Texas craft beer enthusiasts have much to look forward to this winter. The Lone Star State’s brewing scene continues to evolve, offering a diverse range of flavors and styles to satisfy even the most discerning palates. From established favorites to up-and-coming microbreweries, there’s no shortage of options for those seeking quality craft beer experiences.
Several Texas breweries stand out as top destinations for beer lovers in 2021. These establishments combine brewing expertise with innovative techniques to create unique and memorable brews. Whether nestled in bustling cities or situated in picturesque rural settings, these craft breweries showcase the rich tapestry of Texas beer culture and provide inviting spaces for visitors to enjoy their creations.
1) Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Saint Arnold Brewing Company stands as Texas’ oldest craft brewery, operating for over two decades in Houston. Known for consistency and quality, they offer a diverse range of year-round beers and bold specialty brews.
Their Winter Stout has garnered positive reviews, scoring 82 on BeerAdvocate. This American Stout style beer boasts an ABV of 5.6% and has become a seasonal favorite among craft beer enthusiasts.
For hop lovers, Saint Arnold’s Texas Winter IPA is a standout choice. With an ABV of 7.1%, it features hints of citrus and has received praise for its flavor profile.
The brewery’s commitment to innovation is evident in their Luponic Distortion series. This classic base recipe returns with new hop blends, offering fresh tastes each season.
Saint Arnold Brewing Company also produces popular seasonal offerings like the Pumpkinator, showcasing their versatility in crafting unique flavors.
Contact: 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 premier craft beer destination in Texas. Located on a picturesque ranch on the outskirts of Austin, this world-renowned brewery offers a unique experience for beer enthusiasts.
Jester King specializes in spontaneously fermented beers and wild ales that reflect the character of the Texas Hill Country. Their commitment to using local ingredients is evident in their 2021 All-Texas SPON, a beer brewed with 100% Texas-sourced components.
The brewery’s dedication to traditional methods is showcased in their SPON series. Their 2021 SPON Three Year Blend marks their sixth vintage, combining spontaneously fermented beers from 2018, 2019, and 2020.
Visitors to Jester King can enjoy wood-fired pizza alongside their innovative beers in a relaxing, farm-like setting. The brewery also raises goats, adding to its rustic charm.
Jester King Brewery is open seven days a week, offering on-site dining, beer tastings, and to-go options.
Address: 13187 Fitzhugh Rd, Austin, TX 78736
Website: www.jesterkingbrewery.com
3) Real Ale Brewing Co.
Real Ale Brewing Co. stands as a prominent craft brewery in the Texas Hill Country. Founded in 1996, this Blanco-based establishment has earned a reputation for its high-quality, unfiltered, and unpasteurized beers.
The brewery’s scenic location provides a picturesque backdrop for beer enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy guided tours and tastings, offering a firsthand look at the brewing process.
Real Ale’s taproom features a diverse range of beers. Their widely celebrated Fireman’s #4 Blonde Ale and Full Moon Pale Rye Ale are among the most popular offerings.
Tours run Thursday through Saturday at 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm. For $10, guests receive a guided experience and a souvenir pint glass.
Real Ale Brewing Co. takes pride in producing handcrafted beer available exclusively in Texas. This commitment to local distribution has helped maintain the brewery’s strong connection to its Texas roots.
Real Ale Brewing Co.
231 San Saba Ct, Blanco, TX 78606
Website: realalebrewing.com
4) 512 Brewing Company
512 Brewing Company has established itself as a cornerstone of Austin’s craft beer scene. Founded in 2008, this brewery has garnered a loyal following for its commitment to quality and simplicity.
The brewery prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and minimal additives in their brewing process. This approach results in mature, flavorful beers that showcase the craftsmanship of their brewers.
512 Brewing Company offers a diverse range of beers, including their popular Pecan Porter and IPA. Their taproom provides a welcoming atmosphere for beer enthusiasts to sample their creations.
The brewery’s dedication to sustainability is evident in their practices. They focus on local sourcing and environmentally conscious production methods, aligning with the values of many craft beer consumers.
Visitors can enjoy 512 Brewing Company’s offerings at their taproom, which is open on weekends. The outdoor seating area is dog-friendly, providing a relaxed setting for patrons.
