Best Texas Brewers and Their IPA Beer
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Texas is a land of many things - big open spaces, cowboy culture, and some of the best craft beer in the country. The Lone Star State has a rich history when it comes to brewing, dating all the way back to the 1800s. This long tradition has led to the development of a booming craft beer scene, with plenty of delicious Texas-brewed IPAs to choose from.
Texas has a long and storied history when it comes to brewing beer. The Lone Star State was actually one of the first states in the country to start brewing beer on a commercial scale. This rich history has paved the way for the numerous craft breweries that now call Texas home. And these breweries are cranking out some amazing India Pale Ales (IPAs)
In case you're not familiar, IPAs are a type of beer that is characterized by its higher than average hops content. This gives the beer a distinct bitterness that is offset by the maltiness of the brew.
IPAs have become very popular in recent years, and Texas breweries are definitely doing them justice.
To help you out, we've compiled a list of 20 of the best Texas craft breweries and their IPA beers. From well-known names like Shiner to up-and-coming breweries like Jester King, there's something for everyone on this list. So grab a cold one and enjoy!
Best Texas Craft Breweries
Deep Ellum Brewing Company
Deep Ellum Brewing Company offers a solid variety of year-round and seasonal brews that are playful takes on traditional favorite brews. They are located in the historic Deep Ellum neighborhood of Dallas and they have a great taproom that is perfect for enjoying your preferred brews from their finely crafted brews on tap.
The Dream Crusher from Deep Ellum Brewing Co. is a double rye India pale ale that takes the traditional flavors of an IPA and dials it up to seven with its 9.5% ABV. You'll find notes of pineapple and floral aromas with hints of spice. To taste, you'll be greeted with citrus, pineapple, spice, and floral flavors that finish quite well.
2823 St Louis St, Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 888-3322
Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Saint Arnold Brewing Company is one of the oldest craft breweries in Texas. This is where, throughout the years, they have made making world-class beers a tradition. They have a great taproom that is perfect for enjoying a few beers with friends.
Their take on double India pale ale is the 9.2% ABV Double Down which fuses the best of beer styles from both the East and West Coast. This marriage of brewing culture has produced big tropical flavors with notes of melon and bitterness that ties up but is not imposing.
2000 Lyons Ave, Houston, TX 77020
(713) 686-9494
Independence Brewing Company
Independence Brewing Company was first established in 2004 by a married couple and their dog. They eventually grew to a crew of nine and a healthy local beer community following. Expect brewery tours that are topped only by their laid-back tap room where they serve up world-class brews.
As far as their IPAs go, they have a number that are definitely worth trying but our go-to is their Stash India pale ale. This 7.5% brew brings forward earthy flavors that mingle well with citrus, floral, and piney notes from the six types of hops that they use.
3913 Todd Lane Suite, #607, Austin, TX 78744
(512) 707-0099
Spoetzl Brewery
Spoetzl Brewery is most famous for their Shiner Beers and has been brewing in Shiner, Texas since 1909. They have long been known for brewing flavorful beers that is uniquely theirs.
An interesting take on the traditional India pale ale is their delicious TexHex Bruja IPA. Experimenting on the surprisingly delicious mix of cactus water and rare Amarillo hops, the Spoetzl Brewery has made a wonderful IPA with a flavor profile filled with notes of citrus, stone fruit, tangerine, and pineapple.
603 E Brewery St, Shiner, TX 77984
(361) 594-3383
(512) Brewing Company
(512) Brewing Company may be a microbrewery but they have over 30 different varieties of beers that you can try. In their brewing process, they use locally-sourced, and organic ingredients. They have beer tours every Saturday where you can enjoy 6 samples of their best brews available and spend time in their brewery.
Their (512) IPA is an India pale ale that has a balance of both malt and hops. This emphasis on balance produces a citrusy, and earthy tasting notes that finishes heavy with pounds of dank Columbus.
407 Radam Lane, Building F, Austin, TX 78745
(512) 921-1545
Peticolas Brewing Company
The Peticolas Brewing Co. was founded in 2010 and is currently still family-owned. Over the years, they have stacked up quite the number of awards for their brews. This is because of their meticulously hands-on approach when brewing world-class beers.
