Like many Americans, I can’t help but notice the effects of weekly—or daily—alcohol consumption on my body and mind. According to research by The New Consumer/Coefficient, nearly a third of Americans planned to participate in some form of Dry January in 2025, either by cutting down or eliminating alcohol for the month. Among Gen Z and millennial drinkers, that number jumps to 49%. Call me sober-curious, I’ve never been one to just tiptoe into a goal—I go all in. Truth be told, I didn’t actually start the challenge until middle of first week of January after a much-needed winter vacation in Tennessee. I wasn’t about to skip out on the booze there—haha. Sorry, not sorry.

If no one has told you before, this dry January stuff is hard. Really hard. Perhaps if you don’t work in the industry, you might find a way to avoid it completely which could make this easier on yourself.

Consciously, I never had doubts of my decisions to indulge (sometimes too much), and I never felt like I needed alcohol to function, focus or even deal with life’s problems. Between working for a large technology company, running micro side hustles, and raising a daughter, hear me when I say – I stay busy. I never really noticed the toll alcohol was taking on me but now I can see how much more I had to gain by stepping away from it.

Today, I’m already feeling the benefits. My energy levels have skyrocketed, the morning brain fog is gone, and honestly, I’m feeling better than ever—both physically and mentally. If I feel this great after a few weeks, what would happen if I did this for four months? What about nine months? A year?

Are You Sober-Curious?

I want to share a few things I’ve learned along the way and why I’m choosing to continue this journey of soberity. Will I never drink again? More than likely and honestly, I don’t consider “quitting” part of the goal. Maybe this experiment will permanently change my drinking habits but the goal is simply to explore life without alcohol and see what it does me.

Supporting Local Breweries Without Drinking

“This industry needs me, I gotta drink to support.”

You’re not wrong. They do, but you can still support local craft breweries and bars without drinking alcohol. Most respectable spots have crafted hop water, root beer, or soda on hand. Many others have crafted mocktails, N/A beers and found ways to be creative with mineral water. I found myself reaching for hop water 99% of the time or just sticking with filtered water since I’m not big on sugary sodas. Trivia nights, live music, and hanging out with your favorite bartenders are just as enjoyable without alcohol. Spindletap Brewery is working on a N/A hazy – which I am very much looking forward to. In the meantime, I will stick to Hop Quench from Spindletap and Hop Spring sparkling water from Saint Arnold Brewing Company.

If you’re looking for alternatives, hemp-based beverages are an option. THC Delta-9 is currently legal in Texas, and local breweries are experimenting with low-dose offerings. These drinks provide a mild buzz without the nasty hangovers. You can easily enjoy two 5mg can over a couple of hours and feel nice and relaxed. I actually find myself enjoying these more at home than out. Highly recommend dosed El Rancho Grande from Spindletap Brewery, in the form of a spicy michelada.

Socializing Without Alcohol

“I only drink to relax in social environments.”

I’ve discovered that I tend to drink more when I socialize. When the vibe is really vibing, it just feels right to knock back a few too many cold ones. Keep in mind, when you decide to go dry, your social life will be impacted and unless you have a group of like-minded friends doing this challenge with you, some of your drinking buddies will likely judge your choice—secretly or not-so-secretly. I find it disturbing how many people feel “weird” when someone hanging out isn’t drinking—almost like your sobriety threatens their fun. Wild.

Being around alcohol without drinking is a challenge in itself. Choosing to put yourself in those situations is a personal decision. Me? I make myself sit at the bar, staring down my favorite bourbon selections and beer taps. How satisfying to watch the temptations melt away when you leave without a drink.

There’s No “Right” Way to Explore Sobriety

“But I might want to have a drink again…?”

Whether you’re choosing to drink more mindfully or taking a more serious approach, this journey is yours to navigate at your own pace. If you want to take a few weeks off and then enjoy a beer on your birthday—go for it. There are no hard rules for how you take on this challenge.

For all these reasons, I’ve decided to keep going. I’m looking forward to a Dry February—maybe even a Dry 2025 as a whole. Let’s take it month by month.

