Austin Beer Guide - Spring 2012 by Austin Beer Guide

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A milestone! You’re holding in your hand the second annual spring issue of the Austin Beer Guide. Okay, so we’re not really calling it that. Mostly we’re just excited that this release marks one year of bringing this ragtag publication to you, the Austin beer drinking masses. We’ve seen a lot of growth in both distribution and page count over the last year and we hope you’ve noticed the updates and new features that each guide presents compared to the last. I suppose you could consider this the food issue. It wasn’t intentional, but in the pages that follow you’ll find a guide to local gastropubs (p. 10) and a recap of our Franklin BBQ experience during our latest Beer & Loathing outing (p. 22). We’ve even tapped cheesemonger extraordinaires John and Kendall Antonelli of Antonelli’s Cheese Shop fame to write our Brewer’s Brain column (p. 62) this month. This issue is definitely not the SXSW issue. We decided early on to wait for that to come and go before this release. And although we’re happy to see an uptick in the amount of better beer happenings that have popped up this year, we weren’t sure that our target audience would be reached. Mostly we just weren’t too fond of the idea of finding guides haphazardly tossed amongst the mountains of emptied Lone Stars. Lastly, on a personal note, this issue marks another milestone - the four of us are now fathers. We’ve all pooled our money and adopted a child from a country we can’t pronounce. No, we actually all took the more traditional route to fatherhood and with the latest addition (Welcome, Hazel!) we have now become the guys with the baby carriers and baby bottles at the Draught House on a Sunday afternoon. Life is good. chris troutman aaron chamberlain Josh spradling shawn phillips

www.auSTiNBEErGuidE.cOM Cover design:

NEwS & BrEwMOrS ........................................ 02

SEaSON’S driNkiNG .......................................04

GaSTrOpuBS .......................................10 TOurS & TaSTiNGS .......................................16

BEEr & LOaThiNG .......................................22

BrEwEriES .......................................26 BrEw puBS ............................................48 Bp: daYTrippErS .......................................53

MapS .......................................56 BrEwEr’S BraiN .......................................62

pOdcaST .......................................64 bonus staFF PHOTOGRAPHY ....................Aaron Haley PROOFREADERS ............Sofia and Sarah

NEwS & BrEwMOrS

This is the News NO NO, rEaLLY, wE arE OpEN

hOparaZZi

Last issue we told you south austin brewing was open for business. It was true, although they were not actually selling beer. But now they are, starting with their saison and their golden ale. rogness brewing company should be brewing and delivering kegs by the time you read this. They debuted their first two beers, Ost (Porter) and Bella (Belgian Golden Ale), at Black Star Co-op on March 26th. brew exchange, slinging beers at ﬂuctuating prices based on demand, is open on West Sixth Street. Another new bar called Workhorse bar is opening on North Loop in April (fingers crossed) with 50 taps, 30 or so dedicated to local beer. Also on North Loop: drink.Well. See more on page 13. Like grocery shopping, but hate packaging? in. gredients is your joint. They are not open yet, but when they do they will be the first “package-free and zero waste grocery store in the United States.” That’s all great, but the growler bar featuring all local taps is what has us excited.

sXsW came and went. Tons of celebrities were in town, including famous chef, writer, television personality, and drinker anthony bourdain. Similar to a few months ago when he was here with his buddy eric ripert, he was spotted drinking austin beerworks. He even made a stop at the draught house. His visit was two-fold: SXSW and filming for No Reservations. Like us (p. 22) he went to Franklin bbQ. And also like us, he thought it was “unfucking believable.” Matthew Mcconaughey was spotted doing black Metal keg stands at Jester king. Whoops, that is actually a brewmor. How did that get up here?

whOOpS So as usual, no big mistakes, but we do have one to report. On the thirsty planet brewery page (p. 38) in the winter issue we ran a photo of Monica Maddux manning (womanning) the taps. The problem: her eyes were closed. Sorry, the photo has been changed.

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) ●

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silas parker closes darkside Fermentation to focus primarily on his Facebook presence. texas craft brewers guild passes rule stating all Texas breweries must have at least three bearded employees or face expulsion from guild.

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Popular cheese shoppe opening second location in South Austin called unclenellis. draught house sees noticeable dip in revenue following arrival of three Austin Beer Guide babies in the first quarter of 2012.

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black star co-op in search of new head brewer following the shameful dismissal of Jeff Young after he reveals questionable brewing tactics (and reading material) on Austin Beer Guide podcast. i love beer’s lee nichols, who is currently battling a severe big red addiction, joins the cast of Vh1’s new show celebrity rehab: texas. pinthouse pizza revealed to be pirate themed, adult extension of showbiz pizza franchise. Tickets already sold out for the rock-aﬁre explosion reunion show.

T S E D L O â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S A TEX Y R E W E R B CRAFT ngs i t s a T & s r u o T Monday Saturday

2000 Lyons Avenue Houston, TX 77020

SEaSON’S driNkiNG

Spring = ipa by aaron chaMberlain

are india pale ales (ipa) the ultiMate spring beer? Who knows, maybe not. But spring in Austin is pretty hot mostly, with some beautiful days mixed in there. And what is better than a beautiful day, a shady porch, and a cool hoppy IPA? Nothing. Instead of just giving our thoughts on IPAs (who wants to hear that), we reached out

Would you consider Ipa the perfect spring beer? Why? JOSH HARE hops & grain brewery I’d consider it the perfect Austin spring beer. The spring in Austin is an elusive beast that rarely lasts very long much like the freshness and hop character from a good IPA. CHIP MCELROY live oak brewing co. No, I like something lighter in the spring especially if it is hot. ERIK OGERSHOK real ale brewing co. The IPA style transcends any season. In Texas at least, it is great all year round. BRIAN PETERS uncle billy’s If spring means year-round, then yeah I’m really into drinking IPA in the spring. If you brew an Ipa, what makes your Ipa special and/or different? MICHAEL GRAHAM austin beerworks Fire Eagle is different from a

to local brewers to get their feedback on this popular and hotly debated style. They all have strong opinions and none of them seem to think IPAs are good spring beers. Whatever, I’m sticking with that idea. Really this is just a way for us to talk about IPAs. Like most beer doofuses, we love IPAs.

lot of other IPAs because it is balanced and clean. We don’t agree with the ‘Bigger is Better’ philosophy, whether it refers to ABV or IBU. We want Fire Eagle to showcase the wonderful interaction of hops and malt, not strip the enamel from your teeth.

that is out on the market today went through a few iterations that were tested and adjusted via collaboration with the local brew community. And it is dry hopped with Amarillo and that is in line with our Texas (Tex Mex marketing angle)!

JUSTIN RIZZA Flix brewhouse I tend to focus on drinkability when making an IPA. While I enjoy an IPA that rips my face off with hops once in a while, I really enjoy one that I can have a few of so the Lupulus is a good balance of malt, hop bitterness and bright dry-hop character.

BRIAN PETERS uncle billy’s It’s the water . . . and a lot more. Just kidding. There’s nothing that we do that is ‘special’ or ‘different.’ We just use a lot of hops that we like at the end of the boil.

