“We are thrilled to launch the Brew City, Texas program, which represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to support and elevate the craft brewing industry in Texas,” said Caroline Wallace, Executive Director of the Texas Craft Brewers Guild. “By collaborating with cities committed to celebrating the unique culture and flavors of Texas craft beer, we aim to drive tourism, stimulate local economies, and further establish Texas as a world class beer destination.“

The Brew City initiative hopes to get these city and municipal governments to join the initiative in one of two ways: “Craft Beer Destinations” and “Emerging Brewscapes”. Craft Beer Destinations are aimed toward cities, like Houston, which are well known nationally as craft beer locations of importance.  The Emerging Brewscapes covers smaller communities looking to boost economic opportunities through attracting their inaugural brewery.  In the end, this gives locations of all sizes and brewery population density an opportunity to improve craft beer related tourism in the state.  

The Galveston area has been designated as an ‘Early Adoptor’ of the new Brew City program as a Craft Beer Destination. According to the press release from the Texas Craft Brewer Guild writes “Nestled just 50 miles from Houston, Galveston, Texas, is a charming Southern retreat with a rich tapestry of art, historic architecture, chic boutiques and ghost legends. Set on a quaint Gulf Coast barrier island, Galveston invites visitors to experience its unique charm. While the 32 miles of beaches make the city an iconic destination, Galveston offers much more beyond the shore. Explore the city’s vibrant culture and history, and savor the flavors of the local craft beer scene with breweries like Galveston Island Brewing Company, Devil and the Deep Brewing and Naked Iguana waiting to be discovered.” 

Sugar Land has also joined in as an Emerging Brewscape, with the Guild commenting, “Located in eastern Fort Bend County, Sugar Land is approximately 20 miles southwest of downtown Houston. Sugar Land Parks & Recreation strives to create and maintain unparalleled recreational opportunities and unique, high-quality parks and public spaces enhancing our community, with exceptional customer service.

The Texas Craft Brewers Guild also notes that the Brew City, Texas effort is part of a five year long strategic plan to prioritize promotion of Texas craft beer as a “world class beer destination.” 

Read more at @txcraftbrewers (IG) & @TxCraftBrewers (X/ Twitter)

https://texascraftbrewersguild.org https://texascraftbrewersguild.org/brew-city-texas-program

The post Texas Craft Brewers Guild Announces New Initiative to Boost Craft Beer Tourism in the State first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Texas Craft Brewers Guild Announces New Initiative to Boost Craft Beer Tourism in the State appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

Houston Beer Month means being proud and celebrating being in one of the best beer cities in the world, while having the ability to support local year round!

It means going to Vallensons‘, Saloon Door, Backyard and sharing a pint with friends, as we talk about beer and life.  

Houston Beer Month means going to Nobi Public House, and Penny’s Beer Garden with my family and being able to sample some of the latest from New Magnolia, St Arnold, 11 Below, Elder Son, or from across the state such as Jester King. 

It means being part of one the best dang homebrew clubs, The Bay Area Mashtronauts, the current Lone Star Circuit Champions. Not only do we talk about local, and national beer, we brew all things fermented.

Houston Beer Month means sourcing all my brewing supplies at one of the best homebrew stores, Sitta Brew Hub, where you can not only get supplies but sit down and talk about and learn about beer. You are even able to secure some local sourced supplies such as raw honey from Budz Bees Farm.

It means entering some of my homebrews into some of the most competitive homebrew competitions, on some of the most competitive circuits and walking away with a few medals. 

Houston Beer Month means supporting local brewing content creators such as podcasts like Draught Queens Podcast, Best of Show: The Competition Brewing Podcast, and How Not To Start A Damn Brewery. Watching local Youtuber’s such as Venture Brewing, and Mean Brews. 

It means going to special community organized events like Houston Beer Guide’s Block Party and experiencing brews from No Label, Back Pew, Spindletap, and many others!

