Compared to robust beer states like Colorado, Texas isn’t exactly known for its microbreweries. But just because you’re in Texas doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a delicious hand-crafted microbrew. Texas is home to many excellent craft breweries producing beers that connoisseurs will love, from pilsners to stouts and anything in between.
1. 512 Brewing Company – Austin, Texas
512 is an Austin brewery offering a diverse microbrew selection. Beers range from a fresh Belgian Wit to their sweet and malty Pecan Porter. According to their website, 512 crafts its beers using Austin’s mineral-rich water, which gives the beers their unique taste. The brewery is dedicated to using organic and local ingredients, so 512 offers a true Texas pint. You can only find 512 brews in pubs, so if you’re in Texas be sure to try their Black IPA, a unique hoppy beer sure to please dark beer lovers and hopheads alike.
2. Rahr & Sons Brewing Company – Fort Worth, Texas
Founded in 2004 by a TCU Horned Frog, the Fort Worth microbrewery has already earned over a dozen national awards for its beers. Rahr offers tours of its brewery every Wednesday and Saturday, with times listed on the Rahr website. Guests get to taste the beers – just bring your ID if you’re 21 or over. While you’re there, try Rahr’s popular Ugly Pug, a black lager with a light coffee flavor, or opt for a seasonal brew like the Oktoberfest, a deliciously smooth and malty amber-colored lager.
3. St. Arnold Brewing Company – Houston, Texas
Boasting the impressive title of oldest craft brewery in Texas, the St. Arnold Brewing Company is named for the patron saint of brewers. The microbrewery crafts ten beers, from the light, crisp Lawnmower to the roasty Winter Stout to an old fashioned root beer. If you’re in Houston, you can visit the brewery on Mondays or Saturdays – check their website for times. Groups can even rent the abbey-style brew hall for an impressive party. Be sure to pick up the Divine Reserve in stores if you can find it; the recipe changes with each new batch, brewed once or twice a year.
4. Real Ale Brewing Company – Blanco, Texas
If the hop in their logo doesn’t convince you of Real Ale’s commitment to making great beer, consider their history. From its founding in 1996 until 2005, Real Ale brewers crafted their beers in a tiny 2500 square foot building, according to their website. Real Ale has since expanded, but hasn’t lost its commitment to making great craft beers. Try a bottle of Fireman’s #4 Blonde Ale if you’re in the mood for something light and a little citrusy, or try the ESB (Extra Special Bitter) for something earthy with a hint of bitterness in the finish.
5. Southern Star Brewing Company – Conroe, Texas
Southern Star serves its microbrews in a distinctive can, but don’t let that keep you from trying a hoppy Pine Belt Pale Ale. For a true Texas experience, try the Bombshell Blonde, the microbrewery’s signature blonde ale with a mellow, bready flavor. The Conroe brewery offers free tours and tastings, so check its website for times and dates.
Sources:
512 Brewing Company
Rahr & Sons Brewing Company
St. Arnold Brewing Company
Real Ale Brewing Company
Southern Star Brewing Company