Address: 407 Radam Lane, Suite F200, Austin, TX 78745
Phone: (512) 707-2337
Website: 512brewing.com
5) Live Oak Brewing Company
Live Oak Brewing Company has been a fixture in Austin’s craft beer scene since 1997. They specialize in traditional German-style lagers and ales, bringing old-world brewing techniques to Texas.
The brewery’s taproom offers a spacious and relaxing environment for beer enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy their brews while taking in views of the 22-acre property between downtown Austin and Austin-Bergstrom Airport.
Live Oak’s most popular offering is their HefeWeizen, consistently ranked as one of the top beers in Texas. This German-style wheat beer showcases the brewery’s commitment to authentic flavors and brewing methods.
Beyond beer, Live Oak provides entertainment options for patrons. The property features an 18-hole disc golf course, perfect for those looking to combine outdoor activities with craft beer tasting.
Food trucks are often on-site, offering German comfort food to complement the brewery’s traditional lagers and ales. This pairing enhances the overall experience for visitors seeking a taste of Bavaria in the heart of Texas.
Live Oak Brewing Company
Address: 1615 Crozier Ln, Del Valle, TX 78617
Phone: (512) 385-2299
Website: liveoakbrewing.com
6) Deep Ellum Brewing Co.
Deep Ellum Brewing Co. stands out as a prominent craft brewery in Texas. Located in the vibrant Deep Ellum Entertainment District of Dallas, this brewery has made a name for itself with its innovative and flavorful beers.
The brewery offers a diverse range of craft beers, including popular options like their American Porter “Deep Winter.” This winter seasonal has garnered positive reviews from beer enthusiasts for its rich flavors.
Deep Ellum Brewing Co. embraces the artistic spirit of its neighborhood. The brewery’s taproom features a lively atmosphere, often hosting events and live music performances that reflect the area’s cultural scene.
Visitors can sample a variety of Deep Ellum’s creations on tap, from year-round favorites to limited-edition brews. The brewery’s commitment to quality and creativity has helped it establish a strong presence in the Texas craft beer market.
Deep Ellum Brewing Company
2823 St Louis St, Dallas, TX 75226
Website: www.deepellumbrewing.com
7) Lone Pint Brewery
Lone Pint Brewery stands out as a craft beer destination in Magnolia, Texas. Founded in 2013, this small-batch brewery has quickly gained recognition for its high-quality brews.
The brewery’s commitment to excellence is evident in their popular offerings. Their beers showcase a range of flavors and styles, appealing to both craft beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
Visitors can enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of Lone Pint’s beer garden. It’s an ideal spot to sample their latest creations and engage with fellow beer lovers.
Lone Pint’s dedication to the craft brewing process ensures each batch meets their exacting standards. Their attention to detail and use of quality ingredients contribute to the distinctive taste of their beers.
The brewery offers guided tours, providing insights into their brewing techniques and philosophy. These tours often include tastings, allowing guests to experience Lone Pint’s diverse beer selection firsthand.
Lone Pint Brewery: 507 Commerce St, Magnolia, TX 77355
Phone: (281) 789-4061
Website: www.lonepint.com
8) Austin Beerworks
Austin Beerworks stands out as a prominent craft brewery in the Texas capital. Founded in 2011, this brewery has quickly become a local favorite for beer enthusiasts.
Their core lineup includes popular selections like Pearl-Snap German-Style Pils and Flavor Country Hop Bomb Pale Ale. These year-round offerings showcase the brewery’s commitment to quality and flavor.
For the winter season, Austin Beerworks brings back their Battle Axe Imperial Red Ale. This robust brew combines rich malty flavors with a hoppy punch, perfect for colder weather.
The brewery’s taproom provides a welcoming space for visitors to sample their latest creations. With a rotating selection of seasonal and experimental brews, there’s always something new to try.
Austin Beerworks: 3001 Industrial Terrace, Austin, TX 78758
Website: www.austinbeerworks.com
9) Karbach Brewing Co.
Karbach Brewing Co. has become a staple in the Texas craft beer scene since its founding in 2011. Located in Houston, this brewery combines German brewing techniques with innovative flavors to create a diverse range of beers.
Karbach’s commitment to quality and variety has earned them a loyal following. Their lineup includes popular choices like the Hopadillo IPA and Love Street Kölsch-style ale, as well as seasonal offerings and limited releases.
