Owner Marcus Wunderle and his wife Kinga have turned Baa Baa, the name’s sake of their children’s favorite nursery rhyme, into a well-known destination brewery for locals and travelers alike. First opening in 2016, Baa Baa soon made their presence known in 2017 with the release of ‘Cow Jumped Over the Moon’, the first hazy style IPA to be released in Houston area and have been pushing to perfect that style ever since. 

When asked what led Marcus into pursuing a passion for making IPA’s, he explained, “We used to travel a lot before we opened the brewery, and everywhere we traveled, we would be in search of beer. One of the things we really enjoyed were the hazy IPAs that came out of L.A. and Monkish was the best.” He went on to add, “That was kind of our target. We realized people were flocking to this style of beer. We thought first of all, what is this? How would you go about making this? And, will the people in Houston buy this? It turned out that they would and they were searching for it!” 

Aside from hazy IPA’s, Baa Baa now stands alone as the king of the fruited sour market with the ‘Candy Baa’ series, which has been released as well over thirty different iterations of fruited Berliner Weisse style beers over the years. The ‘Candy Baa’ releases are mostly 5% alcohol by volume or below and are more akin to a fruit slushy from the local convenient store than a beer. These beers have a cult like following all over the country.  Their annual release of the Barrel Aged stout ‘Tiny’ also attracts significant attention from craft beer connoisseurs. 

During my visit to the brewery, I had to settle a long-time personal curiosity.  I have noticed for some time that Beer Zombies (a very popular craft brewery in Las Vegas) stickers and tin tackers are visible at both Baa Baa and at the near by Fulshear area hangout The Growler Spot.  Baa Baa has done several collaborations with Beer Zombies in the past, but I had to know how a small brewery in Brookshire was so acquainted with this national powerhouse. The story I was told by Marcus was nothing short of epic! Unfortunately, I can only provide the very, very short version of it. 

“We just showed up! We crashed his party (BZ 420 Fest actually) which is an annual beer festival held in Las Vegas by Beer Zombies where numerous other national breweries are invited to pour and special collaborations are dropped. We tried to get in and we walked up with some of our beer and happened upon Chris Jacobs, the owner of Beer Zombies, who asked ‘Who are you guys?’ I told him we were Baa Baa Brewing, and after chatting with him and some people from other breweries in attendance, like Other Half Brewing out of Brooklyn NY, he let us is and got us set up. We’ve become buddies from there on out.”  

When asked for his version of the event, Jacobs was more than willing to expand on the story.

“So pretty much I was hosting the brewers pre party meet up at Beer Zombies and the Baa Baa team rolled up and just walked in. They came over, introduced themselves and said they came out for the festival and bought tickets to attend. They wanted to drop some beers off and let us know who they were.  They made such a great first impression that I put them on the list for the next year’s festival right there on the spot.”

This encounter has led to several wildly popular collaboration beer releases between Baa Baa and Beer Zombies over the years. 

Baa Baa Brewhouse looks to continue on its tradition of stellar, high-quality beer, and is grateful for all of the continued support from the beer community in what have become very difficult times for craft beer, not only in Houston but all over. With an expanding craft beer presence in the Brookshire/ Katy/ Fulshear area, I asked Marcus what his outlook for the future was and he explained, “We’ve seen some really positive growth out here. I don’t know about the rest of the industry, but out here we are seeing some good things happen. Our typical Saturday is better than it was six months ago, and better than it was twelve months ago.” 

 Visit Baa Baa Brewhouse at 539 FM 359 Rd S #7, Brookshire 77423. They are open every Saturday from noon to 5:30pm.

Visit Baa Baa online at @baabaabrewhouse on Instagram and by web at www.baabaabrewhouse.com 

All photos by and used with permission of Sophia Von Panda (@sophia_von_panda)IG

Candy Baa photo by and used with permission of Darius Gilmore (@mrgilmorespours) IG

The post Brookshire’s Best Kept Secret: Baa Baa Brewhouse first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Brookshire’s Best Kept Secret: Baa Baa Brewhouse 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.

The first few years were not without their challenges, as the craft beer industry as we know it was just entering its infancy. “It was a rough go early on. Financially it was challenging. If you asked me at year six or seven if we would still be around in twenty years, I would not have confidently told you yes,” Wagner explained, then went on to add, “I always like to say after twelve years we were an overnight success!”

Reservations aside, thirty years later, Brock Wagner has guided Saint Arnold from an unknown upstart into a thriving Houston institution. What started out as a small industrial park brewery has turned into a regional brewing powerhouse that ranked as the Brewer Association’s 41st largest independent craft brewery in the United States in 2023. Saint Arnold has been named Brewery of the Year at the Great American Beer Fest twice (2017, 2023). The brewery has won countless medals at competitions both domestically and across the globe.