In the meantime, let me know where you like to enjoy non-alcoholic beverages and which local breweries are embracing the sober community.

Are you on your path to changing your alcoholic consumption patterns? I want to hear your story. Email me at @HoustonBeerGuide.com.

The post Dry January and Beyond first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Dry January and Beyond appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

If you’ve ever been to Lovelady, Texas, you’ve probably heard of Stesti Brewing Company. And if you’ve had a beer in Houston, you might know “Stesti Steve”—not his real name, but that’s what he goes by on IG. He’s been repping Stesti for the last 7 few years. Jackie and I recently got the chance to visit Stesti Brewing Company latest expansion, the Stesti Food Hall and Beer Garden – right in the heart of Midtown, and let me tell you—it’s a must-see.

Remember the old Conservatory on Prairie? Yeah, kinda like that but better. Well, this new taproom sits in a similar food hall setting with 7 different and unique restaurant concepts, all under the management of the brewery. Brewing still happens at the primary brewery in Loveland and transported to the beer garden.

And it’s not just beer on tap here—the beer garden also offers margaritas and wine. Feeling fancy? There’s even a cocktail bar inside for those extra spicy moods.

While there’s plenty of seating throughout the complex, the best spot is right at the bar with our host, Steve.

We chatted with him about how much the craft beer scene has changed over the years, especially from his early days working with a well-known distributor. He walked us through several beers on tap, and here’s the scoop:

• Czech Mex: A more tart-than-wheat flavor, super approachable.
• Sex with a Ghost: An interesting brew made with hops handpicked by the brewer’s wife in Colorado. This mix of hop varieties made for a refreshing session ale.
• Summer Pilsner with Pomegranate: Fruity and delightful.
• Tractor Juice: A light, country-style spin on the classic Pilsner Urquell, clocking in at just 3.7%—perfectly refreshing.
• Dark Lager: My personal favorite, with a light body and smoky, roasted cocoa aroma.

After sampling a few beers, we hit up some of the food hall booths to check out the offerings and decided on lemon pepper wings with fried okra on the side—absolutely delicious. Vendors booths include: The Coffee Garden, Xeo Yum, Phat Bastard Pies, The Greedy Chicken, Xica, Foreign Grill. There is also a pizza bar being planned too!

How about some Sunday Funday? Their Oktoberfest event is also coming up on Sunday Oct 27, this will be a perfect time to celebrate with live DJ, craft and cocktail samples and our favorite German brass band, The Homebrewed Brass Ensemble. Stay till 4pm to watch the Malia Hula hut dancers.

If you’re looking for a new place to enjoy Houston’s perfect patio weather, make sure to stop by Stesti Beer Garden in Midtown. You won’t be disappointed! Tell Steve we sent you!

Stesti Food Hall and Beer Garden is located at 606 Dennis St. in Houston Texas.

SUNDAY – THURSDAY 11:00AM – 10:00PM // FRIDAY & SATURDAY 11:00AM – 12:00AM

THE COFFEE GARDEN IS OPEN DAILY – PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS ARE OPEN FOR BREAKFAST 7AM-11AM

The post Patio Season is Here: Exploring Stesti Beer Garden in Midtown first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Patio Season is Here: Exploring Stesti Beer Garden in Midtown appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

Hold up…is it actually Houston Craft Beer Month? Didn’t we switch that to March?

Well, that depends on who you ask. But you know what? Let’s celebrate anyway!

Back in 2021, the fine folks at Houston Beer Guide had a brilliant idea: let’s dedicate an entire month to celebrating the incredible craft beer scene right here in Houston. And thus, August was crowned Houston Beer Month. You can check out their very first article on the concept here. Whether you call it Houston Beer Month or Houston Craft Beer Month, the goal remains the same—a month-long celebration of everything that makes Houston’s local brews special.

