There were 16 residential lawns that I took care of on a weekly basis, with a refurbished zero- turn lawn mower, a weed whacker from Home Depot, and a small 8 foot landscape trailer that I pulled with a beat up F-150.

My good friend, Carl lived just diagonally across the street from my mother’s house, where I stayed, and his lawn was always a $25 cut. The second time that I had ever cut Carl’s lawn; he came outside and asked me if I liked beer. Although I don’t recall my exact response, I’m sure I told him something along the lines of really enjoying a Keystone Light here and there. Then Carl asked me “But, do you like REAL beer?”.

Before you know it there was a cold can of Nimble Giant by Troeg Independent Brewing in my hand. Admittedly, I didn’t love IPA’s at first. The bitterness wasn’t something I craved at that time. Although, enjoying a high alcohol content treat while having some laughs and bonding with my neighbor on a hot asphalt driveway every week became something I quickly started looking forward to.

Every Thursday from that week forward, Carl would always ask me if I’d like to be paid $25 for lawn service or if I would settle for $20 and a cold craft beer. Some may say it wasn’t a good deal for me; but I’m glad that I chose the second option every time.

I love Houston and I really enjoy living in Texas, as a whole. I will likely be here for all my foreseeable future, and I’m happy about that! That being said; I am a true New Englander at heart. I know it’s not an original choice, but I can never say no to a hazy, dry-hopped New England IPA. Beer is too exciting to stop at one favorite style though. I have so many favorites! My second favorite style has to be a Schwarzbier/ black lager. It’s not every day that one can find a new beer that is pitch black as night, with a consistency lighter than any stout or porter.

Outside of beer, I enjoy being active outdoors. Recently I have been playing recreational men’s league lacrosse on the True Anomaly Brewing Company team. It’s a great pace to sweat and get in a fun workout without getting too beat up. And of course; we enjoy our share of True Anomaly offerings. I also really enjoy country music and especially, Texas Country. I will go anywhere that these sounds can be heard.

I am very lucky to say that all my favorite hobbies outside of beer, are all complimented very well by having a beer at the end (or during). I suppose everything comes full circle!

Instagram: Greg_Shawinsky
Untappd: Greg_Shawinsky_5440

The post Contributor Introduction: Greg Shawinsky first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Contributor Introduction: Greg Shawinsky appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

To celebrate that, Houston Beer Guide has turned the cameras around on a handful of local photographers that are integral to the Houston beer community as digital media content creators for several local area breweries.  Others have found a calling for photographing beer and have turned this into something more than a part time hobby.

Honestly, I don’t need to keep writing about all of these talented photographers. Their work speaks for itself. 

Josh Olalde

Josh is currently the Digital Content Manager at Karbach Brewing and a long-established beer photographer in the Houston area. Olalde got into photography through a love of movies and into craft beer though the influences of several of his co-workers at a factory job.  The two hobbies ended up melding together into a new passion of taking photos of beer, as well as a new career.  Olalde has got his first paying gig with Spindletap Brewing when Brody Chapman reached out to him on Facebook and asked his to take some beer spill photos for the brewery. Since then, Olalde has worked with other breweries such as B52 Brewing, 8^th Wonder, Southern Star, Fortress, Saint Arnold, Saloon Door, Bakfish, Galveston Island Brewing, Ingenious, Eureka Heights, and No Label Brewing.  Said Olalde, “It’s always nice to see your work printed, or out there in the wild. There’s a sense of fulfilment, for sure.” 

https://www.josholalde.com

@josh_olalde (IG)

Adriana Richey

Adriana “Adri” Richey, a native of Monterrey, Mexico, who was hired on at Saint Arnold Brewing in April 2022 as the Digital Content Manager for the brewery.  Richey credits her background in photography as a process that spanned many years. First was discovering the excitement of creating stories from participating in a school play at a very young age.  Many years later a college friend lent her a digital camera, and she found herself hooked on telling stories through photos.

Richey went on to add, “I believe that every beer has its own personality, and I love putting my camera to work to feature it. Whether it’s snapping a pic of someone enjoying a beer or highlighting our latest brew or dish, I’m all about finding fresh ways to tell our story.”

https://www.adririchey.com/

@adri.richey (IG)

Brian Ledden

A veteran of the beer photography industry going back to 2014, where he began shooting beer related photos and video content for Craft Pride in Austin. Though he primarily works in the Austin area, Ledden is no stranger to Houston beer, as he has done plenty of work with breweries like B-52 and Equal Parts Brewing. The majority of his work in the Houston area with beer photography has been done with No Label Brewing. When asked about his relationship with No Label, Ledden explained, “They’ve got a whole bunch of my work up around their patio and on their taproom menu displays.  It’s great to see how their brewery has grown over the years!”