Their Main Squeeze India Pale Ale harkens to a medley of flavors that puts forward crispy clean citrus flavors with aromas of orange peel and tangerine lingering on the nose. Quite a refreshing taste to enjoy in their indoor service taproom.
1301 Pace St, Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 234-7600
Karbach Brewing Company
Karbach Brewing Company in Houston, Texas first started out in the craft beer industry back in 2008 and started their brewing operations in 2011. From that point on, they grew to a point where in 2016 they acquired Anheuser-Busch InBev that bumped up their production to 150,000 barrels per year. The rise in demand for their brews are because of their mainstays like the Love Street Kolsch-Style Blonde, Crawford Bock, and, of course, their Hopadillo India pale ale.
Their Hopadillo IPA is huge on the bitterness that can be attributed to the different hops used in this brew. Expect sweet fruity fragrant notes and deliver on the promise of bitterness. While it leaves hints of bready malt, caramel, and a bit of spice to the taste - a solid brew from Karbach Brewing Co.
2032 Karbach Street, Houston, TX 77092
(713) 680-2739
Rahr & Sons Brewing Company
Founded back in 2004, Rahr & Sons Brewing Company in the South side of downtown Fort Worth has decades of brewing tradition behind them. The Rahr family started brewing beer in the American continent back in 1847 after emigrating from Germany. And, at present, they have grown through their world-class brews and by supplying brewing supplies to around 90% of breweries in Texas (sort of getting it from the source when drinking here).
They have a wide selection of beers that number around 17 canned craft brews. Their Dadgum India pale ale has notes of fresh cut pine that cuts with a lively bitterness to the taste and leaves strong flavors of fruit.
701 Galveston Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104
(817) 810-9266
Oasis Texas Brewing Company
True to its name, you'll find that the Oasis Texas Brewing Company is a destination that will make for a chill watering hole for craft beer lovers. Panoramic views of Lake Travis can be enjoyed while sipping on some of their award-winning year-round brews.
Matched by their picturesque surroundings, are their masterfully crafted artsy brews that are interesting takes on traditional craft beer mainstays. Featured on their year-round beers on tap is the Redneck Yacht Club Double IPA which has the right amount of bitterness that floats over notes of caramel and finishes dry.
6550 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732
(512) 284-9407
Vista Brewing
If you have the time or just planning a weekend Texas BBQ and craft beer trip, Vista Brewing is a great destination. Treat yourself to the clean and fresh air of the Texas Hill Country as you enjoy a wide array of handcrafted brews from their Flight of Beer trays.
Using conventional approaches to brewing, Vista Brewing puts importance to their very own Texas Hill Country terroir. This has produced some of the best brews in the Lone Star State which includes their Destination - American IPA that has a crisp citrus and mango to the taste.
13551 Ranch to Market Rd 150, Driftwood, TX 78619
(512) 766-1842
More Texas Craft Breweries and Their IPA Beer
Railport Brewing Company
What started out as a labor of passion for the owners has now grown into what Railport Brewing Co. is known for today - a satisfying Texan craft beer. Using traditional brewing methods, they churn out flagship brews and seasonal rotational brews so there's always something new to try on tap.
Their Caboose Hop IPA is a Single Malt and Single Hop [SMaSH] IPA that uses Pilsner Malt and Citra Hops. This produces a lightly bitter (52 IBUs), simple, and easy-going IPA that would be great for any occasion.
405 W Madison St, Waxahachie, TX 75165
(469) 716-0038
12 Fox Beer Company
Made from their love for genuine German brews, 12 Fox Beer Co. was founded by Joe and Aaron. What started out as a small-batch craft beer operation eventually blossomed to being one of the best hand-crafted beers that traditionally uses single-sourced malt.
Their Galaxy Fox India pale ale has a blend of citrus, passion fruit, and peach flavors that mingles with the light sweet malt flavor of this deliciously bitter beer at 64 IBUs.
4700 W Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
(512) 626-4458
Brazos Valley Brewing Company
The Brazos Valley Brewing Company started in 2013 and has kept on growing because of the passion behind this business. Owned and operated by five friends, their lineup of brews is a reflection of each of their personal preferences when it comes to high quality hand crafted beers.