Houston Beer Month means coming together with friends, family, and complete strangers in all things beer to hang out and have a good time while being responsible and enjoying local brews prepared especially for this reason.

It means being able to go to my local store that stocks beers from places that are less than 50 miles from me and not only have a selection of styles but breweries that others across the country would be jealous of! 

Houston we have beer, we know beer, let’s keep Houston a Beer Town, get out there and support as local as you can!

Cheers Y’all!

Matt Jaggers

The post The meaning of Houston Beer Month first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post The meaning of Houston Beer Month appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

A few months ago, Channing and his wife Laura received news about their daughter Olivia that is every parent’s worst nightmare—a pediatric cancer diagnosis. According to those close to the family, she has a remarkable medical team by her side, but the diagnosis comes with a great deal of hardship, not the least of which being financial strain. Over the next twelve months, Olivia will need to undergo weekly chemo treatments which will require at least one overnight hospital stay every three weeks in addition to another surgery for tumor resection and radiation. Laura and Channing are both planning to continue working throughout this process, but the cost of treatment goes well beyond their resources.

Channing’s daughter’s battle with cancer has brought forth a surge of compassion and action in our local community. Many have already start setting up local fundraisers to help the cause to rally for the Herrin family. A few weeks ago, Sandra Meyer, a regular at the Beagle teamed up with the directors at PMT YAS! Studio, a Friendswood based children theatre and raised over 4k for the family.

Please raise a toast to Olivia’s strength, reminding us all that even in the darkest of times, love and kindness can light the way forward.

This will be a long road for our friends and we are here to support them. Please bookmark this page as we will keep this page updated with other ways you can help as they appear.

Olivia, you are loved! You are in our thoughts and prayers every day.

Want to help out? Here are a few ways you can help out the Herrin family.

1. Direct Monetary Donation – GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/channing-laura-and-olivia-beat-cancer

2. Drink Girl Dad by Back Pew Brewing Company: Our friends at Back Pew Brewing in Porter TX brewed up a special Session IPA named Girl Dad and funds raised from this beer will go back to the family directly. At 3.8%, its hoppy and delicious too!

4. Attend Upcoming Charity Events

April 13th – 12pm Save Olivia/F*ck Cancer – Music and Food at Equal Part Brewing. 10 Bands coming together to raise money for Olivia Herrin.

Doors open at 12pm / First Band at 1pm – Free – All Ages

Bands:
Quinn the Brain
Municipal Bats
Riptide Phantoms
Snake Food
Nothin, Who Cares
Bar Rats
Alien Shore
Gherkin Dolls
As We Shiver
Rooftop Boxer

May 18, 2024 – 12pm Pints & Pots for Olivia at Galveston Island Brewing

This event is setup by Texas Beer Experience and GIB to raise funds for the Herrin family to help with the costs of surgeries and treatments. Event starts at 12 and goes until 4. Tickets are $10 and will come with a wristband for unlimiting tasting and 4 tickets for people’s choice voting.

THE COOKOFF
10 teams will compete by making their best dish made in one vessel.You can enter your team here:
https://texasbeerexperience.com/…/inaugural-pints-and…/

Winners will be decided by a panel of judges for the Judges Choice trophy and every attendee will have tickets to vote for the People’s Choice winner!

THE BEER
Galveston Island Brewing and Vallensons’ Brewing Co. will be collaborating on a special brew dedicated to Olivia’s fight. More details as they are announced.

5. Drink Olivia IPA at Strong Arm Brewing Company or Nobi Public House. Olivia IPA is an American IPA brewed in collaboration with Channing Herrin himself. All of the proceeds will go to help the Herrin family with their medical bills, as their young daughter goes through cancer treatment. Olivia IPA is brewed with Pilsen, and a touch of Vienna malts, and with Chinook, Centennial, Citra, and Amarillo hops.

6. Enjoy Charity Taps at Nobi Public House and The Regal Beagle: Order beers from these rotating taps from breweries around town at both Nobi locations. The beers will vary and 100% of the sales of these beers will go to helping Olivia fight the good fight.

