10 Texas Craft Breweries You Should Know About
A Guide to the Best Local Brews
Texas boasts a vibrant craft brewery scene, offering a wealth of unique and flavorful beers that reflect the state's diverse culture and rich history. From bustling urban breweries in the heart of cities to serene, countryside establishments, there is no shortage of remarkable places to enjoy an exceptional pint in the Lone Star State. With each brewery bringing its own special touch, enthusiasts can anticipate a broad spectrum of brews that cater to all tastes.
The growth of craft breweries in Texas has been phenomenal, driven by passionate brewers dedicated to quality and innovation. Whether you are a casual beer drinker or a devoted aficionado, exploring these stand-out Texas breweries promises a rewarding experience filled with local character and community spirit.
1) Jester King Brewery
Jester King Brewery is an authentic farmhouse brewery located in the picturesque Texas Hill Country. They specialize in crafting wild ales and spontaneously fermented beers that reflect the unique characteristics of their surroundings.
Inspired by traditional small farmhouse breweries, Jester King employs time, patience, and unique fermentation methods.
The brewery offers an exquisite range of craft beers, each made with meticulous care and passion. Their flagship beer epitomizes their dedication to brewing excellence, capturing the essence of their brewing philosophy.
Besides brewing, Jester King expands its offerings with a pizzeria and goat ranch on its 41-acre property. This makes it a fun, one-of-a-kind spot for visitors to enjoy food, drink, and hospitality.
Visitors can enjoy their meals and drinks in a serene setting, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country.
Address: 13187 Fitzhugh Road, Austin, TX 78736
Phone: (512) 661-8736
Website: Jester King Brewery
2) Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Founded in 1994, Saint Arnold Brewing Company holds the title of Texas' oldest craft brewery. The brewery is located in Houston and was established by Brock Wagner and Kevin Bartol, both graduates of Rice University.
Saint Arnold is known for its diverse range of beers, including the popular Summer Pils, a Munich-style Helles with a crisp and refreshing taste. Their beers feature fine German malt and noble hops imported from the Czech Republic.
The brewery offers guided tours every weekday and on Saturday afternoons, attracting enthusiasts eager to learn about the brewing process. These tours provide visitors with an inside look at the craftsmanship behind their favorite brews.
Saint Arnold Brewing Company also places a strong emphasis on brewing world-class beers and delivering them fresh to customers across Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. They pride themselves on quality and consistency in their brewing process.
Contact Information:
Address: 2000 Lyons Avenue, Houston, TX 77020
Website: saintarnold.com
Phone: (713) 686-9494
3) Real Ale Brewing Company
Real Ale Brewing Company is a prominent craft brewery located in Blanco, Texas. Established in 1996, it has earned a stellar reputation for producing high-quality American ales.
Known for its picturesque hill country setting, Real Ale offers a scenic backdrop for beer enthusiasts. The brewery's taproom features a diverse range of beers, including their widely celebrated Fireman's #4 Blonde Ale and Full Moon Pale Rye Ale.
Visitors can enjoy guided tours that include tastings. These tours are available Thursdays through Saturdays at 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm, costing $10 per person. Each tour provides a souvenir pint glass as a memento.
Real Ale's commitment to quality is reflected in their meticulous brewing process. They focus on traditional hand-crafted methods, ensuring each beer's uniqueness and flavor. The brewery is also known for its strong community ties and local involvement.
Their award-winning beers have made them a household name in Texas. Real Ale continues to attract beer enthusiasts from all over the country, thanks to their dedication to excellence and innovation in craft brewing.
Contact Details:
Address: 231 San Saba Ct, Blanco, TX 78606
Phone: (830) 833-2534
Website: realalebrewing.com
4) Karbach Brewing Co.
Located in the Spring Branch area of Houston, Karbach Brewing Co. has rapidly become one of Texas's most recognized craft breweries. Founded with a strong belief that craft beer should be accessible to everyone, Karbach prides itself on producing a wide range of beer styles for all tastes.
Karbach employs classic German brewing techniques, ensuring that each beer delivers high quality and consistency. Since its acquisition by Anheuser-Busch, Karbach has expanded its reach without compromising the integrity of its products.
With offerings that include hop-forward IPAs, light and refreshing lagers, and rich stouts, Karbach has a beer for every occasion. This brewery champions diversity of flavor, making it a favorite among craft beer aficionados.
In addition to its commitment to quality beer, Karbach engages actively with the local community, hosting events and providing a welcoming atmosphere at their taproom.
If you’re in Houston, a visit to Karbach Brewing Co. is a must. Contact them for more information or check out their offerings online.
Address: 2032 Karbach St, Houston, TX 77092
Phone: (713) 680-2739
Website: karbachbrewing.com
5) Austin Beerworks
Austin Beerworks is located in North Austin, near the Domain and the Austin FC Stadium.