Breweries across the city are encouraged to throw parties, brew special beers, and engage with their fans on social media throughout the month. In these challenging times, local breweries depend on loyal customers and social media buzz to keep their taprooms buzzing, their events packed, and their beers flying off the shelves.

Now, about that little switcheroo—last year, we made the decision to move Houston Craft Beer Month to March. Why? Well, anyone who’s spent a summer in Houston knows that August can be a scorcher. We realized that holding a beer festival outdoors in that kind of heat wasn’t the best idea for beer lovers or brewery staff. But just because we moved the festival doesn’t mean we can’t raise a glass to Houston craft beer in August, too!

And it seems the idea has caught on! True Anomaly’s Michael Duckworth has kicked off a new campaign to bring Houston Craft Beer Month back to August. Breweries from around town are joining in, offering special HCBM packages that include beers, cans to go, pint glasses, HCBM patches, and more—all at a sweet price. Plus, a portion of the sales from each package is donated to the Houston Food Bank to help support families in need.

This year’s participating breweries include:

• Elder Son Brewing
• Equal Parts Brewing
• Eureka Heights Brewing
• Frost Town Brewing
• Galveston Bay Brewing
• Holler Brewing Co.
• New Magnolia Brewing
• No Label Brewing
• Saint Arnold Brewing Company
• Spindletap Brewery
• Texas Leaguer Brewing
• True Anomaly Brewing
• Vallensons Brewing Co
• Lone Pint Brewery

Head over to the Houston Craft Beer Month page for all the details on this fantastic campaign benefiting The Houston Food Bank.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there, grab a pint or five, and keep Houston’s beer scene alive and kicking. Show your support with your dollars and your social media shoutouts. Let’s make this August Houston Craft Beer Month one to remember!

Cheers!

The post Now is the perfect time to celebrate Houston Beer first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Now is the perfect time to celebrate Houston Beer 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. Attend Upcoming Charity Events

The next charity event for Olivia is scheduled for this Saturday July 27th at Saloon Door Brewing. The Kemahfest Fundraiser was created to help raise funds for the Herrin family in hopes to send them off for a much needed vacation on a magical Disney cruise.

They are releasing new flavors of their American Light Lager, Kemah Suprema and have a silent auction and raffles planned throughout the event. Food will be available for purchase from Dang Dats Delicious.

See the full event details here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/836691247929518?ref=newsfeed

3. 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. Many breweries are launching beers dedicated to the cause, keep an eye out for those!

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.

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.

To my surprise, this Belgian White style ale beer was very enjoyable to drink. Really felt like a complete beer on my palete. The traditional Belgian-style white beer is made with malted barley and unmalted wheat and sometimes oats or spelt too. It is spiced with a touch of hops to keep the bitterness low but carries notes of light coriander and citrus orange peel. Paired with a Belgian yeast character it’s mildy fruity and has subtle spice flavor notes. The appearance of white beer is usually pale yellow in color with a slight haziness and a rich, foamy head. The aroma is citrusy, spicy, and fruity and the body is light. Perhaps a bit too light?

The taste is balanced with light malt and wheat flavors, and has a bright pop of citrus on the nose. I am not gonna suggest you throw an orange slice in it for the Blue Moon effect but you could! The alcohol content of traditional white beer is usually between 4.5% and 5.0% ABV but sitting at 0.5%, this beer is perfect for those that enjoy drinking the more traditional beer styles and want to give their liver a break. After all, it’s good to start fresh with the new year, free from alcohol and easy to enjoy.

If you run across this beer in town, give it a taste. It might not be your favorite beer to drink every day but it’s well executed beer example of a traditional style. The no alcohol part? Your body says thank you. You deserve a break – free yourself and take it easy.

The post Free & Easy N/A Belgian White from Karbach Brewing first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Free & Easy N/A Belgian White from Karbach Brewing appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

“What was your most memorable beer this year?”

