2012 ushers in further expansion in the Austin craft beer scene, from increases in production facilities for several existing brewpubs and breweries to opening of new breweries and brewpubs. Twisted X Brewing Company is stepping up from a three barrel to a 30-barrel system, Austin Beerworks is expecting shipment of their new tanks that will double their production.
Meanwhile, North by Northwest Restaurant & Brewery is awaiting delivery this week for a second grain silo and the massive Real Ale Brewing expansion continues. Orf Brewing had a limited release of their first craft beer at the Draught House -- expect more American ale releases from this brewery soon.
Beer news
- Local brewpub Lovejoy's Taproom and other local bars as well as music venues in the Red River District and East Austin are supporting the fund to help the family of Esme Barrera, a local special education assistant teacher whose tragic murder in the early morning of the new year has deeply impacted the local music community. As a Girls Rock Austin camp counselor and band mentor, Barrera was a valued volunteer dedicated to empowering young girls in music and themselves.
- The documentary filmmakers behind Beer Culture the Movie are rolling into Central Texas including San Antonio and Austin this week for their latest feature film, Crafting a Nation, a feature length documentary. Whereas Beer Culture focused on Colorado breweries and their influence on the craft beer movement, Crafting a Nation broadens the view to a national level with American craft brewers by focusing on several regions including Oregon, California, Texas, Colorado, Missouri, and North Carolina. Crafting a Nation tells the story of how "the American craft brewers are rebuilding the economy… one beer at a time."
- Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter Lane is now hiring, so shouldn't be long before craft beer enthusiasts in South Austin can enjoy special selections from Beverage Director Bill Norris.
Beer events
- Monday, January 2: Black Star Co-op features a cask-conditioned Vulcan with Simcoe hops. Also tonight enjoy Happy Hour all night long at The Dig Pub in Cedar Park.
- Tuesday, January 3: Monthly Cask Night at Uncle Billy's Brew & Que on Barton Springs Road, this month featuring Blitzenhoppy! Belgo-American Imperial Red Ale.
- Wednesday, January 4: The Flying Saucer Austin features their weekly glass night at 7 pm. This week's "buy the beer, keep the glass" is Houblon Chouffe, a Belgian IPA.
- Saturday, January 7: Jester King Craft Brewery hosts a rally for the grassroots consumer organization, Open the Taps, as well as have a release party for Das Wunderkind! Sour Saison. Das Wunderkind! is the first beer bottled from their barrel room, and an unfiltered, unpasteurized, bottle conditioned wild ale oak barrel aged with native Hill Country wild yeast and souring bacteria. 1- 4 pm.
On tap
- Adelbert's Brewery Scratchin' Hippo is now available on draft at the Draught House and Flying Saucer Austin.
- Flix Brewhouse is offering the second release it the rolling pro-am competitions series for local homebrewers. Henrik Engert of the Texas Carboys was this round's winner, and his big bold and smooth stout combines roasty flavors with a generous dose of American hops. Cold aged for five weeks.
- Jester King Craft Brewery Mad Meg Provision Ale is on tap at locations around Austin. Made with French pilsner malt, wheat, a touch of Caramunich and acidulated malt, Czech Saaz hops and JK's farmhouse yeast. Golden colored, the palate intertwines delicate farmhouse esters with earthy, spicy hops and clean malt flavors. (9% ABV.)
- Rahr & Sons Brewing sent a special delivery of Angry Santa, a spiced version of their Winter Warmer to select bars. Grab a pint at The Ginger Man, Draught House, or Home Field Grill.
- Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar is hopping with special selections, including Jester King Thrash Metal Farmhouse Ale, Great Divide Oak Aged Espresso Yeti (Jan 2011) and Wells Bombardier. Drafthouse Lamar has a vertical offering of Anchor Christmas '09, '10 and '11, and (512) Brewing Bruin.
On the shelf
- Adelbert's Brewery Rambler is a clear, clean, light-tasting Belgian blond ale slightly reminiscent of a Kolsch, approximately 5.3% ABV, now available at Sunrise Mini-Mart, Flying Saucer, Rosedale Market and Hyde Park Market.
- Dogfish Head Craft Brewery has introduced another beer from their portfolio into the Texas market, the infamous Immort Ale. Maple syrup from Red Brook Farm -- Sam's family farm in Western Massachusetts -- is used for this beer along with peat-smoked barley, juniper berries and vanilla. Fermented with a blend of English and Belgian yeasts, then aged in the big oak tanks at the brewery imparts a sweet and earthy flavor in this ale that packs a wallop at 11% ABV. Available at The Whip in.
Coming soon
Twisted X Brewing's tequila barrel-aged Schwarziber Senor Viejo will be on tap again soon -- look for it this week at places such as Red's Porch, Homefield Grill, The Dig Pub and Whip In. Hops and Grain Brewery is kegging up a "yet to be named" Belgian Pale Ale that should be available on tap by the end of this week. Real Ale Brewing Mysterium Verum barleywine aged in French and American oak, the Kraken will be released soon.
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