CHIP MCELROY live oak brewing co. Balance. ERIK OGERSHOK real ale brewing co. Our IPA probably shows more restraint than many American IPAs. We make sure that all of those hops are supported by a firm malt base. SHANE AND JIM twisted X brewing co. Our name and logo are awesome! But it is not just the marketing; we are also making a really tasty beer. The version

What is your favorite aspect of Ipas? What makes a great Ipa? MICHAEL GRAHAM austin beerworks A good IPA will get people to love hops. A bad one will get people to hate hops. MICHAEL WATERS independence brewing co. Aroma and ﬂavor; so many of the pleasing and enticing elements of nature can be represented in an IPA. What represents a good IPA for me is a pale beer with as much hop aroma and ﬂavor injected as possible. Very little specialty

malt should be used and the beer should undergo thorough attenuation for a bone dry finish. IPA is not about balance, it is about the hops. CHIP MCELROY live oak brewing co. I love the hop aroma. It should have lots of aroma, and lots of bitterness but the bitterness should be balanced out by the malt character. IPAs that I don’t like so well tend to be too dry. Because of the lack of malt, they seem too bitter when really all they need is a little balance. You can go overboard with the hop flavor too. Again, lots of hop flavor is what you are shooting for and is why you dry hop them. But there can be too much - IMHO. I am put off by claims of IBUs above what is actually soluble. I think many times these are calculated IBUs (versus measured IBUs. BTW - we had ours measured once in a laboratory of a major brewer and it came out at 71 IBUs) and the brewers/consumers are confusing flavor for bitterness. In that regard, I think it is the misuse of flavor that I find objectionable, and maybe not the flavor itself. BRIAN PETERS uncle billy’s There are two things I don’t like in my IPA: chewy-vanchew-chew maltiness and excess alcohol (7% and up). Both just get in the way of the star of the stage - the hop. I like citrusy hops, like Simcoe and Amarillo, and I like a lot of hop flavor and aroma. Brewers who think an IPA needs to be really bitter will have a hard time selling me a beer. Do brewers in texas make Ipas their own? Is there or could there be a texas Ipa, like there is a West Coast Ipa?

MICHAEL GRAHAM austin beerworks Fire Eagle is made with the Texas climate in mind. It’s lower alcohol and dry finish make it easy to drink when it’s 100+. But I’d still call it West Coast style. Hops don’t grow well in Texas, which makes it hard to brew a true Texas IPA. JOSH HARE hops & grain brewery There could be a “Texas” anything. Hell, we even have our own version of the Ford F150, Chevy Silverado and the Dodge Gigantor dually truck. Need I say more. MICHAEL WATERS independence brewing co. I try to put my signature on every beer I make. As for a Texas IPA, to what purpose? The west coast has defined the style of an American IPA. All I hope to do is continue what the WC brewers have started and elaborate with technique and innovation. CHIP MCELROY live oak brewing co. Who cares!? What would that be? Lets see . . . hmmm? We can’t just over hop-ﬂavor them and then exaggerate the actual IBUs, that’s already taken. Hmmm . . . you stumped me on this one. ERIK OGERSHOK real ale brewing co. I don‘t think there is a distinct Texas IPA style. I view ours as a sort of hybrid in brewing approach, but All-American in ﬂavor. SHANE AND JIM twisted X brewing co. I would say it like this, “Brewers in Texas make their own Great IPAs.” Everyone has their own take on it and there are many versions to choose from. Not sure there is a need for a specific Texas category.

Gastropubs The Next Austin Beer Boom?

by CHRIS tROutMAN

Contigo

Wait, what? Yeah, we said it: “gastropub.” It’s not a new concept by far, but they have been on the rise among the Austin beer community recently. From

trailer-to-brick-and-mortar Cinderella stories to ranch-themed outdoor seating only or French style street food to classic restaurants simply substituting fine wine with fine beer, the gastropub is elbowing its way into the Austin beer scene for your benefit. For the uninformed, a gastropub is a restaurant that serves superb food with superb beers. No, wait. It’s a bar that serves great beers and also has great food. Or is it a pub with some food? It’s not just a restaurant and bar, but it is. Sort of. Hmm. OK, we know this; don’t call a place a gastropub unless they call themselves that first. Or is it beer before liquor never been sicker? They are mostly BYOB, right? They say never look a gastropub in the eye. Or is it don’t wear red around one? Maybe Wikipedia can help.

Drink.WEll.

So the term is a little bit ambiguous, and can definitely cause some contention. Some believe owning the term is just an easy way to create an air of pretentiousness, or “fancy it up.” Some folks, although they’d never define themselves as one (they just really don’t like labels), truly embody the gastropub spirit and, if there is a right way, do it the right way. For our purposes we will define a gastropub as an establishment that serves better than pub fare with an intention to compliment both the food and beer with each other, while also maintaining an environment relaxed enough that a single patron could comfortably come in and simply have a few pints on their own. So without further ado, we present some of Austin’s more notable “gastropubs” (and if anyone asks, we didn’t call them that!).

Barley Swine

2024 S. Lamar Boulevard | 512-394-8150 | barleyswine.com Chef /Owner Bryce Gilmore 8 Beers on Tap We recommend: Menu changes frequently, but try anything with beets, pork belly, scallops, or chicken balls You know the story. Chef buys old trailer. Food trailer becomes a hit with foodies (ewww, that word). Chef ditches trailer for more solid digs (eh, that word too). New joint becomes a hit as well. That is basically it, right? Bryce Gilmore’s equation is simple: good booze + local ingredients + tiny, hip dining room = magical success. First the booze. They got wine, but we want beer. No worries. When I visited they had two Austin beers on from Austin Beerworks and Adelbert’s. The bottle list ain’t too shabby either. Alright, now the food, after all it would not be a gastropub without some grub. But Gilmore don’t put out no grub, that would be an insult. I honestly felt bad eating this meal. It was so delicious, I felt undeserving of it. But it was so good, I did not care. -AC

Contigo

2027 Anchor Lane | 512-614-2260 | contigotexas.com Executive Chef Andrew Wiseheart 12 Beers on Tap We recommend: House Pickles, Ox Tongue Sliders, White Bean Dip, Crispy Green Beans, Cassoulet Contigo was born the summer of 2011 under the vision of owner Ben Edgerton and Executive Chef Andrew Wiseheart (formerly of Olivia) as an extension of the Contigo Ranch in South Texas. Embodied with the ranch spirit, this East-side oasis is all outdoor seating, although you’d easily forget, with a healthy blend of game foods and culinary delights. With the exception of one lonely Lone Star tap, the remaining 11 taps are dedicated to intentional rotating seasonal and special releases in addition to some local standards. Go early for a table or be prepared to wait in the beer garden before seating as this place can fill up fast in the evenings. But with beer and washers, the 45 minute to hour wait really won’t seem too bad. 12

Drink.Well.