Scotch Panda from Elder Son Brewing

I will admit personal bias immediately, but my favorite Houston area beer release for 2023 has to be “Scotch Panda”, a late February release from Elder Son Brewing.  Scotch Panda was a 5.1% ABV Scottish Export Ale that oozed a sweet and smooth, yet perfectly malty, flavor with a little hint of chocolate going down. Being able to come in with Robert Frye of Elder Son and brew this beer was an amazing experience (I wish I could capture the smell of the boil tank that day and turn that into endless amounts of candles), but to have a moderate ABV beer with so much flavor come out of it was even better.  I am going to cross my fingers and hope, just maybe, Scotch Panda makes a return one day. 

– Jackie @JackieVonPanda

Chill Brah from Project Halo Brewing

If I’m picking the beer that had the biggest impression on me then I’d have to look no further than Project Halo’s Chill Brah 4.9% ABV, a seasonal black ale with rice. I remember the day I went out to Fulshear to get some more of this beer because it went down so smoothly. For a beer being so black, you’d expect it to be heavier yet it’s deceptively light. Chill Brah was roasty and bold but provided a crushable experience. I remember someone asking what beer I was having in the taproom and I told them “Chill Brah”. After reassuring them that it was in fact the name of the beer, and not me being confrontational, the bar sold nearly 20 pints in a matter of 30 minutes. I was excited to tell everyone about how great of a beer this was and will continue to beat the drum loudly till it makes its return.

Ronnie R. @Mxc_ronnie

Fresh Love Double IPA from Spindletap Brewery

Bob Marley was once quoted saying “You may not be her first, her last, or her only. She loved before, she may love again. But if she loves you now, what else matters?” … And I will definitely love this beer again.

Choosing only one beer for the year was tough but Fresh Love DIPA 8.5% ABV is my final pick for beer of the year in 2023. Spawning from the recipe of One Love, a Simcoe and Nugget focused double IPA, Spindletap Brewery took a spin off the dank tropical vibes and remixed this year’s batch with fresh Simcoe hops. Brewed with Yakima Chief’s frozen fresh hops, this beer was the perfect balance of tropical and grassy notes. Distinct dank quality along with a cornucopia of fruit aromas like sweet pineapple, zesty grapefruit, and candied orange dominate with a very delicious resinous backbone. The perfect IPA for old school IPA drinkers like me and those that want to experience their love of IPAs for the very first time.

Sylvia @HoustonBeerMother

What was your favorite beer of 2023?

Send us an email at cheers@houstonbeerguide.com and let us know!

Have a safe and joyous Happy New Year!

See you in 2024.

The post A Beer To Remember in 2023 first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post A Beer To Remember in 2023 appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

Tucked in the small neighborhood of Houston’s second ward, just a block from White Oak Music Hall, H-Town Brewing Co graciously appears on the scene as Houston’s newest brewpub and bar. When previously housed brewery Black Page Brewing shut their doors this year, the Ortiz family including father Enrique Ortiz and his daughters Jocelyn and Jacqueline decided to make this beautiful location their own. With a name like H-Town Brewing, you know we had to stop by and check out the scene they are creating. Time to go northbound.

Upon arrival to the lavish new taproom, it was clear that H-town was taking their opening of the new taproom very serious. Clean and spacious, the beautiful floral mural and open bar style seating created a comforting atmosphere upon arrival.  The two-section bar plus outdoor elevated patio gave a nice view of the beer garden below.  Two 16+ tap walls covered the area between the indoor/outdoor guest seating space and the bar staff was friendly, attentive and eager to chat. 

I was introduced to the lovely, Jocelyn Ortiz, one of H-Towns’ daughter owners behind the bar while I ordered up a flight of all the house made beers. Hispanic owned and operated, she explained that her father was originally looking for a restaurant to purchase but decided for this brewhouse instead when they found this gem location spot up for sale.

So, what’s the deal with the beers?  Glad you asked.  During our visit there were only 4 beers on tap. Since then, they have released a fruited sour beer too!

H-Town Brewing Co line up as of December 2nd.