Most importantly, the impact that Saint Arnold has had on the Houston area and the craft brewing industry in Texas far outweighs any national ranking or medals. The brewery has been an instrumental philanthropic partner through sponsoring endeavors such as annual bike teams supporting Texas Children’s Hospital through the MS 150, as well as the Feast of Saint Arnold, the Houston Zoo, the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, BARC Animal Shelter, Galveston Bay Foundation, Kids’ Meals, and many others too numerous to list. Saint Arnold has also been a devoted steward of the Texas Craft Brewers Guild going all the way back to day one.

“As pioneers in Texas’s craft brewing movement, Brock and the team at Saint Arnold have not only set a high bar for brewing quality beer but have also been instrumental in fostering the genuine spirit of community and camaraderie that continues to make the Texas craft brewing industry so special,” said Caroline Wallace, Executive Director of the Texas Craft Brewers Guild. “In fact, numerous craft breweries across Texas can trace their ‘brewing lineage’ back to Saint Arnold. From being one of the Texas Craft Brewers Guild’s founding breweries to playing a pivotal role in our legislative progress for Texas breweries and brewpubs over the years, Saint Arnold has really been a leader in the collective advancement of our industry.”

With thirty years in the ledger and a laundry list of accolades, being able to stop to enjoy the moment of this weekend’s upcoming celebration is nothing to be trifled with. Wagner is taking the moment in stride, almost to the point of underselling the significance. “I’m bad about celebrating milestones because I feel like people might think it’s a finish line where there is no finish line.” When asked how he plans to celebrate the occasion, Wagner added, “We have an amazing team and I have zero responsibilities the day of the party. I am going to take an Uber and start drinking beer. I get to come enjoy the festival like being a home brewer back in college again and the local microbrewery is having a party, and you can just show up and have a great time!”

The Thirtieth Anniversary Party is a weekend-long affair, starting with the official party on Saturday, June 9th. General admission tickets are still available and are required for entry into the event, which begins at 11 AM and features live entertainment from 2 PM until 10 PM. Parking passes are limited, and ride-sharing or other means of transportation are suggested for those attending. On Sunday, Saint Arnold is hosting a sold-out Thirtieth Anniversary Special Rare Cellar Event in the Beer Hall.

The highlight release for the party is the Thirtieth Anniversary Grand Cru, which debuted earlier this week through pre-sale, and is now available in individual bottles at retailers and on tap at select venues across the city. The release is a 16.8% ABV double-barrel Imperial Stout with Commitment as the base, which was then aged between two and four years in a variety of different bourbon and whiskey barrels. The barrels were then blended additionally in a series of Madeira, Tokaji, and Tawny Port barrels before being blended again.

Moving forward, Wagner is not looking at slowing down anytime soon. His goal is to continue to push the brewery and the craft beer industry in Texas further. “I want to see Saint Arnold as the leading craft brewery in Texas. We have a respected institution, which is one of those things you can’t quit. It’s very, very important for us to always be innovating and evolving. Everything we have done to get us to thirty years will not get us to the next thirty years. This is part of the moment where we celebrate where we are today, but we can never assume or take our guests and customers for granted. We have to keep winning our customers every single day.”

Purchase tickets to the anniversary celebration at https://www.saintarnold.com/30th-anniversary-party/

Special thank you to local craft beer photographer, Steve Fraga – photo credit on all images.

The post Saint Arnold: 30 Years of Great Beer and Community Impact first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Saint Arnold: 30 Years of Great Beer and Community Impact appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

Downtown Dusty boasts a color true to the amber style, pouring a gorgeous amber or golden-red hue with a creamy white head. The aroma is subtly malty and bready, enticing you to take a deep breath and savor the moment. With the first sip, the maltiness smoothly envelops your palate, urging you to take larger sips than usual. Following the initial malty notes, you’ll notice a delightful interplay of bready and caramel flavors, complementing each other beautifully. On the finish, a faint floral note emerges, accompanied by a mild hop presence that refreshes your palate just enough.

Now, after geeking out over Downtown Dusty’s flavors, let me tell you why I believe it’s the perfect beer for spring and summer—especially in Houston, where they’re practically one and the same. At 5%, Downtown Dusty is crushable, allowing you to enjoy multiple without feeling weighed down, making it ideal for tackling those tasks you’ve been procrastinating, like yard work. Its crispness leaves your mouth dry enough to crave another sip.

And the convenience doesn’t stop there—Downtown Dusty is available in cans to-go and can be found at local grocery stores, making it accessible wherever you are. Plus, the can’s artwork by Kevin Dyer captures downtown Katy and its historic silos and rail line, adding a touch of local history to your beer experience. Be sure to swing by the taproom or check your local grocery store shelves for Downtown Dusty, and if you need assistance locating it, feel free to shoot me a message on IG.

Cheers!

The post Headed out West to meet Downtown Dusty first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Headed out West to meet Downtown Dusty appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

“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.

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.

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.