The post Brewing Hope for Olivia: Support for the Herrin Family first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Brewing Hope for Olivia: Support for the Herrin Family appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

Senate Avenue Brewing brought home the gold Bolo in the first ever Legislative Pro-Am hosted by the Craft Brewers Guild. The award had 16 breweries enter in conjunction with the Texas House Representatives from the brewery’s respective districts. Senate Avenue worked with Representative Lacey Hull and her staff on the submission for District 138 to choose a style of beer that was most representative of the people that live in the district. which skews heavily of Latin descent. The idea that was chosen was aptly named House District 138 Mexican Hot Chocolate Stout. Owner Andrew Mitcham credits his staff, especially Kitchen Manager Jessica Cerro, for their contributions for the recipe. Cerro, a native of Acapulco Mexico, contributed by offering her family’s storied recipe for Mexican hot chocolate to be the basis for the stout. 

Mitchem also credits brewer Adam Millard for helping come up with a unique stout recipe to work along with Cerra’s hot chocolate to create the winning submission.

“Adam brewed it, then it went to fermentation. Towards the end of fermentation, we started to add the spices to it like cinnamon, vanilla, cocoa nibs and a little bit of cayenne. We were a little nervous about adding too much cayenne because we didn’t want it to be like our pepper beer, so we added half of what we would normally add for cayenne and it ended up being the perfect amount.”

Andrew Mitcham

Representative Hull commented as well on the award, saying “I was excited to collaborate with Senate Avenue on creating this Mexican Hot Chocolate Stout as our House District 138 entry to the inaugural Pro-Am competition! I am proud to represent HD 138 that encompasses west Houston and Jersey Village, one of the most diverse districts in Houston and the state. Senate Avenue is a great small business partner not only in this (competition) but in our community”. Representative Hull went on to add, “I look forward to continuing to work with them (Senate Avenue) and hopefully defending our title next year!”

Not to be outdone, True Anomaly Brewing has quickly established a dynasty of sorts in the state by winning not just four total Bolos in this year’s competition (three gold and one bronze) but most importantly repeating as Brewery of the Year in the 600+ Barrel Group. This is True Anomaly’s second time being named the 600+ Barrel Brewery of the Year and also their second in a row. Per the Texas Craft Brewers Guild website, the criteria for winning Brewery of the Year are based off of each medal awarded at the Brewers Cup, with one point for a bronze Bolo, two points for a silver, and three points for a gold.  

True Anomaly won four medals at this year’s Brewers Cup, including three gold and one bronze Bolo. The winning beer submissions this year for True Anomaly were a gold Bolo for White Dwarf (American & European Sour), a gold Bolo for Flanders Redux (Wood & Barrel Aged Sour & Brett Beer), a bronze Bolo for Sea of Waves (also Wood & Barrel Aged Sour & Brett Beer), and finally a gold Bolo for Fireflies (Experimental, Hybrid & Specialty Beer). This after True Anomaly won 5 total Bolos in 2023 (three gold and two silver).  Co-Owner of True Anomaly Michael Duckworth attributes the accolades to the work of the entire team, especially considering many of their accolades are in categories for beer styles that are often time intensive to produce and are difficult to master to an award-winning level.  

With a new production facility and tap room under construction currently with hopes to open to the public later this year, the future is bright for True Anomaly. With a bright future and being two-time defending Brewery of the Year in the state comes high expectations. Duckworth added that he felt the brewery was more than up to the task of continuing to produce excellent beer, but also continuing to challenge itself to not accept the successes of the recent past.   

