Hop Stars: 10 Texas Breweries Crafting Liquid Gold

Texas has emerged as a powerhouse in the craft brewing scene, with numerous breweries scattered across the Lone Star State offering unique and flavorful beers. From established pioneers to innovative newcomers, these breweries showcase the diverse tastes and styles that have put Texas on the map for beer enthusiasts. The Texas craft beer industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, with many breweries gaining national recognition for their exceptional brews.

These craft breweries not only produce high-quality beers but also serve as community hubs, offering tours, tastings, and special events that allow visitors to experience the passion and creativity behind each brew. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring Texas craft breweries provides an opportunity to discover new flavors and support local businesses that are shaping the state’s beer culture.

1) Saint Arnold Brewing Company

Saint Arnold Brewing Company holds the distinction of being Texas’ oldest craft brewery. Founded in 1994 by Brock Wagner and Kevin Bartol, this Houston-based establishment has been a pioneer in the state’s craft beer scene.

The brewery offers a diverse range of beers to suit various tastes. Their popular Summer Pils, a Munich-style Helles, is known for its crisp and refreshing flavor profile.

Saint Arnold’s facility features a unique interior designed to resemble an abbey dedicated to the patron saint of beer. The spacious beer garden welcomes families and dogs, providing ample seating for visitors.

The brewery conducts tours six days a week, excluding Sundays. Each tour includes a souvenir glass for guests to take home.

In addition to their beer offerings, Saint Arnold serves a lunch menu featuring salads, sandwiches, and smaller bites like pretzels and short rib tacos.

Saint Arnold Brewing Company
2000 Lyons Ave, Houston, TX 77020
Website: www.saintarnold.com

2) Jester King Brewery

Jester King Brewery stands out as a pioneer in Texas craft brewing. Located on a sprawling 165-acre ranch in the Hill Country near Austin, this farmhouse brewery offers a unique experience for beer enthusiasts.

Jester King specializes in wild ales and spontaneously fermented beers, drawing inspiration from traditional European brewing methods. Their focus on using local ingredients and wild yeasts creates distinctive flavors that reflect the Texas terroir.

Visitors can enjoy wood-fired pizzas alongside their artisanal brews in a picturesque setting. The brewery also raises goats, adding to its rustic charm and commitment to sustainability.

Jester King’s innovative approach has earned them worldwide recognition and numerous awards. Their beers often feature complex flavors and aromas, appealing to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike.

Open seven days a week, Jester King offers tours, tastings, and a chance to explore their beautiful property. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the cutting edge of Texas craft brewing.

Address: 13187 Fitzhugh Rd, Austin, TX 78736
Website: www.jesterkingbrewery.com

3) Real Ale Brewing Co.

Real Ale Brewing Company stands as a cornerstone of Texas craft beer. Founded in 1996 in Blanco, this brewery has become renowned for its high-quality American ales.

The picturesque Hill Country setting provides a stunning backdrop for beer enthusiasts visiting the brewery. Real Ale’s taproom offers a diverse selection of beers, including their popular Fireman’s #4 Blonde Ale.

Known for their commitment to quality, Real Ale Brewing Co. has gained a loyal following among craft beer aficionados. Their brewing process focuses on using pure Hill Country water and the finest ingredients.

The brewery offers guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the brewing process and sample their craft beers. These tours run on Thursdays through Saturdays at 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm for $10 per person.

Real Ale Brewing Co. has earned recognition in the craft beer community, consistently ranking among the top breweries in Texas.

Contact: Real Ale Brewing Company, 231 San Saba Ct, Blanco, TX 78606. Website: realalebrewing.com

4) Austin Beerworks

Austin Beerworks stands out as a prominent craft brewery in the Texas capital. Founded in 2011, this North Austin establishment has quickly become a local favorite.

The brewery is renowned for its diverse range of high-quality beers. Their core lineup includes popular choices like Pearl Snap German-style Pils and Flavor Country Hop-Forward Pale Ale.

Austin Beerworks has garnered numerous accolades, including awards from the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup. Their commitment to quality and innovation is evident in every brew they produce.

Visitors can enjoy the spacious taproom and outdoor beer garden. The brewery offers tours, allowing guests to learn about their brewing process and philosophy.