One of their flagship brews is the Mama Tried Citra IPA which uses Citra hops to produce an India pale ale that has notes of floral and fruity aromas to the nose. While the taste is a bright and crisp citrus flavor that's perfect to pair with smoked chicken or baked salmon.
206 Jackson St, Brenham, TX 77833
(979) 987-1133
Dodging Duck Brewhaus
Dodging Duck Brewhaus offers the perfect balance of handcrafted beers and great food pairings from Asian, European, and American cuisines. Their beers have won awards in the World Beer Championships. This pedigree when it comes to mastering the craft of brewing Texan beers is enough reason to visit.
Amongst the wide variety of brews that they offer is their Rub Her Ducky India pale ale. It opens up with a hop-forward taste because of the blend of Centennial, Simcoe, Mossaic, and Azacca hops.
402 River Road, Boerne, TX 78006
(830) 248-3825
Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling
Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling is one of the few 'brewstilleries' in the Lone Star State. Winning multiple awards, this San Antonio destination has some of the most informative tours in the Lone Star State.
The Skytrooper IPA is a must-try for all India pale ale heads out there because of its citrus and tropical aroma from the Centennial and Amarillo hops that were used. To the taste, you'll find a balanced malt taste from the Marris Otter and German pale malt that they used.
4834 Whirlwind Dr, Ste 102, San Antonio, TX 78210
(210) 339-2282
Thirsty Planet Brewing Company
Thirsty Planet Brewing Company's approach towards brewing and their business in general is well thought out. They set up events throughout the state to help charities. Their spent grains are donated to local farmers. While they also recycle paper, glass, and cardboard too.
So with all this going on, their brews have allowed them to grow both themselves and the community around them. To mark their 7th year anniversary, the Thirsty Planet Brewing Co. introduced its Buckethead IPA that's a blend of four types of hops. This gives this India pale ale a layer of caramel sweetness to it that mingles with tastes of tangerine amongst other crisp tropical notes.
8201 South Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78745
(512) 579-0679
Texas Beer Co.
Texas Beer Co. had its start with the help of the community and eventually grew to win awards at the 2018 Great American Beer Festival. And if you're up for some learning, they have brewery tours or you can also visit their taproom at Taylor, Texas.
Their Hop Rodeo IPA is a Texas Style Hazy IPA that bursts with warm tropical fruity flavors that's accented well with a subtle bitterness. Known to be strong yet smooth, we strongly advise counting those emptied cans.
1331 W 2nd St, Taylor, TX 76574
(512) 466-6939
Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company
The Buffalo Brewing Company has creative takes on their uniquely Houston brews. Founded by friends Ras Zarinfar and Ryan Robertson back in March of 2011, they have grown their brewery thanks to the support of the beer-loving community around them.
Since it's almost the Christmas Season, Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company's Merry Buffing X-Mas is a unique pale ale experience because of its dank earthy smell that is followed by delicate notes of citrus and pine flavor.
5301 Nolda Street, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 750-9795
Ivanhoe Ale Works
The Ivanhoe Ale Works over at Denison, Texas first opened when owner Gabe Parker and brewmaster Johnny Wells restored the building where the brewery-winery now sits. They have a good variety of different handcrafted brews that are served alongside some great vintages from Gabe's winery.
Their Ivanhoe IPA is a must-try for all India pale ale fans out there because of its pilsner-like qualities and a tasting profile that hints at grapefruit and notes of tropical fruits.
220 W Main Street, Denison, TX 75020
(903) 464-0030
Panther Island Brewing Company - Fort Worth, TX
Panther Island Brewing Company is a family-owned and operated brewery in Fort Worth, Texas. Founded on the passion for every craft beer, the owners have grown this once simple brewery to a bustling beer spot that sports live music, food trucks, and lots of other activities.
As far as their IPAs go, their IP F/N A leaves beer lovers knocked back by this 10% ABV Imperial India pale ale. To the taste, you'll find citrus, hops, and notes of grapefruit.
501 N Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76164
(817) 882-8121
The India Pale Ale in all its flavors, hues, and forms is best appreciated through these 20 Texas breweries. Representative of their respective communities, these breweries, and their carefully crafted brews tell stories of passion for their craft. So best get your gear ready because a Texas IPA beer trip throughout the state may just be possible just before the year closes.