The post True Anomaly and Senate Avenue Bring Additional Notoriety with Awards from 2024 Texas Craft Brewers Cup first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post True Anomaly and Senate Avenue Bring Additional Notoriety with Awards from 2024 Texas Craft Brewers Cup appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

Early this afternoon, Elder Son Brewing has announced they have completed a buyout of Southern Yankee Beer Company, located off of FM1960, between I-45 and the Hardy Toll Road. The sale was finalized earlier today. Robert Frye, owner and brewer at Elder Son, has stated that the addition will serve as the breweries primary production facility. Elder Son plans to keep the tap room open at the new location, soon giving patrons two locations to enjoy Elder Son beer.

Elder Son plans to shift all brewing operations over to the FM1960 in the coming weeks, increasing production size from 47 barrels to 116 barrels. It will also give Frye needed space to establish a barrel aging program for the brewery, expanding canning options to promote more To-Go sales at both locations, as well as increase distribution opportunities for the brewery. The 1960 location will be closed until Thursday, February 29th, when it will reopen normal operations at that time. It will also continue to operate under the Southern Yankee name for the next several weeks as Elder Son transitions into the space. Frye also indicated the food truck will remain on site.

Elder Son Brewing will be located at 930 FM 1960, Suite G, Houston, Tx. 77073.

Follow Elder Son Brewing on IG at @eldersonbrewing.

Update 2/26/2024 02:12pm: Southern Yankee Crafthouse is not a part of the purchase and are not affected by the sale of the brewery.

The post Elder Son Agrees to Buy Out Southern Yankee Beer Company first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Elder Son Agrees to Buy Out Southern Yankee Beer Company appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

Big congrats to True Anomaly Brewing Company for taking home the big one – the 2024 Brewery of the Year award. Cheers to brewing great beer!

See the full list of Texas winners here.

The post Texas Craft Brewers Cup Awards 2024 first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Texas Craft Brewers Cup Awards 2024 appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

With the closures of several local Houston breweries and businesses in the last two years, it’s time to face the fact that craft beer has derailed on it’s track to success.

In the landscape of beverage culture, craft beer once stood as a beacon of innovation, taste, and independence. However, as the industry has grown, it has begun to lose its essence, and in many ways, its very soul. The demise of craft beer isn’t solely due to external factors; rather, it’s a result of the very people who championed it – the craft beer fans themselves.

There’s something deeply intimate about the connection between consumers and local craft breweries, a lot like we see in the cherished bonds of real love and relationships. Much like nurturing a romantic relationship, supporting local craft breweries requires dedication, loyalty, and a willingness to invest time and resources. Just as lovers rely on each other for support and encouragement, local craft breweries depend on the backing of their local community to flourish and sustain.

These breweries aren’t just purveyors of beer; they’re creators of community, craftsmanship, and culture. They bring people from all walks of life together, bonded only through the liquids that they drink. Amidst the challenges posed by mass-produced alternatives and economic uncertainty, the need for steadfast support has never been more pressing.

So ask yourself, how did we navigate away from the days of before? Where did we go wrong? Where did my passion for local beer go and why did it leave in the first place?

Did the hype train cause a crash and burn? Did the quest for the latest limited-release or hyped-up collaboration becoming more important than the quality and craftsmanship behind the beer itself, causing the lack of interest/ burn out effect we see today? Did the single track mindset stifle innovation leaving you bored with the products that are being offered today?

However, all hope is not lost. Craft beer can still reclaim its essence and regain its former glory by returning to its roots. This is not the end of the line. Support from the community has always been the engine driving craft breweries forward. Like a train stalled on its tracks, the craft beer community must pause to reconsider its trajectory and rediscover the essence of what made craft beer so beloved in the first place. We know craft beer isn’t dead; it’s still thriving in the hearts of those who appreciate its uniqueness and character.

The question is now ‘will you pledge your support back to the local craft community and help our city’s scene get back on track?’

Join us as we kick off a new wave of Houston beer with the return of Houston Beer Month. Typically in August of each year, we decided that this initiative simply can not wait and breweries/beer businesses need your help now.

Here are a few ideas on how you can help get involved for Houston Beer Month.

