As has been lamented in this space several times already, Dallas has no local microbrewery. Not a single home-grown brewpub, not even a homebrew shop.
Of course, all this depends on your definition of “Dallas.” With dozens of municipalities in the North Texas metro area, city limits are sometimes merely a formality.
If so, the closest “local” Dallas craft brewer would be the Franconia Brewing Company of McKinney. This new brewery has barely been operating for a year now and has already gained a foothold in pubs and restaurants throughout the Dallas area.
Franconia is the product of Dennis Wehrmann, a German national with a family brewing heritage that extends back several Bavarian generations. He was the head brewer at the local TwoRows franchises for a few years (when they were still in the brewing biz) before taking the plunge and opening his own brewery just last year.
One of this brewery’s best products is their simply-named Franconia Lager. This is a traditional German style known as a Münich helles, and is probably the most authentic of this style found anywhere in Texas. The Franconia Lager is light and straw-colored but boasts a full, malty, almost nutty flavor with only a gentile hop addition.
This lager makes the best possible substitution for anyone addicted to the fizzy, plain lagers of the large corporate brewers. Enjoy it with lighter fare such as seafood, salads or fruit, and it would not be out of place at a late-summer baseball game.
Availability: New tap accounts are growing, making appearances throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area and surrounding cities in bars and restaurants both big and small. Unfortunately, no bottling line is in operation just yet.
Cheers!
Comments
Paul, so glad to see you found your way to Franconia. As you point out not truly Dallas but serving the craft beer needs. I live in McKinney and I am a huge fan on the beer and Dennis. I've never met another brewer who cares more about his product and his consumers. Look forward to reading more from you
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