https://brianledden.com/

@thebeerdtographer (IG)

Eric Rodriguez

Unable to see his family during Covid and use his camera to take photos of their events, he turned his attention to beer to pass the time. Rodriguez came across Josh Olalde’s Instagram and found inspiration to also take “nicer” beer photos himself.  “I sell beer for a living and was always given free beer a lot so I thought, why not?” said Rodriguez. Rodriguez and Olalde quickly became great friends, and help and encourage each other in their work.  Rodriguez added, “I’ve gotten to work with some fantastic breweries like Equal Parts, Frost Town, Bad Astronaut, DECA Brewing, North Shepherd Brewery, and my latest work is with Spindletap Brewing. Through this process I’ve connected with other breweries and photographers in various cities and states, and get to showcase all the amazing things our city and breweries have to offer.”

@ericrodriguez1.8 (IG)

Luis Montalvo Jr.

“I have been into photography for as long as I can remember. My dad had this old Nikon camera in his closet that I would love to sneak out and act like I was using. I was fascinated with the feel of it and how it worked. The way light and mirrors would make a printable image, and the way it worked similar to the human eye.” Montalvo mentioned.  Though having worked for some breweries in the Houston area in some capacity, such as Urban South, Craft Culture X, and most recently with Frost Town, Montalvo has never been officially in marketing for the breweries.  He is co-owner of the local beer marketing brand The Pint Exchange, who has been involved in countless collaborations and promotions across the Houston beer scene.  Among his favorite subjects to photograph are brewing/ distilling equipment and the people that work behind the scenes in the industry. Montalvo has also assisted Houston Beer Guide with projects, like the Houston Beer Block Party VIP session for which we are forever grateful. 

@luistpxmedia (IG)

@thepintexchange (IG)

Marcus West

West is a man of many talents, working not only as stalwart at True Anomaly, but also as a DJ and photographer.  West stated taking photos in middle school, but only in the last couple of years has he pursued a heavier interest in it beyond a hobby.  “I just decided to go down the rabbit hole, take a journey and be able to document life as I see it”, said West. Though his recent foray into the beer photography world, his ability to contribute to True Anomaly Brewing visually adds an extra dimension to the brewery. West also is a very highly valued photographic contributor to Houston Beer Guide.

https://www.visualsbywest.com/

@visualsbywest (IG)

Steve Fraga

Steve is no stranger to photography.  He was first spotted hanging around Saint Arnold circa 2001 with his camera in hand while on the brewery tour. Fraga admits this to be the case, saying, “I was always the guy with the camera at the Saturday tours and beer tastings”. Recently retired, Fraga began delving into the realms of beer photography during Covid as well.  Shortly after, Tim McGuire of Hot Tub Beers asked Steve to assist with shooting episodes of his weekly video blog. From here Fraga became known to Houston Beer Guide after documenting fellow contributor Sylvia in the hot tub with Saloon Door Brewing.  He has since become a key contributor to Houston Beer Guide as a contributing photographer for interviews and the annual Houston Beer Block Party. Fraga also is the videographer for the First Pour video series. 

https://stevefragaphotography.zenfolio.com/

@steve_fraga_photography (IG)

The post National Photography Month brings spotlight on area contributors first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post National Photography Month brings spotlight on area contributors 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.

“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.

Check out Jackie’s first pour of Drye Tears, a 16.9% rye barrel aged imperial stout from 11 Below Brewing Company

Visit the taproom for this limited time release, starting Saturday 9/2/2023

11 Below Brewing Company – 6820 Bourgeois Rd, Houston, TX 77066

Steve Fraga Photography

The post First Pour – Drye Tears / 11 Below Brewing Company first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post First Pour – Drye Tears / 11 Below Brewing Company appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

Gristworkz offers a wide variety of beer styles ranging from classic IPAs and stouts to experimental brews like the Mango Guava blonde ale they names “Hot Boi Summer”. Some of their most popular beers are Lightwerk Kolsch as well as the Hardy Hop – a Citra and Mosaic hopped IPA named after the historical Hardy Yards. A harder to find style, Cold Forge is their Baltic Porter which comes in at 7.8% ABV. Gristworkz features more than just the beers brewed in house. They offer guest taps such as Weihenstephan Vitus – a Weizenbock brewed from one of the oldest German breweries in the world.

“Brewing an authentic German Hefeweizen with traditional techniques requires specialized equipment that few breweries are set up for, us included. That and they have about one thousand years of brewing expertise.” says co-owner Dave Sorrell.