1. Social media engagement: Follow your favorite breweries on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Tiktok. Engage with their posts by liking, commenting, and sharing to help increase their visibility and reach.
2. Word of mouth recommendations: Spread the word about your favorite breweries to friends, family, and colleagues. Personal recommendations carry a lot of weight and can introduce new customers to the craft beer scene.
3. Attend brewery events: Participate in brewery events such as tap takeovers, beer releases, and brewery tours. These events help foster a sense of community and support for local breweries. We have a list of all the cool events happening in March on our website. Help us find more event and spread the word.
4. Volunteer at festivals: Many craft beer festivals rely on volunteers to help with various tasks such as pouring beer, setting up, and cleaning up. There are several beer festivals happening in March – check em out.
5. Write reviews: Leave positive reviews for your favorite breweries on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Untappd. Honest and positive reviews can help attract new customers and boost the brewery’s reputation.
6. Educate yourself and others: Take the time to learn about different beer styles, brewing techniques, and the history of craft beer. Share your knowledge with others and help foster a greater appreciation for craft beer.
7. Support homebrewers: Encourage and support homebrewers in your community. Attend homebrewing events, offer feedback on their beers, and help promote their creations.
8. Promote responsible drinking: Encourage responsible drinking habits within the craft beer community. Advocate for moderation and safe consumption practices to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the industry.
9. Support beer-related charities: Look for breweries or beer-related charities that support causes you care about. Whether it’s environmental conservation, social justice, or community development, donating to these organizations can have a positive impact on both the industry and society.
10. Participate in beer swaps: Organize or participate in beer trades with friends or fellow craft beer enthusiasts. Trading beers allows you to try new brews without spending additional money while fostering a sense of camaraderie within the community.
11. Offer feedback to breweries: Provide constructive feedback to breweries about their beers and customer experience. Whether through social media, email, or in-person discussions, sharing your thoughts helps breweries understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
12. Support local businesses that serve craft beer: Patronize bars, restaurants, and bottle shops that prioritize offering a diverse selection of craft beers. Your support helps these businesses thrive and creates demand for craft beer in the broader market.
13. Advocate for craft beer culture: Be an ambassador for craft beer culture in your community. Houston Beer Guide is always looking for contributors to share their passion for craft beer with others, introduce newcomers to the world of craft beer, and advocate for its continued growth and recognition as a cultural and culinary art form. Email us if you interested in becoming a contributor.

The post Keeping the #HoustonBeer Train Rolling with Houston Beer Month first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Keeping the #HoustonBeer Train Rolling with Houston Beer Month appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

Follow my beer adventures on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@BrewswithBeck

The post Spindletap Brewery Sampling with Dan & Sylvia first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Spindletap Brewery Sampling with Dan & Sylvia appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

The brewery had distribution to area grocery stores and bars in November of 2022, a full month before their tap room even had its soft opening.  By January of 2023, Bad Astronaut was open full time and ready to establish itself as one of Houston’s premiere breweries and event venues.  

During my visit, I met up with Tiare Austin, the recently hired Event Coordinator for Bad Astronaut Brewing (and former GM of Walking Stick Brewing), who is working hard to take advantage of the vast amount of space in the brewery to bring in entertainment for the patrons.  These events include concerts, vintage flea markets, art exhibits, open mic comedy nights, just to name a few.  

Tiare suggested for my first pour I try Fire Net, a 5.3% ABV Munich Dunkel style lager that is malt forward with a subtle caramel flavor going down.  Seeing as I love malty beers, this was an easy sell.  There is also a nice roasty taste coming from Fire Net.  This is certainly my favorite Bad Astronaut beer to date. 

As I was going up for a second pint, I was approached by Keener, who was at the brewery that night to meet up with some friends before heading to another gathering.  We discuss several topics, including what led up to the founding of Bad Astronaut, trying to find a space for the brewery and finding one that happened to be in an up and coming area of town.  We also discussed how his time at Karbach has influenced the brewing process at Bad Astronaut.  Keener was very personable and a pleasure to speak with.