This brewery has become a favorite for both locals and visitors. It’s known for its innovative approach to brewing and the vibrant atmosphere.
Their beers, including the highly praised "Peacemaker" and "Flavor Country," have helped solidify their reputation. The brewery frequently hosts events, making it a lively spot for gatherings.
The beer garden provides a comfortable setting to relax and enjoy their offerings. The venue's industrial aesthetic adds character and charm, enhancing the overall experience.
For more information or to plan a visit, contact them directly:
Address: 3001 Industrial Ter., Austin, TX 78758
Phone: 512-821-2494
Website: Austin Beerworks
6) Hops & Grain Brewing
Hops & Grain Brewing is a popular brewery in Austin, Texas, known for its dedication to sustainability and quality. They produce a variety of craft beers, each brewed with a focus on environmental responsibility.
The taproom and beer garden at Hops & Grain provide a welcoming space to relax and enjoy a cold beer. Their signature Zoe pale lager is a popular choice, particularly refreshing on a hot Texas day.
Located at 507 Calles Street, the brewery has become a community favorite, resonating with beer enthusiasts across Austin. They encourage patrons to check with local retailers to find their products.
Hops & Grain Brewing is committed to creating exceptional beers that stand out in the craft brewing scene. They continually engage with the community, ensuring their brews remain a staple in local culture.
Contact Details: Address: 507 Calles Street, Austin, TX 78702 Phone: (512) 914-2467 Website: Hops & Grain Brewing
7) Deep Ellum Brewing Company
Deep Ellum Brewing Company began its journey in 2011. It quickly established itself as a significant player in the Dallas craft beer scene.
Located in the historic Deep Ellum neighborhood, the brewery reflects the area's vibrant and bold character. Deep Ellum Brewing is known for its rebellious and innovative spirit.
In 2018, Canarchy Craft Brewery Collective LLC acquired Deep Ellum Brewing. This move expanded Deep Ellum's reach and resources.
Their beer lineup includes a diverse range of craft beers. Popular options include the Deep Ellum IPA and Dallas Blonde. They continuously push the boundaries of traditional brewing.
Deep Ellum Brewing Company provides a welcoming atmosphere for beer enthusiasts. They offer live music, food trucks, and family-friendly events.
It remains the largest independent brewery in North Texas. They take pride in their bold, fearless approach to brewing.
Contact Details:
Website: Deep Ellum Brewing Company
Address: 2823 St Louis St, Dallas, TX 75226, USA
Phone: +1 214-888-3322
8) Live Oak Brewing Company
Live Oak Brewing Company has been a staple in Austin's craft brewing scene since 1997. They are known for their traditional German lagers and ales. Located on 22 acres between Downtown Austin and Austin-Bergstrom Airport, the brewery offers a serene environment for beer enthusiasts.
The brewery features an 18-hole disc golf course. Visitors can enjoy the game while sipping on finely crafted beers. Food trucks are also available on-site, providing a variety of food options.
Live Oak Brewing specializes in European-inspired beers, focusing primarily on German styles. One of their standout beers is Live Oak Gold, a north German-style pilsner. It has a bright, crisp flavor, thanks to generous additions of Hallertau noble hops.
The brewery uses German lager yeast and a lengthy secondary conditioning process. This technique results in a clean, balanced beer that highlights the malt and hops flavors. Live Oak Gold has an ABV of 4.8% and an IBU of 34.
For those looking to visit or contact the brewery, here are the details:
Address: 1615 Crozier Ln, Austin, TX 78741
Phone: 512-385-2299
Website: Live Oak Brewing Company
9) 512 Brewing Company
512 Brewing Company is a notable craft brewery located in Austin, Texas. They are known for their locally brewed beers that blend American styles with influences from English, Belgian, and German traditions.
One of their standout offerings is the Pecan Porter. This nearly black beer features a full body and malty sweetness, balanced with a subtle pecan aroma and flavor from locally grown pecans.
Founded to serve Central Texans, 512 Brewing has become a staple in the local craft beer scene. Their beers often carry a sense of familiarity while introducing unique twists that set them apart.
For those interested in visiting, 512 Brewing Company is situated at 13187 Fitzhugh Rd, Austin, TX 78736. To learn more, visit their website at 512Brewing.
10) Rahr & Sons Brewing Company
Rahr & Sons Brewing Company, located in Fort Worth, Texas, has been crafting award-winning beers since 2004. Founded by Fritz Rahr, the brewery has steadily grown its presence and now distributes to eight states.
This brewery is known for its diverse range of beers, each crafted with precision and care. Their beer offerings include a variety of year-round and seasonal selections, appealing to a wide spectrum of tastes.