Austin Beerworks: 3001 Industrial Terrace, Austin, TX 78758. Phone: (512) 821-2494. Website: www.austinbeerworks.com

5) Rahr & Sons Brewing Company

Rahr & Sons Brewing Company has been a cornerstone of Fort Worth’s craft beer scene since 2004. Founded by Fritz and Erin Rahr, this family-owned brewery draws on a rich beer-making heritage dating back to 1847.

The brewery is known for its bold, flavorful beers that capture the essence of Texas. Popular offerings include Rahr’s Blonde Ale and Summertime Wheat, alongside an array of seasonal releases throughout the year.

Rahr & Sons has grown from a small local operation to distribute its award-winning beers across eight states. This expansion hasn’t diminished their commitment to quality or community focus.

The brewery serves as a lifestyle hotspot for Fort Worth residents, offering tours and tastings that showcase their brewing expertise. Their dedication to craftsmanship and local roots has earned them a loyal following among beer enthusiasts.

Contact Information:
Address: 701 Galveston Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104
Website: www.rahrbrewing.com
Phone: (817) 810-9266

6) Deep Ellum Brewing Company

A bustling brewery with outdoor seating, people enjoying craft beers, and a vibrant atmosphere in Deep Ellum, Texas

Deep Ellum Brewing Company stands as a pioneer in Dallas’s craft beer scene. Founded in 2011, it quickly became a local favorite in the historic Deep Ellum district.

The brewery is known for its bold and creative beers that reflect the vibrant spirit of its neighborhood. Their taproom offers a wide variety of brews, from hoppy IPAs to smooth lagers.

Deep Ellum Brewing Company’s flagship beer, Dallas Blonde, has gained popularity beyond the local area. The brewery also produces seasonal and limited-edition beers, keeping their offerings fresh and exciting.

Visitors can enjoy brewery tours to learn about the beer-making process and sample different brews. The taproom’s relaxed atmosphere makes it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Deep Ellum Brewing Company has expanded its distribution across Texas and beyond, cementing its place as a notable player in the craft beer industry.

Contact Details:
Address: 2823 St Louis St, Dallas, TX 75226
Website: www.deepellumbrewing.com
Phone: (214) 888-3322

7) 512 Brewing Company

512 Brewing Company is a microbrewery located in Austin, Texas. Founded in 2008, it has become known for crafting high-quality beers using local and organic ingredients.

The brewery prides itself on its handcrafted approach, producing beer in small batches to ensure freshness and quality. 512 Brewing Company offers over 30 different craft beer varieties, showcasing a range of styles and flavors.

One of their most popular brews is the Pecan Porter, a dark beer made with locally grown pecans. This full-bodied porter features notes of chocolate and malty sweetness, balanced with subtle pecan aromas.

512 Brewing Company’s beers are inspired by traditional English and Belgian styles, but with a unique twist that celebrates bold American ingredients. The brewery uses Austin’s mineral-rich water, contributing to the distinctive taste of their beers.

The company is committed to sustainability, using reusable kegs for their draft beers and maintaining independence from large corporate breweries.

Contact:
Address: 407 Radam Lane, Austin, TX 78745
Website: www.512brewing.com

8) Karbach Brewing Co.

Karbach Brewing Co. has quickly risen to become one of Texas’ most prominent craft breweries since its founding in 2011. Located in Houston, Karbach is known for its diverse range of high-quality beers that cater to various tastes.

The brewery’s portfolio includes popular offerings like the Hopadillo IPA, Love Street Kölsch, and Crawford Bock. Karbach’s commitment to quality and innovation has earned them a dedicated following among beer enthusiasts.

Visitors to Karbach can enjoy a tour of the brewing facilities, learning about the beer-making process and the company’s history. The on-site biergarten and restaurant provide a welcoming atmosphere for sampling their latest brews and enjoying delicious food pairings.

Karbach’s success has led to wider distribution, making their beers available throughout Texas and beyond. Despite their growth, the brewery maintains a focus on crafting exceptional beers using classic German techniques.

Karbach Brewing Co.
2032 Karbach St, Houston, TX 77092
Website: www.karbachbrewing.com
Phone: (713) 680-2739

9) Celis Brewery

A bustling brewery with outdoor seating, beer taps, and a lively atmosphere

Celis Brewery holds a special place in Texas craft beer history. Founded by Pierre Celis, the legendary Belgian brewer, it introduced witbier to Austin in 1992. The brewery closed in 2000 but was revived in 2017 by Pierre’s daughter, Christine Celis.