My second pour was appropriately named Cruis’n Through, a Helles style lager clocking in at a solid 5%.  Cruis’n is another malty beer, but more smooth with a taste of honey.  This beer is definitely crushable, as I got almost three-fourths of the way through it before I had the thought to take a picture of it.  

If you have not already, stop by Bad Astronaut for a couple of pints and stay to play some pool or some of the other games available throughout the brewery.  They also have some amazing pizza on site Wednesday through Sunday from Ghosthand Pasta.     

Bad Astronaut Brewing is located at 1519 Fulton St. Houston, 77009. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @badastronautbrewing (IG)  and visit their website: https://www.badasatronautbeer.com.

The post Bad Astronaut Brewing continues momentum one year after launch first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Bad Astronaut Brewing continues momentum one year after launch appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

If you’ve read any of my articles or ever had a conversation with me about beer you’ll know that I’m all about that stout life. When I heard Excalibur Brewing in Old Town Spring announced the 2nd annual Stout Fest 2024, you know I had to get the inside scoop. Stout Fest 2024 will be held at Excalibur Brewing on Saturday January 27th, where 11 breweries including Excalibur will be showcasing their finest stouts. This ticketed event will let you taste beer from several breweries in one location. With your general admission entry, you will receive a 4 oz taster glass and 8 taster tickets starting at noon for only $45. VIP ticket admission allows you to enter a hour early to enjoy unlimited samplings of the stouts and an additional taster tickets and access to refreshments – all for $80. You can buy additional tickets at the bar if you want a bit extra to enjoy. If you do not purchase a ticket, you will not be able to enter the brewery or order beer until 6PM as it will be closed exclusively for Stout Fest ticket holders only. Treat this like a private stout party with all our closest darkest friends. I am looking forward to this year’s Arthur’s Tomb variant. Peanut butter variant was a big hit before, and Red Velvet is currently on tap – I wonder what it will be this year?

The breweries in attendance for this year’s Stout Fest are Equal Parts, DECA, Location Six, Brew: 30, Misfit Outpost, Frankenboltzzz, Brash, Devil and the Deep, Megaton, and Turkey Forrest Brewing. The way Stout Fest works is each brewery will offer two different stouts for you to sample, so that’s over 20 samples of stouts available to you! With this stacked line up of breweries, there is no wrong decision on which you pick!

I was able to enjoy the collaboration beer designed between Excalibur and Frankenboltzzz while I visited. This golden stout aged with tres leches cake had a well balanced sweetness with soft coffee tones – very tasty! Each brewery will also have merchandise on site so you can show your support for them by purchasing shirts, stickers and hats. 

Purchase your tickets for Stout Fest at: https://excaliburbrewing.com/stout-fest-2024-ticket-sales/ 

With only two weeks until the event, you better hurry because the tickets are flying fast. There is plenty of seating available however if you would like to bring your lawn chairs to create your own camp, you’re more than welcome to. Parking is not a challenge either – there is a lot that is available on the corner of Border and Prairie, but since there are plenty of stouts to go around, we recommend ride sharing. Designated driver tickets are also available for $20 for individuals who want to attend but will not be drinking. Please have fun but be responsible.

No beer festival is complete without live music.

To keep you entertained Excalibur Brewing will host Mississippi Smile, Tab Cocchia, and Background Noise HTX.

Galexy Concessions just opened up next door to Excalibur so you can walk over and get a bite to eat or enjoy additional food vendors on site. Rustic Barrel will be on site selling BBQ, and Maine Lobster will be serving up their famous lobster dishes.

I am looking forward to celebrating local made stouts at this event. Bring a friend or make a date out of it. Other Houston Beer contributors will be available during the event to chat about all the way you can help support local craft beer too. See you there!

The post Stout Fest 2024 at Excalibur Brewing in Old Town Spring first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Stout Fest 2024 at Excalibur Brewing in Old Town Spring appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.