

BREWERIES k. Circle Brewing Co.

2340 West Braker LaneL. Austin Beerworks

3009 Industrial Terrace M. Adelbert’s Brewery

2314 Rutland Dr, Ste 100n. Twisted X Brewing Co.

3200 W. Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park

STORES o. Whole Foods Market

9607 Research Boulevard P. specs-Arbor Walk

10515 N Mo Pac ExpwyQ. sunrise Mini Mart

1809 West Anderson Laner. specs-Airport

5775 Airport Boulevards. Austin homebrew supply

9129 Metric Boulevard

nORTH auSTIn

OvER a pInT

in the not too distant past we spent an eVening with the ROGNESS Family at their new Brewery in pFlugerVille, touring their new Facilities, sampling some Fine Brews, and discussing how Brewing what eVeryBody else already does is so passé.

ABG: I’m drinking the Beardy Guard. Tell me about this, it’s a pretty interesting beer.

Rogness: Thank you. It’s a French style amber, known for its toffee notes, and just overall spiciness at the end. It’s a real popular variety.

yeah, it’s real yummy. And it’s “beardy” like “my face is beardy,” right?

Well we know there’re a lot of people that when they see a foreign word, they don’t even want to try to pronounce it, so we phonetically made the name pronounceable.

That’s thoughtful, thank you... So this is your fifth beer so far? So before what are the predecessors?

We have Ost robust porter, Bella it’s Belgian golden, we have Rook which is a peat malt Scotch ale, we have Yogi which is a chai spiced amber, and we have vinton coming up which is our blonde ale.

Tell me where is Rogness today?

Right now we’re doing 7 barrel batches, just something to get us out there, get us started

while we finish the construction on the brewhouse. Hopefully by mid to early summer, we’ll be on a 30 barrel system. We’ll be able to up our production and get more beers out there and more different styles out there. Our plans are, probably by mid to late summer to be both canning as well as bottling, depending on the beer style. I’ve always had the philosophy that those beers that are the lower alcohol, the 5, 6, 6 and a half percent beers, that would be fun to go take down the river, go to the park with, would be cans and the higher alcohol beers that you really want to sit at home and share with some friends, we’re going to put in some nice bottles and have some fun with.

Tell me a little bit about your brewing philosophy.

We’re trying really hard not to be a niche brewery. We’re trying to come up with something new almost every month. We’re trying not to stick with any one style. For example we have a 103 IBU Imperial IPA coming out soon to complement these other beers. We’re just trying to make as many styles as we can.

So what’s something people can look forward to the rest of the Summer from Rogness?

We have, like I said, the Imperial IPA, we have a blonde called vinton that’s coming out soon. Were working on an old ale and a holiday ale for Christmas that will require some aging. We also have some other Summer beers that we’ll be releasing.

Check out the full interview in video format on AustinBeerGuide.com!

Rogness Brewing Co.

Austin Beer Guide - Summer 2012

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Transcript of Austin Beer Guide - Summer 2012