207 E. 53rd Street | 512-614-6683 | drinkwellaustin.com Executive Chef Aaron Zarczynsk with Consulting Chef Roblé Ali 8 Beers on Tap We recommend: Charred Brussel Sprouts, Pop’s Pickled Egg, Homemade Chips & Dip, Texas Kobe Burger Nestled in the increasingly hip North Loop neighborhood, Drink.Well. aims to fill the niche of a comfortable, welcoming neighborhood bar, yet still serve food, beers, and cocktails you would find at a much nicer place. This marriage of the cozy with the refined was imagined and brought to life by owners Michael and Jessica Sanders. The couple, frustrated with the lack of “craft” in the small neighborhood bars they went to, and also tired of the stuffiness of the places where they enjoyed better food and beverages, finally chose to open up their own perfect location. With eight thought out, rotating craft-only taps, and a decent bottle selection, Drink.Well. has constructed a short, yet savory menu of “simple bar food” for pairing. With craft food and craft beverages, Drink.Well. makes for a satisfying evening off the beaten path.

Easy Tiger Bake Shop & Beer Garden

709 E. 6th Street | 512-614-4972 | easytigeraustin.com Executive Chef Drew Curren | 30 Beers on Tap We recommend: Homemade Beer Cheese with Pretzel, Homemade Chex Mix, Classic Bratwurst, Merguez (lamb sausage) From the same beer/food geniuses that brought us 24 Diner and their no questions asked everything’spoured-in-a-full-pint mantra, we have one of Austin’s youngest “gastropub” entrants, Easy Tiger. A mix of Wes Anderson, Julia Child, and Michael Jackson (the beer hunter, not Macaulay Culkin’s BFF), Easy Tiger has a nice mass appeal, while keeping to the “better food” requirement of our gastropub definition. The most “pub-ish” of the group, it hosts an indoor and outdoor tap selection. The beers, dwelling subterraneously below the bake shop, live in a classy yet simple wood-y bar with an excellent beer garden adjacent overlooking Waller Creek. The pretzels and cheese are super tasty, but the sausages snugged in pretzel buns are the titz. A “best bet” for downtown gastropubbing. 13

Hopfields

3110 Guadalupe Street, #400 | 512-537-0467 | hopfieldsaustin.com Executive Chef at Large Connie Zuloaga and Chef Louis Sheppard 42 Beers on Tap We recommend: FRITES!, Small Bites plate, Pascal Burger, Merguez frites sandwich Hopfields is the baby of Bay and Lindsay Anthon, an Austin couple who have been looking to “birth” this French inspired pub lounge for the past few years. With Bay’s knowledge and love of all things grain, hops, water, and yeast and Lindsay’s taste for the finer things, they have created the perfect yin yang of pub and café; a his and hers for the beer lover. With Lindsay’s mother’s touch in the kitchen and Bay’s experienced palate guiding the tap wall, Hopfields is a locale sure to please everyone. And with their line of “mocktails” (light handed cocktails), they are sure to have something for everyone on the drink menu. So the next time you and your lady friend (or if you’re a lady, you and your guy pal) are looking for some tasty “French street food” and a masterfully managed tap wall, Hopfields just might be what you’re looking for.

Zax Pints and Plates

312 Barton Springs Road | 512-481-0100 | zaxaustin.com 20 Beers on Tap We recommend: Blues Burger, Pan Seared Duck Breast, Cioppino, Cuban Sandwich Zax is the granddaddy of Austin gastropubs. And just like your grandpa, he likes to drink Bud Light once in awhile. But don’t worry, he has the good stuff too. In fact, they have 20 taps, with something to please everyone—plenty of Texas taps as well. Their menu follows that same thought process. A little Mexican. A little bistro. A little seafood. Everyone eats what they want. With such a variety of beer and food, it will be simple pairing a PINT to go with your PLATE. Their SOCO location is key for an early dinner and night on the town (more beer). The dining room is warm and welcoming, actually it reminds me a lot of joints I grew up with in Winter Park, FL (that is a good thing). Zax is good for families too, just don’t bring your family. I mean, come on, folks are trying to have romantic dates here. This is a gastropub after all, they are built for romance. -AC 14

Am I at a gastropub? Still not sure if you’re enjoying your food and beer at a gastropub or not and you’re too ashamed to ask? We got your back. Take this simple test so you can put your mind at ease and get back to nomming.

Menu talks more about where the food is from than what it is. Passes as date night.

When you ask about small plates, they point to the kids menu.

Tells you they aren’t a gastropub.

They call your name over a loud speaker.

Aioli. Lots of it.

“Proper glassware” means it’s clean (you hope).

Cheese plate, duh. Menu lists executive chef. Waited an hour for a table. Read about it on a blog. Butts-to-nuts crowded.

You’ve been there twice this week. No one is trying too hard. At anything.

Lots of plaid. More plaid than not.

You and your wallet are comfortable staying for more than a few beers after your meal.

Edison bulbs.

They have a pint night.

YES

Hurry up and Instagram your food already. Remember #iphoneonly and #nofilter for extra points.

Too bad, but cheer up and realize you’re plenty comfortable here and possibly found your new favorite dive.

Tours and Tastings A Guide to Wasted Weekends by Josh Spradling

The weekend starts with such

great hope and ambition. A laundry list of chores and errands. But, you’ve been working all week, so screw it. Call some friends, go day drinking and learn a little bit more about your city’s local beer scene with a brewery tour and tasting. Unable to sell beer directly to you, tours are a great way for breweries to let you taste their selection, discover more about what makes them different and see where they work. Most offer free (small) samples, but $10 or so for a branded pint glass and suddenly those “samples” get a lot bigger. If you’ve been to a brewery in Texas, you have a pretty good idea of how it works. If you haven’t, clear this weekend’s schedule. Here is our take on what makes each place a little bit special. Be sure to check each location’s website before you head out to see if reservations are needed, the tour is cancelled or a special event is going on that day. Enjoy, you have a lot of work ahead. 16

hops & Grain Brewery Friday from 2:00 - 6:00 pm; Saturday 12:00 - 4:00 pm As if East 6th Street wasn’t cool enough, it now has a brewery to call it’s own. Move east of 35 past the hipster bars, Mexican joints, and mixed use development until 6th dies out and you’ve hit Hops & Grain. Cut out of work a little early and hang out with brewer/owner Josh Hare on a casual Friday or join the crowds on Saturday for a formal tour with your beers. With their small batch greenhouse system going full force, Hops & Grain could offer up to eight options on any given weekend so you always have a good excuse to go back frequently and see what’s new. And with his Stool Sample submissions filling the tasting room, you never have to sit in the same seat twice (we recommend looking for the iPod-ready seat; we hear they are big fans of mid-90’s hip hop). Hare

embraces the creative East Austin vibe and his space shows it with neighbors including acrobats and glass-blowers, the latter of which they partner with occasionally for “Hot Glass, Cold Beer.” There is also a plan for a café next door, so soon you’ll have more to munch on than Brew Biscuits.

Independence brewing Co. First Saturday of the month from 1:00 3:00 pm Austinites love lines, and they wait in a long one here the first Saturday of the month. With folding chairs and tents set up in large groups on (sometimes scorching) pavement, Independence offers up a tailgate atmosphere any time of year. Grab your three free samples or, as we suggest if you are standing around in that line, bring a little cash and trade up to pints with purchase of a glass. Try a long-standing staple, like the increasingly popular Stash IPA, or special releases from the brewluminati series, get some food from that week’s vendor, and head inside to catch a tour while your friends sit working on their sunburns. Feel free to bring your dog (you live in Austin, we know you have a dog) as long as it can remain behaved with all those strangers’ crotches roaming around. Also, don’t forget to bring those Convict Hill bottle carriers you stocked up on staying warm over the winter as Independence recycles their four and six pack carriers.