Rahr & Sons plays a significant role in the Fort Worth community, frequently hosting events and beer tastings at their facility. Their commitment to quality and local engagement has solidified their reputation in the craft beer scene.
To visit, remember they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Contact Details: 701 Galveston Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104
Phone: (817) 810-9266
Website: rahrbrewing.com
History of Craft Brewing in Texas
The story of craft brewing in Texas can be divided into two pivotal eras: the early beginnings that set the stage and the modern era that has seen an explosion of breweries across the state.
Early Beginnings
The foundation of craft brewing in Texas dates back to the late 1980s and early 1990s. During this period, the first brewpubs and microbreweries started emerging. Notably, Waterloo Brewing Co. in Austin opened in 1993 and became a cornerstone of Texas craft beer. Although Waterloo closed in 2001, its influence is still recognized.
This era was marked by a significant focus on brewing high-quality, small-batch beers using traditional methods. Early entrepreneurs faced many challenges, including restrictive state laws and a lack of general public awareness about craft beer. Despite these obstacles, they laid the groundwork for a vibrant craft beer culture.
Modern Era of Craft Brewing
Starting in the early 2000s, Texas' craft brewing industry saw exponential growth. Legislative changes helped to ease restrictions, making it easier for new breweries to open and for existing ones to expand. Events like the Texas Craft Brewers Festival showcased the diverse talents of over 60 breweries, attracting large crowds and growing interest in locally-sourced, innovative beers.
Breweries like Freetail Brewing Co. and Real Ale Brewing Co. began pushing the boundaries of craft beer. Freetail, known for its daring and distinctive brews, and Real Ale, famous for its American ales, represent the innovation and quality that now characterize the Texas craft beer scene. This modern era has firmly established Texas as a significant player in the national craft beer industry.
Brewing Processes and Techniques
Texas craft breweries are known for their unique ingredients and innovative techniques, setting them apart in the brewing industry. This section explores some of the key components and methodologies that shape their distinctive offerings.
Unique Ingredients
Craft breweries in Texas often incorporate locally-sourced ingredients to create flavors that reflect the region's essence. For example, Real Ale Brewing Co. uses native hops and grains, giving their beers a unique Texan character.
Specialty malt varieties are another crucial element. These malts can add distinct flavors such as caramel, toffee, or even chocolate, enhancing the complexity of each brew. Some breweries also experiment with unconventional fruits and spices, from prickly pear to jalapeños, providing a unique twist to traditional beer recipes.
Innovative Techniques
Texas breweries are pioneers in employing innovative brewing techniques to achieve distinct flavors and textures. Barrel-aging is one method widely used, where beer matures in barrels that previously held spirits like bourbon or wine. This process imbues the brew with rich, layered flavors.
Another technique is dry-hopping, which involves adding hops late in the fermentation process. This can intensify aroma without adding bitterness. Some breweries like Saint A have developed proprietary methods for dry-hopping to ensure maximal aromatic impact.
High-gravity brewing is used to produce beers with a higher alcohol content while maintaining a balanced taste. By combining these techniques with state-of-the-art brewing equipment, Texas craft breweries continue to push the boundaries of what beer can be.
Community Impact of Texas Craft Breweries
Texas craft breweries play a significant role in driving local economic growth and hold an essential place in the state's cultural landscape. Their contributions extend beyond just brewing beer, impacting various aspects of community life.
Local Economic Growth
Craft breweries in Texas are critical drivers of local economies. These establishments generate substantial revenue, contributing around $4.5 billion annually to the state's economy. By fostering tourism, they attract visitors, which benefits local businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Moreover, craft breweries create numerous job opportunities. From brewing and marketing to sales and distribution, they provide employment for a diverse range of skill sets. Municipalities that embrace these breweries often experience revitalization in previously underdeveloped areas, turning them into vibrant business districts.
These industries also collaborate with local suppliers. Breweries in Texas often partner with local farmers and artisans, which boosts other sectors of the local economy. This synergistic relationship helps build a robust economic ecosystem.
Cultural Significance
Texas craft breweries hold deep cultural significance, serving as community hubs. These spaces are more than just beer tasting venues; they are gathering spots where people come together for events, celebrations, and social interaction. The breweries host various community events, from live music to art shows and charitable fundraisers, thus embedding themselves deeply in the community fabric.
In addition, Texas breweries contribute to local identity. Each brewery often celebrates the unique characteristics of its locale, whether through ingredients sourced from nearby farms or themes that reflect regional heritage. This not only preserves local traditions but also introduces visitors to the rich cultural tapestry of Texas.
By emphasizing inclusivity and connection, these breweries foster a sense of belonging and community pride. They offer spaces where community members can bond over shared experiences, creating a welcoming environment for both locals and tourists.