Their drink selection extends to include cider from the local City Orchard and a curated list of wines from Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc to Prosecco and Rose. However, their liquor and cocktail program sets them apart from most bars, let alone breweries.

            “We select spirits that are 100 percent additive free – such as avoiding caramel coloring in bourbons and cognacs… In tequilas we look for 100% agave and avoid artificial flavorings.” says lead bartender Saul Hernandez

All the bartenders are trained in making classic cocktails such as Margaritas, Old Fashioneds, Lemon Drops, Whiskey Sours, Moscow Mules, and Daiquiris. Their top seller is the super instagramable Paloma, with its distinctive grapefruit wheels garnish. They squeeze the juices fresh daily and cut garnishes just as frequently.

Gristworkz doesn’t stop at just serving great drinks, they are dedicated to promoting diversity and equality for all of Houston. When you visit, you can feel confident knowing that you’re supporting a business that values inclusivity and works to make a positive impact in the community.  

         “When I think of Houston, I think of its diversity and how we can best serve it. To us, it’s always been important to cater to more than just the craft beer drinker. We want groups of friends from all walks of life to be able to hang out here.” says co-owner Jorge Benitez. “For instance, take a look at our food menu – it offers more than what you are used to seeing for bar food. We think of food as an opportunity for connection and inclusion.”

Their menu has a wide variety of classic foods such as burgers, pizzas, and fries while also offering regional favorites like the 1/2 lb of barbacoa or carnitas available on the weekends only. Want to mix it up? Get the yuca fries instead of French fries or try the Red Beans and Rice instead. It’s spicy! Their food specials are available daily for those looking for a deal. For $15, you can get a beer, a burrito and a shot of bourbon – all day, every day. Check out their website gristworkz.com to see all of their weekly specials.

Gristworkz team is a combination of extensive hospitality experience all under one roof. Their team includes owners and bartenders with management experience from breweries Saint Arnold and Holler as well as former GMs of bars such as Pastry War, Johnny’s Gold Brick, Hollman Draft Hall, and Heights Beer Garden. They use their wealth of knowledge in their everyday approach to hospitality.

When you visit Gristworkz, you’re not just there for the beer, you’re there for the complete experience. With its commitment to quality ingredients, unique flavors, welcoming atmosphere, and dedication to promoting inclusivity and equality, Gristworkz has earned its reputation as one of the top beer destinations in Houston, TX. So if you’re in the area, be sure to add Gristworkz to your list of must-visit breweries.

Guest Contributor: Marcus Cain

The post Beer, Cocktails, and Cuisine: A Complete Guide to Gristworkz Brewery first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Beer, Cocktails, and Cuisine: A Complete Guide to Gristworkz Brewery appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

My goal as a contributor is no different than what I aim for in my own beer quests. Going to new places, trying new beers, learning about the beer industry, and meeting new people. Every brewery and every beer I have found has a person and a back story or an idea. It is fascinating to look at the local beer scene, and parts unknown, and have no reservations about exploring what is out there to experience.

I am a simple person that enjoys quiet time at home with my family and watching bad TV. Simultaneously, I am a brunch whore that craves novelty and loves nothing more than hedonistic misadventures. You are likely to find me taking a nap, as sitting at a brewery, way too drunk talking to people I have never met (and would swear are my old friends) … and in need of some encouragement to find my inner “zen”.

Hopefully we will go on some misadventures together, and I can become that annoying friend that you never really wanted but keep inviting over. Another goal of mine is to cover the local breweries, the staff that bring us the wonderful beer we crave, other establishments and persons of interest in the community that make Houston amazing as fuck, and maybe an unscripted piece or two that has little to do with my task, much to the dismay of the editors. But damn it, it will be fun.

If you recognize me and see me out, say hello and have a beer with me. Sit and chat a bit. I’ll drink anything with you, except a cream ale. You’re on your own there.

And most of all, Cheers All!
Follow me @jackie_von_panda on IG
#lifetakesyoustrangeplaces #begoodtopeople

The post Contributor Introduction: Jackie Von Panda first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Contributor Introduction: Jackie Von Panda appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

Fast forward to 2007, my family and I owned a small restaurant in Atascocita and I was in charge of beverages. The beer I knew I had to have in the lineup was of course Fancy Lawnmower. While the restaurant didn’t last long, something special started to bloom. One of Lynn and I’s first dates was at the restaurant. We played poker and shared a 6 pack of…Fancy Lawnmower. The beer was forever etched in the story of our shared life.

Two years later, we made it official! We became husband and wife and as we celebrated our new life together we couldn’t think of a better beer to have at our celebration than…Fancy Lawnmower!