Live oak brewing co. Two Saturday’s a month from 12:00 - 1:30 pm (RSVP required) Stepping into the Live Oak is like going into your grandpa’s garage, and Chip is your wild uncle. The short ceilings, horizontal old dairy tanks, smell of dust and hops, and random assortment of old and unused tools laying around add to 17

the charm of their “old world” brewing techniques. Live Oak has been making beers respected the world over in this old meat packing plant for more than 17 years and after you see the equipment and structure, you’ll have even more appreciation for their craft. They have land to possibly build a new place southeast of town, but you kind of know it would never be the same. Once you arrive, gather around in a circle to hear about their approach and styles as you pass by the taps merry-go-round style to try the standard lineup and current seasonal or two. After the tour hang out, chat up the brewers and staff and drink until they tell you to go home. If you’re smart, you’ll plan your trip in the winter when Primus is on. All of their beers are great, but Primus wasn’t our pick for best overall beer of 2011 for nothing.

JESTER king craft brewery Every Saturday from 1:00 - 4:00 pm Sometimes it feels like if you’ve been to one brewery, you’ve been to ‘em all. Industrial park, little tasting area in the corner and a few random stools. But when you head just a little out of the Austin city limits to Jester King, you realize you are anywhere but a normal

brewery. Placed in a beautiful hill country setting within a reconstructed 1930’s machine shop, the guys at Jester King create some of Texas’ most unique beers. In addition to their own rotating farmhouse ales or soured versions of their regular lineup, Jester King offers guests kegs of European beers not normally available in Texas. Buy a glass, get a beer and relax under a shade tree at one of the picnic tables and take in the rustic setting. If you don’t know much about Jester King you don’t want to miss a tour by one of the founding Stuffing/ Steffing brothers or bearded maniacs running around the place. Admire their passion, look in awe at their barrel room and grab another beer. After all, that’s really what you came for.

Thirsty Planet Brewing Co. Every Saturday from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (RSVP required) Often times a Texas brewery’s tasting room is an afterthought and put wherever there was room after the important stuff was moved in. But the team at Thirsty Planet planned ahead and incorporated a well thought out tasting room into their space that may remind you more of a bar than a brewery. With a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, live music, guest

JESTER KING

Tour Tips You’re an Adult, Act Like One. Making your brewery stop part of a full day of drinking? Pace yourself. Nothing says amateur hour to the brewers like an annoying asshole looking for a fight. “You Wanna Drive?” All those samples in a short amount of time can hit you fast. Make sure you know who is driving and then take half their drink tickets for yourself. They’ll thank you later, right? Eat Something, Dummy. Most tours are around lunchtime. Have a big, late breakfast or plan ahead. Many breweries have food vendors visit each week, but not all. So figure out how you are going to soak up all that booze. Be Realistic. Big plans that afternoon? Cancel ‘em. Nothing makes for a better nap than a few mid-day beers.

food truck and friendly atmosphere, it is easy to see why Thirsty Planet packs ‘em in every weekend. Even if you’ve had their three regular offerings, there is always something new for you as they experiment with not-so-normal ingredients or test a potential new seasonal brew. The owners’ toddler is usually running around the tasting room so you know kids are welcome. Pack up the minivan and head west to Thirsty Planet and Jester King for a familyfriendly day of drinking and worry about the kids’ homework on Sunday.

otHEr stops Not to bE mIssED:

(512) BrEwiNG cO. Many Saturdays with advance purchase of ticket Intimidated by the size and line of (512)’s quarterly(ish) open house parties? Book in advance for a more intimate tour and tasting without the wait.

auSTiN BEErwOrkS Friday’s from 4:00 - 8:00 pm with RSVP Why wait until Saturday? Kick off your weekend with Austin Beerworks’ happy hour. Space is limited and goes fast so watch Twitter/Facebook on Monday afternoon for that week’s registration to open.

rEaL aLE BrEwiNG cO. Friday’s from 2:00 - 5:00 pm Who says a brewery can’t be a destination? Take a beautiful drive out to Blanco on Friday afternoon to party with Real Ale crew. It’s also a great way to kick off a weekend camping in the Hill Country. Trust us, we speak from experience.

uNcLE BiLLY’S BrEw aNd QuE Second Wednesday at Barton Springs; Second Saturday at the Lake Go for the beer and view, stay to talk to Amos Lowe (Barton Springs) and Brian “Swifty” Peters (Lake Travis).

BEEr & LOaThiNG

daytripping on the East Side by aaron chaMberlain

We are all dads noW. We don’t haVe as much free time as we used to. So instead of doing the usual thing of getting out of town for the day, we made this Beer & Loathing daytrip a staycation. The best thing about a staycation is that you will never get lost after a few beers. First stop: Franklin bbQ. Ah, you did not expect that did you? We had all been wanting to try Franklin and this daytrip had to start early so we could return by nap time. Getting in line at 9:00 am gave us a place to drink beer in the morning, and waiting for us inside: BBQ! Now we cannot say for sure if it is “legal” to drink outside this early in the morning, but it definitely was not discouraged. A few cop cars rolled by giving us the evil eye, but nothing came of it. We sampled Josh’s and chris’ baby beers, a homebrewed barleywine and barrelaged imperial stout, respectively, and popped open a few austin beerworks pearl snaps as well. This is how Franklin runs the show: people start lining up around 9:00 am; about an

aaron Franklin

hour-and-a-half later, a Franklin rep works his or her way down the line trying to estimate the amount of meat the crowd will consume; doors open at 11:00 am; then usually sell out around 2:00 pm. We were finished up by noon, so I can’t say for sure when they sold out on this particular Saturday. My friend Jason (name drop!) told me to get the two meat plate. Two meats, two sides. I can dig that. I was also happily upsold an extra link of sausage link on top of that. The meat estimator was really pushing the turkey, but no one in our group went for it. The doors opened and we shufﬂed in, up to the counter where Aaron Franklin was waiting to slice our meat. Dude was so nice, I almost asked if he wanted to come over later and watch the bachelor with my wife and me. I walked away from the counter and said to Josh, “I think we could really be good friends. Maybe it is an Aaron thing.” Or he is just a really cool guy, super personable, which most of us are not. Then we ate. brisket, sausage, ribs and pulled pork all around. How was the BBQ?