• Whiteoak Wheat (4.5% abv) – Very light, crisp citrus notes and easy drinking.  Lowest abv beer on the board. Haven’t had a wheat in some time but it was enjoyable.
• Juicebox Hazy (5.7% abv) – Hoppy and tropical. I like my IPAs a bit thicker with body but someone nearby who doesn’t typically drink IPAs, thought the citrus notes grabbed his palate and would definitely order again.
• El Toro Mexican Lager (5.7% abv) – My first pick choice, this beer checks all the boxes on a crushable Mexican style lager.  Very delicious. On my next visit, I am making it a miche.
• Space Kowboy Kolsch (5.7% abv) – Clean refreshing character made this beer very enjoyable, subtle hop bite and clean lager-like finish.  Floral hops and biscuit malt created a very balanced beer. 

Also included on the wall was a guest tap of Phaser Fight from Bad Astronaut. They know the importance of supporting local, I like it.

Okay, you got our attention. Who’s brewing all this great beer anyways?

Originally from Arizona, John Ritter is leading the brewhouse with his experience from Backstory Brewery in Sulfur Springs TX. Alongside is assistant brewer, Chris Strong from New Hampshire bringing his knowledge from Houston brewery Running Walker from Richmond, TX & FarmBoy Brew Shop. Chris states they are trying to fill the tap wall with approachable light beers for now but will be shifting to focus to few other traditional styles of beers including a West Coast IPA, Brown ale, red ale, a Doppelbock which are in the fermentation vessels now. Dark beer lovers will get treated to a handsome Porter and Imperial Stout soon too. Hazy IPA lovers would be happy to hear there is another IPA coming down the pipe that is planned to be a bit heavier than on tap Juice box. I can get down with that. “From there, we are just looking to see what the people want to drink!” states Chris Strong.

“We know that not everyone likes craft beer, so we decided to equip ourselves with a full liquor bar for spirit lovers. Cocktails, micheladas, mimosas and beer, something for everyone. Our team really wants to brew what guests want to drink so we hope people come by to try what we have going on.” Jocelyn explained. 

While I would normally discourage visiting a new brewery to allow them time to work things out, we aren’t going to give that advice this time. Come up here and try their beer as soon as you can. Plus, they are just down the street from our friends at Big Owl Craft Brew House on the northside.

In fact, December is full of awesome deals and happenings that you won’t want to miss.  Keep an eye out for the ’12 Days of Christmas’ announcement launching near the 14^th of this month.  As for food, they do not have a kitchen yet but have a food truck onsite. They are working towards a resident food truck that is expected to launch before mid-February.  I am excited what this place will become for inner city Houston beer lovers and the local music lovers drinking nearby.

Kid friendly?  Yes – but the bar encourages you to come early. After 7pm the bar becomes a bit more adult oriented. Litty titty! I could see myself pregaming before attending a show at White Oak Music Hall or just making any excuse I can for a simple afternoon hang out with a friend. Just like today.

H-Town Brewing is located at 210 Glen Park Houston Texas 77009. Find them on Instagram at @HtownBrewingCo or Facebook for the 411 on the taproom monthly schedule.

The post H-Town Brewing Co. speaks to #Houstonbeer fans first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post H-Town Brewing Co. speaks to #Houstonbeer fans appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

Formally named and operated as Astral Brewery, North Shepherd Brewing is led by experienced Houston brewer and local family man, Sam Wright. Loaded down with brewing experience and know-how from Saint Arnold, Holler, and Gristworks, Sam explains that his mission for North Shepherd brewery is simple: Make refreshing uncomplicated beers for all those to enjoy. No gimmicks, no bs, just good beer in a comfortable community spot. A local watering hole where you can always depend on enjoying traditional beer styles brewed in the best way possible.

Scheduled for 1pm Sunday morning, we arrived on time to be greeted and checked in by Alan Ward, brewmaster of Brigadoon Brewery. This small intimate seating space was perfect for interacting with other 11 guests in attendance. At the start of the session, Alan outlined a few basic tips on the proper way to taste beer through aroma and flavor sensory. Each guest also received a large salty pretzel to help clear the palate between beers. And boy, this pretzel sure was making me thirsty!