Guest submission from Leo Longoria.

Podcast: Texas Beer Experience

Instagram: @TexasBeerExperience

Blog: www.texasbeerexperience.com

Interested in sharing your story? Be a guest contributor this month!

Email us at cheers@houstonbeerguide.com.

The post Fancy Lawnmowers and Love first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Fancy Lawnmowers and Love appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

HEEEYYY !!! 

I’m Dan Beck (BREWS WITH BECK on YouTube), and how the hell are ya??!!      

I grew up in Coors Town (Golden, CO), attended CU Boulder (party / craft beer school) and have lived in Los Angeles for 20 years now pursuing entertainment, sports glory, and stellar beers. Beer used to be something I wanted cheap and good for beer bonging; but now that I’m an older/wiser/better looking man (chuckle) I’ve discovered quality over quantity.

I discovered the Houston beer scene in 2014 thanks to my brother-in-law who is an attorney in Houston.  He started my Houston beer education by taking me to Karbach and Saint Arnold which I found to have a nice selections of brews.  I’ve really enjoyed the Bishop’s Barrel series from Saint Arnold over the years for sure! In the years since, he helped me discover 8th wonder, Ingenious, Spindletap, Astral, Great Heights, Back Pew and a few more.    I have to give it up to Spindletap as the brewery that REALLY got me into Houston beer.  I’ve been a huge fan of New England IPA’s for quite a bit now, and I found Spindletap when I was still just discovering all of the NEIPA’s out there.  They have such good dry-hopped beers, cool people and a great brewery site! Over the last 10 years my absolute favorite beers tend to be barrel-aged stouts and NEIPA’s, but I make it a point to try ANY beer in order to be more well versed in all types of brews.

I look forward to laying down the law on Houston beers and pointing you in the direction of stellar cold beverages!

Check out two beer reviews from Spindletap Brewery in Houston Texas!

Dripped Out – Spindletap Brewery- 7%

Draped Up – Spindletap Brewery – 7%

The post New Video Contributor Introduction: Dan Beck first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post New Video Contributor Introduction: Dan Beck appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

I am thrilled to bring you insight on what makes Houston one of the leaders in a rapidly growing craft beer industry. You can expect something for everyone to enjoy in my articles.  From the local brewery, to the bars, local stores, taste tests and restaurants, I’ll keep you plugged into all the things that make the craft beer industry fascinating and exciting.  I will also highlight the importance of improving diversity and inclusion in this industry. From ownership right down to the consumers, it is imperative that the industry is a representation of all of us who enjoy it. 

So how did I become a beer connoisseur? Several years ago I joined beer clubs where I was required to drink a variety of beers to earn points for prizes or discounts on food. I found that I was loving beers that were not mainstream beer options. Then I developed a passion for trying new beers. I once got my hands on a Saint Arnold’s Oktoberfest, which is now called St. Arnold’s Christmas Ale, and it was an eye-opener to the amazing craft beers produced right here in Houston. 

Some years ago I also stumbled across the Emmy nominated TV show “Beer Geeks” hosted by master brewer Michael Mufasa Ferguson. In the show, Ferguson visited breweries and provided insight on the process of some of America’s best craft beer. It was educational and informational. So I decided to visit a brewery, and to make it fun, I included my good friends Derrick, Opal, Levi, and Leo. That day, we morphed into a podcast “What’s Up In The Cup.” Our podcast, seen on Facebook and Instagram, highlights craft beer, wine, and spirits. At last count, this podcast has taken us to over 25 different local breweries…and still counting. My favorite beer style is any good beer, so if you have it, expect to see me. Right now, high on my list includes Saison, Hazy IPA, Red Ale, DIPA, and Belgian Tripel, just to name a few.

When I’m not indulging in ales, I love hip-hop, watching sports, and television. I am one of the biggest Prince Rogers Nelson fans you’ll ever meet. I do a mean Prince at karaoke! And I accept all Prince challengers. 

When I’m not indulging, or singing Prince songs, I’m working. I’m an IT professional in the housing industry, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and a board member of the Dr. Alexander Brown Civil Rights and Educational Endeavor, a non-profit dedicated to improving opportunities for the disadvantaged. 

Please let me express my sincerest gratitude, to have the opportunity to share my experiences through the Houston Beer Guide. You have my commitment to make this a fun ride!  

Salude to much success, good health and happiness!

Follow me and my podcast on Facebook and on Instagram @TheZWhite and @WhatsUpInTheCup.

The post Contributor Introduction: Lazeric “Z” White first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Contributor Introduction: Lazeric “Z” White appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.