Tasty. We all loved the brisket. The sausage was great. These descriptions are mouth watering, huh? I should start food blogging. Beer-wise they do not have a lot to offer, but enough to match up well with the BBQ. They are BYOB as well and we took full advantage of that. Fat and happy, we moved onto hops & grain brewery. So easy to get to: just find your way to Sixth Street and drive east from I-35 until you smack into the brewery. You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss it. Josh Hare and company will be there to greet you. More nice guys. This Beer & Loathing trip should have been called Daytripping With Some Jerks as They Visit Some Nice Dudes. Too wordy? Honestly I cannot remember what beers we had. Surely we drank a couple pale dogs, maybe a few alt-erations. I should have taken notes. Oh, there was a ruta Maya dark beer, which I think was basically a coffee schwarzbier. It was good, my favorite of the day. Besides the beer and the cheerful company, the best thing about Hops & Grain is the ipod chair. Before opening, Josh put out a challenge to patrons to design and build their own stool for the tasting room. When you walk into the tasting room you will see what I am talking about. It is strewn with all sorts of random, fun stoolage. The iPod chair is clearly the best. It has a built in speaker and iPod/ iPhone adapter. Pick out your favorite tune and crank it up to 11. That day I was partial to some kid cudi. No one else was feeling it, but I was having a swell time.

a tribute to Jason park

beer and loathing in one photo

pearl snap at the grackle

After thoroughly annoying other guests with our iPod chair antics we bounced over to live oak brewing company. Have you been there? It’s awesome. It’s like brewery crossed with a torture chamber. You think you are gonna find a human centipede around every corner. But only beer. Lots of beer. Good beer. chip Mcelroy and crew were on hand to chat about the beer or whatever else may come up. We asked him advice on being a cool dad. He was a wealth of knowledge on the subject. We “sampled” a handful of beers at Live Oak including their world famous hefeWeizen, their lovely pilz, liberation, and our favorite, the incomparable primus. We were told the White horse and the grackle were two good spots to check out and find local beer. First, The White Horse. When we arrived, they looked closed and seemingly under construction. They were closed, but the workers said the owner would be back shortly. Just then he appeared. That was quick. He wore a cowboy hat that looked about two sizes too small for his head and was accompanied by a large man, a bodyguard or bar back. He said they were closed, but we could come in anyway. Keeping it “in the ‘hood,” they had more Live Oak and Hops & Grain on tap for us. It was dark, divey and lonely at 2:00 in the afternoon. I love this place. I left my fellow loathers at the White Horse. I had to be at a kid’s birthday party around the time we left Hops & Grain. Yeah, I was in trouble. I heard that the guys stayed for another beer before heading to The Grackle to finish the daytrip. I asked Chris if anything funny or interesting happened at the Grackle. He said, “We watched NASCAR, drank Pearl Snaps, and talked about how we’d all kill for our kids. And admired the nice aesthetic, yet divey quality of The Grackle.” Typical dads.

BrEwEriES

(512) Brewing co. iNfO

currENT SEaSONaL

BREWER/FOUNDER . . . .Kevin Brand (Owner), Nate Seale (Brewer) ESTABLISHED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Summer 2008 TOURS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rotating Open Houses URL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.512brewing.com

(512) black Ipa STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Black IPA ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . .Draft (Early Spring) QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hoppy, bitter, coffee FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL. . . . . . . . . . Pork tamales, supreme (yeah, supreme) nachos

YEar rOuNd BEErS (512) Wit STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wit or white beer ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.2% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft QUICK SIP. . .Light, semi-tart, hint of grapefruit FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . White pizza, light pastas, hummus, salads, seafood (512) Ipa STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .American IPA ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hoppy, citrusy, solid FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . Spicy Thai, Tex-Mex, Italian, ALL pizza, BBQ (512) pale STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . American Pale Ale ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.8% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft QUICK SIP. . . . . . . .Drinkable, hoppy, quenching FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . . Burgers, chiles rellenos, fish and chips

(512) Whiskey barrel aged Double pecan porter STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Imperial Porter ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.2% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . .Draft/Bottles (Limited) QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . Vanilla, coconut, pecans FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL. . . . . . Digestion (512) aLt STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Altbier ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.0% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . Draft (Late Spring) QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . .Roasty, nutty, slightly sweet FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL. . . . . . . . .Grilled sausages, fish

wE rEcOMMENd ALT, IPA, Whiskey Barrel Aged Double Pecan Porter

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

kevin brand and his wife moved to austin from california in early 2008 to start the brewery and were brewing beer that same 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 have released a limited number of bottles of Whiskey barrel aged double pecan porter (and Wild bear) in the past and sprinkled them around town. These hot commodities moved off shelves in increments of minutes and created a city wide scavenger hunt/craze/mania/wild goose chase akin to the Saint Arnold Divine Reserve releases in Houston.

BrEwEriES

adelbert’s Brewery iNfO BREWER/FOUNDER . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Hovey ESTABLISHED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winter 2011/12 TOURS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Check website URL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.adelbertsbeer.com

YEar rOuNd BEErS rambler ale STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Belgian Style Blonde Ale ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.3% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Bottle QUICK SIP. . . . . . . Bright, semi-spicy, drinkable FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . . Chicken, cheese, grilled tilapia, rustic bread scratchin’ Hippo STYLE . . . . . . . . . . Belgian Style Biere de Garde ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.8% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Bottle QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . Malty, earthy, semi-sweet FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . . . . . . Thai, steak, spicy Italian

cOMiNG SOON Dancin’ monks STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Belgian Style Dubbel Ale IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Bottle Flyin’ monks STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Belgian Style Quad Ale IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Bottle Naked Nun STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Witbier IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Bottle philosophizer STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Saison IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Bottle

wE rEcOMMENd Scratchin’ Hippo, Tripel B

tripel b STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Belgian Style Tripel Ale ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.3% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Bottle QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cloudy, candy, fruity FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . . Spinach salald, strawberries, lobster

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 to Austin 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.

BrEwEriES

austin Beerworks iNfO BREWER/FOUNDER . . . . . . . . Adam DeBower, Michael Graham, Mike McGovern and Will Golden ESTABLISHED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Summer 2011 TOURS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Check website URL . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.austinbeerworks.com

YEar rOuNd BEErS black thunder German schwarz STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Schwarzbier ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.2% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Cans QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roasted, coffee, slightly hoppy, dry FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . . S’mores, scones, beef jerkey Fire Eagle american Ipa STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .American IPA ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.2% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Cans QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hoppy, piney FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . . . . . Thai, steak, spicy Italian

QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Drinkable, crisp FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . . . . Vegan hotdogs, pickles, Sidora’s homemade Chex mix pearl-snap German pils STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . German Pilsner ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.3% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Cans QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Light, hoppy, crisp FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . .Sausage, breads, mustard, burgers

currENT SEaSONaL Gold Fist belgian-style Golden ale STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . Belgian-Style Golden Ale IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . .Malty sweet, fruity, slightly spicy from the yeast esters FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . . . . Dates, roasted quail, fruit cake

wE rEcOMMENd Fire Eagle, Peacemaker

peacemaker Extra pale STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . American Pale Ale ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.1% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Cans 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.

BrEwEriES

circle Brewing co. iNfO BREWER/FOUNDER . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ben Sabel and Jud Mulherin ESTABLISHED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winter 2010/11 TOURS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Check website URL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.circlebrewing.com

YEar rOuNd BEErS blur texas Hefe STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hefeweizen ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.6% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . Bananas, light, gulpable FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . .Pizza, salad, crab legs Envy amber ale STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amber Ale ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.8% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Light hops, spicy, biscuity malt, crisp FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL. . . . . . . . . . .Grilled meats, chips and salsa, seafood

QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roasty, dry, cocoa FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL. . . .Raw oysters, shepherd’s pie, stew Epic Hop bock STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bock IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Slightly hoppy, malty FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL. . . . . . . . .Any food served out of a food truck

currENT SEaSONaL alibi blonde STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blonde Ale IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aromatic, malty FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL. . . . . . . .Crawfish, NCAA Basketball Finals

wE rEcOMMENd Blur Texas Hefe, Alibi

Nightlight Dry Irish stout STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Irish Dry Stout ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.7% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft 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.”