As Alan poured the rounds – the conversation of the new North Shepherd brand and taproom space began. Sam introduced each beer by style, along with a brief overview of flavor and its story. He also explained a bit more detail on why the pivot from Astral brand was so important. Not only are the beer styles different from the ones seen at Astral but it was also a pivot back towards more traditional brewing styles for more approachable beers. For Sam, it was important that this change was also met with a fresh new brand name. New beers, taproom decor change, and overall new vibe. The beer is sold primarily from the taproom, but they are working on local distribution in select bars in the neighborhood. Don’t expect to find them in HEB or other big retailer anytime soon and the brewery has no plans to distro outside of Houston.

“Beer is meant to be enjoyed fresh & local when possible.” says Sam.

I couldn’t agree more.

Here are the highlights of my beer tasting experience……

Mexican Lager 4.5% ABV – Runner up for my favorite beer of the tasting, this traditional light drinking lager was nicely balanced with a light honey grain malt background and crushable crispy finish. Right out of the gate, the group was very impressed and eagerly awaited the next beer.

Kolsch 4.9% ABV – STRAIGHT DELICIOUS. Light and very clean. Soft bready malt shines here and the sweetness is balanced by a restrained yet firm hop bitterness, offering a hint of spicy and herbal character. This Kölsch achieves perfection in its drinkability and is a beer that effortlessly bridges the gap between complexity and approachability. My personal favorite of the tasting – I’m imagine this should sell well in the taproom.

Festbier 5.5% ABV – This beer features a gentle toasty character that adds depth and complexity, creating a malt-forward profile that pays homage to the festbier tradition. The sweetness is tempered by a mild earthy hop bitterness, creating a well-rounded flavor profile that invites another sip. The perfect beer to huzzah to!

Yale St. IPA 6.5% ABV – Sam made it pretty clear that hazy IPAs were not his thing but boy was I happy to see this one! This hazy IPA featured subtle notes of earthy Nelson Sauvin hops balanced with a clean hoppy finish. Very enjoyable. Side note: It felt like a crime to watch the non-IPA drinker at the session leave this one alone. Well balanced. Don’t like to chew your IPAs? You don’t have to with this one – give this one a try.

West 43rd Street IPA 7.4% ABV – More medium bitter West Coast style IPA. Citrus undertones with a touch of bitterness. Not a palate wrecker and leans more malt forward to me. Good starter IPA for someone who is new to hops. Probably my favorite of the IPA set.

Durham Dr. Hazy IPA 7% ABV – This beer featured a more tropical flair than the others. Featuring Comet, Strata and Citra hops, it was brighter with citrus notes and had a creamier mouthfeel than the rest. Another stellar example of a hazy ipa without all the heavy weight.

We finished up the beer tasting with a full pint of the beer – so of course I picked the Kolsch which was being poured by the creator himself. Consider taking some time this holiday season to visit the new North Shepherd. The quality of the beers shared during the beer tasting was exceptional which is hard to say about most breweries especially new ones. Not one single off flavor detected or weird indescribable notes – every beer was hella crisp and clean. If you are serious about traditional beer styles brewed the right way with a down to earth community vibe, you are in good hands with North Shepherd Brewing.

Interested in attending this event? The last Taste of Texas Beer Tasting hosted by Brigadoon Brewery is scheduled with Southern Star Brewery’s Dave Fougeron. Get your tickets today – order on Brigadoon Brewery website.

Till next year, let’s give a hip hip huzzah to all local beer craft beer drinkers this Thanksgiving season. While you are sitting at the table this year, be sure to remember brewers like Sam and Alan, who believe traditionally brewed beer will never go out of style. We are thankful for the skill that goes into making these quality beverages that we all very much enjoy.

HIP HIP HUZZZZZAHHHH!

The post Taste of Texas Experience at the Texas Renaissance Festival with North Shepherd Brewing first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Taste of Texas Experience at the Texas Renaissance Festival with North Shepherd Brewing appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.