In 2016, Anheuser-Busch InBev acquired Karbach, but the brewery has maintained its dedication to crafting unique and flavorful beers. The acquisition has allowed Karbach to expand its reach while staying true to its roots.
Visitors to the brewery can enjoy tours, tastings, and events at their expansive facility. The on-site restaurant offers a menu designed to pair perfectly with their beers, enhancing the overall experience.
Karbach Brewing Co. continues to push boundaries in the craft beer world, experimenting with new styles and flavors while honoring traditional brewing methods.
Address: 2032 Karbach St, Houston, TX 77092
Website: www.karbachbrewing.com
Phone: (713) 680-2739
10) Community Beer Co.
Community Beer Co. stands out as a premier craft brewery in Dallas, Texas. Founded in 2013, this award-winning establishment has quickly become a favorite among beer enthusiasts.
The brewery offers a diverse range of craft beers, from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts. Their core lineup includes popular brews like Mosaic IPA, Public Ale, and Witbier.
Community Beer Co. is known for its spacious taproom, which provides a welcoming atmosphere for visitors to enjoy fresh beer straight from the source. The brewery often hosts events and live music, enhancing the overall experience.
Beer lovers can take guided tours to learn about the brewing process and the company’s commitment to quality. Community Beer Co. also offers a beer-to-go option, allowing patrons to enjoy their favorite brews at home.
Contact Details:
Address: 3110 Commonwealth Dr., Dallas, TX 75247
Website: www.communitybeer.com
Texas Craft Brewing Trends
Texas breweries are embracing sustainability efforts and adapting their beer styles for the winter season. These initiatives reflect the industry’s commitment to environmental responsibility and consumer preferences.
Sustainability Initiatives
Texas craft breweries are implementing eco-friendly practices to reduce their environmental impact. Many are switching to renewable energy sources like solar panels to power their operations. Water conservation efforts include recycling and treating wastewater for reuse in non-brewing processes.
Some breweries have adopted zero-waste policies, composting spent grains and recycling packaging materials. Local sourcing of ingredients has become a priority, supporting Texas farmers and reducing transportation emissions.
Packaging innovations include biodegradable six-pack rings and recycled cardboard carriers. Several breweries now offer refillable growlers and crowlers to minimize single-use containers.
Popular Styles This Winter
Texas brewers are crafting seasonal beers to suit colder weather preferences. Rich, malty brews like stouts and porters are gaining popularity. Many feature additions of coffee, chocolate, or vanilla for added warmth and complexity.
Barrel-aged beers are trending, with breweries aging strong ales in whiskey or bourbon barrels. These limited releases often become sought-after winter specialties.
Spiced ales incorporating cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are common holiday offerings. Some breweries experiment with unique local ingredients like pecans or chili peppers in their winter recipes.
IPAs remain popular year-round, but winter versions often feature piney, resinous hops that complement the season. Brewers are also exploring cold-fermented lagers as a crisp alternative to heavier styles.
Historic Brews Of Texas
Texas craft brewing has deep roots tracing back to 19th century settlers. German immigrants brought traditional brewing techniques, while local ingredients shaped unique regional styles.
Influence Of German Immigrants
German immigrants played a crucial role in establishing Texas’ brewing traditions. In the mid-1800s, they brought lager yeast and Old World brewing methods to the state. Fredericksburg and New Braunfels emerged as early brewing hubs.
The Spoetzl Brewery, founded in Shiner in 1909, remains one of Texas’ oldest operating breweries. Its iconic Shiner Bock beer showcases the lasting German influence on Texas brewing.
German-style beers like kölsch, hefeweizen, and pilsner continue to be popular among Texas craft brewers today.
Evolution Of Local Ingredients
Texas brewers adapted European styles to local ingredients and climate. Native plants like prickly pear and mesquite added unique flavors to traditional recipes.
The state’s hot summers led to the development of refreshing, lighter-bodied beers. Many early Texas brewers used corn as an adjunct to create crisp, easy-drinking lagers.
Local agriculture shaped beer profiles. Gulf Coast breweries incorporated citrus, while Hill Country brewers experimented with peaches and pecans.
Today, craft brewers continue this tradition of innovation, using Texas-grown hops, malt, and fruits to create distinctly Texan brews.