BrEwEriES

hops and Grain Brewery iNfO

wE rEcOMMENd

BREWER/FOUNDER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Josh Hare ESTABLISHED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winter 2011/12 TOURS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Friday 2-6pm Saturday 12-4pm URL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.hopsandgrain.com

Alt-eration, Greenhouse Beers

YEar rOuNd BEErS pale Dog pale ale STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . American Pale Ale ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.0% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Cans QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dry, hoppy, bitter FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fish tacos, salt and vinegar chips, gummy bears alt-eration ale STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Düsseldorf-style Altbier ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.2% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Cans QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Malty, nutty, moody FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL. . . . . . . . . . . Grilled fish, any kind of meat on a stick the Greenhouse STYLE . . . . . . . Rotating series of small batches IMBIBING OPTIONS . . .Draft/Bottles (In future) bringing his colorado beer knowledge and inspiration to austin, Josh hare has opened one of austin’s latest craft brewery. They started out with two year-round beers that will be canned for easy use during your outdoor drinking endeavors. 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. You may have had their porter. Expect more styles like a barleywine, Belgian pale ale and schwarzbier to show up on draft and 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 (from what we’ve seen at beer festivals, people can be quite fond of them after a few drinks too).

BrEwEriES

independence Brewing co. iNfO BREWER/FOUNDER. . . .Rob & Amy Cartwright ESTABLISHED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fall 2004 TOURS. . . . . . . . . . . First Saturday of the month URL . . . . . . . . .www.independencebrewing.com

YEar rOuNd BEErS bootlegger brown ale STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . American Brown Ale ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Bottle QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Big roasty malt ﬂavor, caramel, nutty FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . . . . Steak, roasted pork, Chinese takeout Independence pale ale STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . American Pale Ale ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.5% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Bottle QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . Piney, hoppy, light malt FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . Reubens, sausage and peppers stash Ipa STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .American IPA ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8%

IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Bottle QUICK SIP. . . . . Very hoppy, balanced malt body FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . Greasy-fatty Mexican, pizza Convict Hill oatmeal stout STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oatmeal Stout ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.5% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Bottle QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cacao, licorice, roast FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . . . . . . . Ice cream, chocolate, toffee

currENT SEaSONaL Lupulust tripel STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tripel ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sweet, alcohol, grain FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL Popcorn, spicy nuts from the Draught House

wE rEcOMMENd Stash IPA, Convict Hill, Lupulust *See full listing of available beers at www.austinbeerguide.com

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

BrEwEriES

Jester king craft Brewery iNfO BREWER/FOUNDER . . . . . . . . Jeffrey Stuffings and Michael Steffing ESTABLISHED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fall 2010 TOURS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Most Saturdays URL . . . . . . . . . . . . www.jesterkingbrewery.com

YEar rOuNd BEErS black metal Imperial stout STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . Farmhouse Imperial Stout ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Bottle QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Big roast, coffee, chocolate FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL. . .Cheesecake, roast beef and other bloody meats Le petit prince STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Farmhouse Table Beer ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.9% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Bottle QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subtle hop spiciness, yeast esters, wild ﬂowers FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . Crackers and light cheeses, pears, grilled ﬂaky white fish Wytchmaker rye Ipa STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Farmhouse Rye IPA ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.3%

IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Bottle QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Drinkable, hoppy, quenching FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . . Burgers, pizza, chips and salsa

currENT SEaSONaL bEEr GEEK roDEo / WHIsKEY roDEo / WEasEL roDEo** STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chili/Coffee Strong Stout IMBIBING OPTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Draft/Bottle QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Smoke, spice, coffee, roasty FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL. . . . . . . . . Roast beast, beef jerky, breakfast

wE rEcOMMENd Le Petit Prince, Wytchmaker

*See full listing of available beers at austinbeerguide.com **Collaboration brew(s) with Mikkeller. For much, much more info on this beer check out Jester King’s blog: jesterkingbrewery.com/blog

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 “ale”/“Malt liquor” in tX geek brunch. Look for it later in 2012. Jester King has challenged conventional beer thinking while raising the bar high for the local Austin palate.

BrEwEriES

Live Oak Brewing co. iNfO

currENT SEaSONaL

BREWER/FOUNDER . . . . . . . . . . . Chip McElroy ESTABLISHED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1997 TOURS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saturdays at Noon URL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.liveoakbrewing.com

schwarzbier STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Schwarzbier ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.8% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . .Draft (Early Spring) QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Roasty, coffee, smooth FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . Breakfast tacos (yes, breakfast tacos)

YEar rOuNd BEErS HefeWeizen STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hefeweizen ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.1% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bananas, cloves, hazy, super refreshing FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL. . .Blue cheese! pilz STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Czech Pilsner ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.7% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hoppy, dry, refreshing FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . .Sausage, pizza, burgers, anything really

roggenbier STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roggenbier ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.8% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . Draft (Late Spring) QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . Smooth, fruity, drinkable FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . . Pastries, mild cheeses, melon

wE rEcOMMENd Pilz, HefeWeizen, Schwarzbier *See full listing of available beers at www.austinbeerguide.com

Liberation ale STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .American IPA ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.3% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . Hoppy, great malt balance FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . . Tobacco, foie gras or other duck dishes

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.

BrEwEriES

real ale Brewing co. iNfO

BREWER/FOUNDER . . . . . . . . . . Philip & Diane Conner (Founders), Brad Farbstein (Owner), Tim Schwartz, Erik Ogershok (Head Brewers) ESTABLISHED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1996 TOURS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fridays 2-5pm URL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.realalebrewing.com

YEar rOuNd BEErS Devil’s backone STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Belgian-Style Tripel ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.1% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Bottle QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sweet, boozey, honey FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . . . . . Tuna salad, grilled cheese, tomato soup Firemans #4 blonde ale STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blonde Ale ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.1% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Bottle QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Light, bready malts FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . . .Poultry, pizza, whatever’s on the grill Lost Gold Ipa STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .American IPA ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.6% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Bottle QUICK SIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Citrusy hops, strong malt background FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . . . . . Fried chicken, gorgonzola, gumbo (spicy or otherwise)

currENT SEaSONaL real Heavy STYLE . . . . . . . . Strong Scotch Ale (Wee Heavy) ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.7% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft QUICK SIP . . . . . . . . . . . . Caramel, malty, nutty FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . . . Classic burger and fries, fish and chips

wE rEcOMMENd Lost Gold IPA, Devil’s Backbone *See full listing of available beers at www.austinbeerguide.com

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, kicking off with the excellent shade grown coffee porter. Last year they began turning out a series of experimental Mysterium Verum (Real Mystery) beers, including seasonals aged in oak barrels or entirely new brews.