Celis is renowned for its authentic Belgian-style beers, particularly the Celis White. This refreshing witbier remains true to Pierre’s original recipe, featuring notes of coriander and orange peel. The brewery also offers a range of other Belgian-inspired and American craft styles.

Visitors to Celis can enjoy a taproom experience that honors the brewery’s rich heritage. The space showcases memorabilia from the original Celis Brewery, creating a unique atmosphere for beer enthusiasts.

Celis Brewery continues to innovate while respecting tradition. It plays a significant role in Austin’s craft beer scene, bridging the city’s brewing past and present.

Contact: 10001 Metric Blvd, Austin, TX 78758
Website: www.celisbeers.com

10) Lone Pint Brewery

Lone Pint Brewery in Magnolia, Texas, stands out for its commitment to crafting distinctive Texan ales. This eco-conscious establishment uses renewable energy to power its operations, demonstrating a dedication to sustainability.

The brewery’s core offerings include the popular Yellow Rose, a robust single malt and single hop IPA named after a Texas heroine. Lone Pint takes pride in creating hop-forward beers with captivating flavors and aromas.

Visitors can enjoy a memorable tasting experience at Lone Pint’s state-of-the-art beer garden. The brewery is open daily, serving not only its core brews but also anniversary beers, limited releases, and special series ales.

Lone Pint Brewery embodies the spirit of Texas brewing, offering easy-to-drink local brews with an enjoyable hoppiness. Their ales are crafted to be unmistakably Texan, reflecting the state’s rich brewing culture.

Contact: 507 Commerce St, Magnolia, TX 77355
Phone: (281) 789-4061
Email: [email protected]
Website: lonepint.com

History of Texas Craft Breweries

Texas craft breweries have a rich and dynamic history spanning several decades. The Lone Star State’s beer scene has evolved from a few pioneering breweries to a thriving industry with hundreds of craft beer producers across the state.

The Rise of Craft Beer in Texas

The craft beer movement in Texas began gaining momentum in the 1990s. Saint Arnold Brewing Company, founded in 1994, is widely recognized as Texas’ oldest craft brewery. It paved the way for other innovative brewers to enter the market.

In the early 2000s, more craft breweries started popping up across the state. Cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston became hotbeds for craft beer production.

The passing of key legislation in 2013 allowed breweries to sell beer directly to consumers on-site, further fueling the industry’s growth.

Notable Milestones

1996 marked the establishment of Real Ale Brewing Company in Blanco, Texas. It quickly gained popularity for its high-quality American ales and scenic Hill Country location.

In 2011, Peticolas Brewing Company opened its doors in Dallas, later achieving recognition as the Grand National Champion at the 2018 U.S. Beer Championship.

The craft beer boom continued throughout the 2010s, with breweries like Freetail Brewing Co. in San Antonio pushing boundaries with unique and innovative brews.

By 2024, Texas boasted hundreds of craft breweries, solidifying its position as a major player in the national craft beer scene.

Craft Brewing Techniques

A bustling craft brewery scene in Texas, with various beer-making techniques on display and ten prominent breweries highlighted

Texas craft breweries employ a range of traditional and innovative methods to create their distinctive beers. These techniques shape the flavors, aromas, and textures that define Texan craft brews.

Traditional Brewing Methods

Many Texas craft breweries honor time-tested brewing practices. They often start with high-quality malted barley, which is milled and mixed with hot water in a process called mashing. This extracts fermentable sugars from the grains.

The resulting liquid, known as wort, is then boiled with hops to add bitterness and flavor. After cooling, yeast is added to begin fermentation. This converts sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

Some breweries use open fermentation tanks, allowing wild yeasts to contribute unique flavors. Others age their beers in wooden barrels, imparting subtle notes of oak or previously-held spirits.

Innovative Brewing Techniques

Texas craft brewers also embrace modern techniques to create unique flavors. Many experiment with non-traditional ingredients like fruits, spices, or local honey to add complexity to their beers.

Some use dry-hopping, adding hops after fermentation to enhance aroma without increasing bitterness. Others employ techniques like kettle souring to create tart, refreshing beers.

Advanced temperature control systems allow for precise fermentation profiles. This helps brewers craft lagers, which require colder temperatures than ales.

Breweries also utilize specialized equipment like centrifuges for clarity or hop guns for intense hop aromas. These tools enable brewers to push the boundaries of traditional beer styles.