BrEwEriES

South austin Brewing co. iNfO

BREWER/FOUNDER . . . . . . . . . . Jordan Weeks ESTABLISHED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winter 2012 TOURS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Check website URL . . . . . . . . . . .www.southaustinbrewing.com

YEar rOuNd BEErS belgian style Golden ale STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Belgian Golden Ale ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.8% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Bottle QUICK SIP. . . . . . . . . . . . .Fruity esters, quaffable, brite, smooth FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . . . . . .Fish, fruits and honey, soft cheeses, frites saison D’austin STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Belgian Saison ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft/Bottle QUICK SIP . . . . . . . . . . . . Sweet, spicy, peppery FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . . . Salads, chicken, pheasant, fruit

wE rEcOMMENd Belgian Style Golden Ale, Saison D’Austin

south austin grand opening

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.

C F F S t GP P E t DP D L U B J M T XXX IPQmFMETBVTUJO DPN t (VBEBMVQF 4U

BrEwEriES

Thirsty planet Brewing co. iNfO

wE rEcOMMENd

BREWER/FOUNDER . . .Brian & Tammy Smittle ESTABLISHED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Summer 2010 TOURS. . . . . . . . . . . Saturdays, 11am & 1:30pm URL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.thirstyplanet.net

Buckethead IPA, Thirsty Goat Amber

YEar rOuNd BEErS buckethead Ipa STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .American IPA IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft QUICK SIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Slightly sweet, bitter finish, hoppy nose FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . .Pâté, pizza, fish and chips thirsty Goat amber STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amber Ale ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.8% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft QUICK SIP . . . . . . . . . . . .Malty, clean, drinkable FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL. . . Sandwiches, chips and queso Yellow armadillo Wheat STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .American Wheat ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.1% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft QUICK SIP . . . . . . . Crisp, refreshing, drinkable FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . .Sausage, crawfish 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.

BrEwEriES

Twisted X Brewing co. iNfO BREWER/FOUNDER. . . . . . . . . . . .Jim Sampson and Shane Bordeau ESTABLISHED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spring 2011 TOURS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Check website URL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.texmexbeer.com

YEar rOuNd BEErS Cow Creek premium tex mex Dark Lager STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vienna (Dark) Lager ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.4% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft QUICK SIP . . . . . . . . . .Drinkable, slightly sweet FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . . Gorditas, tostadas, tamales

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 Lager ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.2% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft QUICK SIP . . . . . . . .Light, very drinkable, clean FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . . . . . Elote, nachos, enchiladas

wE rEcOMMENd Fuego, Señor Viejo

Fuego Jalapeño Infused tex mex pilsner STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chile Beer/Pilsner ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.2% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft QUICK SIP . . . . . . . . . . . . Crisp, slightly dry, hot FOOD IT CHASES DOWN WELL . . . . . . . . Steak, roasted pork, Chinese takeout señor Viejo tex mex Imperial black Lager STYLE . . . . . Barrel Aged Imperial Schwarzbier ABV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.2% IMBIBING OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draft 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 the 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-degallo beer be in the works? Let’s hope so. Mole Porter—that’s the ticket!

More Texas Breweries *

Whoah, this list is getting long! We had to bump this section to three quarters of a page this issue. This is a good thing. The only draw back we can see - tap space. Start expanding bars. aLaMO BEEr cOMpaNY

SOuThErN STar BrEwiNG cOMpaNY

LOCATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Antonio URL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.alamobeer.com

LOCATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conroe ESTABLISHED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008 URL . . . . . . . . . .www.southernstarbrewery.com

dEEp ELLuM BrEwiNG cOMpaNY LOCATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dallas ESTABLISHED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 URL . . . . . . . . . . . .www.deepellumbrewing.com fraNcONia BrEwiNG cOMpaNY LOCATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . McKinney ESTABLISHED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008 URL . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.franconiabrewing.com karBach BrEwiNG cOMpaNY LOCATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Houston ESTABLISHED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 URL . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.karbachbrewing.com NO LaBEL BrEwiNG cOMpaNY LOCATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katy ESTABLISHED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 URL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.nolabelbrew.com rahr & SONS BrEwiNG cOMpaNY LOCATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fort Worth ESTABLISHED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2004 URL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.rahrbrewing.com raNGEr crEEk BrEwiNG & diSTiLLiNG LOCATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Antonio ESTABLISHED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2010 URL . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.drinkrangercreek.com SaiNT arNOLd BrEwiNG cOMpaNY LOCATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Houston ESTABLISHED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1994 URL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.saintarnold.com

SpOETZL BrEwErY (ShiNEr) LOCATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shiner ESTABLISHED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1909 URL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.shiner.com

*Texas breweries with beer currently available in Austin

BrEw puBS

Black Star co-op iNfO

BrEw puB SNapShOT

LOCATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . .7020 Easy Wind Drive Midtown Commons, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78752 PHONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-452-BEER HOURS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4pm-12am URL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.blackstar.coop

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.

hOuSE BEEr SaMpLiNG High Esteem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pale Ale Double Dee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amber Ale Vulcan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rye IPA rebellious Dockhand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sour Ale Epsilon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scotch Ale

wE rEcOMMENd Vulcan, Rebellious Dockhand

draught house iNfO

LOCATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4112 Medical Pkwy Austin, TX 78756 PHONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .512-452-MALT HOURS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mon-Thu 5pm-2am, Fri-Sun 1pm-2am URL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.draughthouse.com

hOuSE BEEr SaMpLiNG red planet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Red Ale bombay Ipa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .American IPA Jubal ale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winter Warmer big tex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . American Strong Ale malt ball. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .American Porter

BrEw puB SNapShOT Brewer Josh Wilson likes to keep his beers moving. Josh doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

BrEw puBS

Lovejoys iNfO

BrEw puB SNapShOT

LOCATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 604 Neches Street Austin, TX 78701 PHONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-477-1268 HOURS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4pm-2am URL . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.myspace.com/lovejoys

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.

hOuSE BEEr SaMpLiNG samson’s best . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pale Ale sad Family somber ale . . . . . . . English Bitter aJ porter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .American Porter oktober Lovefest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oktoberfest Dr. shock Ipa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .American IPA

wE rEcOMMENd Samson’s Best, AJ Porter

BrEw puBS

North by Northwest iNfO

BrEw puB SNapShOT

LOCATION. . . . . . . . . 10010 Capital of TX Hwy N Austin, TX 78759 PHONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-467-6969 HOURS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Varied, check website URL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.nxnwbrew.com

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.

hOuSE BEEr SaMpLiNG Northern Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pilsner Duckabush amber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amber Ale pyjingo pale ale . . . . . . . . . . American Pale Ale okanagan black ale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Black Ale barton Kriek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sour/Lambic

wE rEcOMMENd Pyjingo Pale Ale, Barton Kriek

BrEw puBS

uncle Billy’s iNfO

BrEw puB SNapShOT

LOCATION #1. . . . . . 1530 Barton Springs Road Austin, TX 78704 PHONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-476-0100 LOCATION #2. . . . . . . . . . . 6550 Comanche Trail Unit B - Suite 201 Austin, TX 78732 PHONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-266-0111 HOURS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Varied, check website URL . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.unclebillysaustin.com

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.

hOuSE BEEr SaMpLiNG back 40 blonde. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blonde Hill Country organic amber . . . . . . Amber Ale Hop Zombie Ipa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .American IPA UBT_AustinBeerGuide_5.1857x3.9_GTP.pdf ax Handle pale ale . . . . . . . American Pale Ale

wE rEcOMMENd 1

Hop Zombie IPA,AMAx Handle 1/9/12 11:52

CMY

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

Specialty beers also available!

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

BrEw puBS: daYTrippErS

Barber Shop iNfO

LOCATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207 Mercer Street Dripping Springs, TX 78620 PHONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-829-4636 HOURS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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.

BrEw puBS: daYTrippErS

double horn Brewing co.

Middleton Brewing

LOCATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208 Avenue H Marble Falls, TX 78654 PHONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 830-693-5165 HOURS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Varied, check website URL . . . . . . . . . . . www.doublehornbrewing.com

LOCATION. . . . . . . 9595 Ranch Road 12, Suite 4 Wimberley, TX 78676 PHONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-847-3435 HOURS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Varied, check website URL . . . . . . . . . . www.middletonbrewingllc.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.

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!

iNfO

flix Brewhouse

BrEw puBS: daYTrippErS

iNfO

pecan Street Brewing iNfO

LOCATION. . . . . . . . . 2200 South IH-35, Suite B1 Round Rock, TX 78681 PHONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-244-3549 HOURS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lobby opens one hour before first show time (See website for show times) URL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ﬂixbrewhouse.com

LOCATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 East Pecan Drive Johnson City, TX 78636 PHONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 830-868-2500 HOURS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Varied, check website URL . . . . . . . . . . .www.pecanstreetbrewing.com

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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.

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 Twilight ﬂick. Drink from their four regular and two seasonal house taps or one of many guest taps.

wimberley Brewing co. iNfO

LOCATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9595 Ranch Road 12 Wimberley, TX 78676 PHONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-847-3435 HOURS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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.

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BarS & rESTauraNTS a. Flying saucer 815 West 47th Street b. Crown and anchor pub 2911 San Jacinto Blvd C. Dog and Duck pub 406 West 17th Street D. scholz Garten 1607 San Jacinto Blvd E. 24 Diner 600 North Lamar Blvd F. opal Divine’s Freehouse 700 West 6th Street G. 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 Blvd W. Hyde park market 4429 Duval Street X. Whole Foods market 525 North Lamar Blvd Y. antonelli’s Cheese shop 4220 Duval Street Z. in.gredients (opening soon) 2610 Manor Road

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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 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 Road Q. thirsty planet brewing Co. 11160 Circle Drive

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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 Road V. Central market 4477 South Lamar Blvd W. spec’s-brodie Lane 4978 West HWY 290 X. Live oak market 4410 Manchaca Road

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a. the Dig pub 401 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park b. alamo DrafthouseLake Creek 13729 Research Boulevard C. mister tramps 8565 Research Boulevard D. alamo DrafthouseVillage 2700 West Anderson Lane

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E. pour House pub 6701 Burnet Road F. billy’s on burnet 2105 Hancock Drive G. thunderbird Coffee 1401 Koenig Lane

BrEw puBS H. North by Northwest (NXNW) 10010 N Capital of TX Hwy I. black star Co-op 7020 Easy Wind Drive

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J. Flix brewhouse / HomeField Grill 2000 S I-35, Round Rock

BrEwEriES K. Circle brewing Co. 2340 West Braker Lane L. austin beerworks 3009 Industrial Terrace m. adelbert’s brewery 2314 Rutland Dr, Ste 100 N. 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 Expwy Q. sunrise mini mart 1809 West Anderson Lane r. specs-airport 5775 Airport Boulevard s. austin Homebrew supply 9129 Metric Boulevard

CH EES EMONGER’S

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from the Minds of

antonelli’s cheese Shop . . .

cheese and beer are an epic combination. Well before cheese makes it into our case or beer to our glasses, the producers have already worked tirelessly to develop flavors, aromas, and textures that they feel express their raw materials and know-how best. Our goal as cheesemongers is to showcase and heighten these characteristics. At our core, cheesemongers are simply food (and drink!)-obsessed with an innate need to share that passion with anyone willing to listen. In the two years since we opened our doors, we have worked to develop a microcosm of cheese geekery here at Antonelli’s Cheese Shop and we’ve been, and for which we are grateful, invited into the local beer community, co-hosting events throughout the city, through which we’ve created more than two hundred unique pairings. So why are cheese and beer such a perfect combination? Richness and fattiness, characteristics of many cheeses, coat your palate and tongue often becoming a challenge when working towards a perfect pairing. Beer’s effervescence becomes an important tool to assist in lifting the fats off your palate, mixing the flavor and aroma compounds of both products, and releasing them into the olfactory, where we do most of our tasting. Every pairing is unique. The flavor profile of artisanal cheese varies from wheel to wheel, depending on factors like seasonality, weather patterns, and subtle changes in the recipe and make process, as well as the animal/breed type used to provide milk for the cheese. We choose a pairing by standing in front of our cheese case and discussing the nuanced flavor of the beverage and what our final goals are for the tasting experience. We then taste cheese and continue to adapt our choices until we find the best possible combination.

For an at-home tasting, try the following guidelines as starting points: With Fresh cheese (like Fromage Blanc or Chevre), we like Lambics. For soft-ripened, Bloomy Rinded cheese (like Brie and Camembert styles), we often pair with Witbiers, Hefeweizens, or Bruts. For those oh-sostinky Washed Rind cheeses (like Epoisses or Munster), we opt for Pale Ales and IPAs. Semi-soft cheeses like Ossau Iraty or Tomme Crayeuse go well with Saisons or Blonde Ales. Firm and Hard cheeses can take on German Pilsners, Belgian Strong Ales, Bocks, or even Tripels. And for Blues, we often love Porters and Stouts. Thanks to the rise in the number of American artisanal cheese producers, as well as craft breweries, pairing cheese and beer has never been more fun or delicious. To really enjoy a pairing, follow Cheesemonger Courtney’s advice: “It’s not something you wolf down or you will miss all the subtle details that the brewer or cheesemaker were striving for. In other words, take your time with these well crafted goodies and get all you can out of them: the smell, the taste, the appearance, etc. Truly enjoy what you’re tasting and drinking.” That says it all perfectly. Enjoy your explorative pairings.

ABG Podcast

Hanginâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; With the Co-op Podcast You guys loved the last series of podcasts, judging by the millions of downloads. If you loved those, you will marry these. This go around was brought to you by Black Star Co-op. We actually get around to chatting about beer stuff: Co-op talk and IPAs with Jeff Young. Fear not, there is plenty of nonsense too (google Natural Harvest). Use the QR code to link directly to our podcast page.

Whereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my theme music?! That is the Cheesecake Factory of beer. . . . and moving on. Are you talking about sperm again? Depends on how you judge a week. I wanted veto power if they were putting in baby kangaroo. Brought to you by: