Category: Brewery News

Sip & Savor: Your Guide to San Antonio Tastings

The Briscoe Western Art Museum is hosting Trades of the West. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Mezcal and whisky aficionados are passionate explorers of their respective spirits, each drawn to the unique qualities and histories of these liquors. Mezcal enthusiasts enjoy the smoky, complex flavors that come from agave plants and traditional production methods in Mexico. They appreciate the spirit’s artisanal craftsmanship and regional variations. Whisky connoisseurs, on the other hand, are captivated by the diverse profiles of whiskies, whether Scotch, bourbon, or rye. They savor the nuances brought out by different cask types, aging processes, and regional influences. Both groups celebrate their spirits with deep knowledge, often engaging in tastings, collecting rare bottles, and discussing intricate details of production.

So if you like mezcal or whisky, or both, there will be two tastings in the San Antonio area that you might want to put on your calendar for Thursday August 22. One is a pop-up at Pullman Market of Gran Maizal, a new Mexican whisky and the other is a Trade Talks – The Art, Culture and Craft of Mezcal at the Briscoe Western Art Museum. (Pullman Market, Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2024)

Details on each:

GRAN MAIZAL, a new Mexican whisky made with ancient corn varieties from the Yucatan Peninsula, is debuting in Texas and offering a tasting opportunity during a pop-up at Pullman Market on Thursday, August 22, from 6p.m. – 8p.m.

Made entirely at Destileria La Vibora in Yucatan, Mexico, the character emanates from thousands of years of Mesoamerican culture proudly passed on from one generation to the next – balanced notes of toasted corn, cured vanilla bean and pure cacao. Practices which are unique to Gran Maizal include the use of the Nal T’eel ancient corn variety, which is considered to be among the oldest. In addition, the whisky rests in handmade terracotta vessels to preserve the nixtamalized maize character while balancing with toasted wood.

Guests are invited to visit The Mezcaleria, centrally located at Pullman Market, for a unique opportunity to sample this distinctive whisky and meet co-founder Gonzalo de la Pezuela. Discover the rich heritage behind the brand while enjoying the exclusive, limited-time cocktail, “Maiz y Caña,” featuring Gran Maizal, Uruapan Charanda Añejo, tamarind, and grapefruit.

The Mezcaleria at Pullman Market
221 Newell Ave
San Antonio, TX 78215

GRAN MAIZAL. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Trade Talks – Trades of the West: The Art, Culture and Craft of Mezcal with Bruxo Founders Santiago Barreiro and Luis Edwardo Manrique and Flavors from Cuishe Cocina Mexicana

Thursday, August 22, 6p.m. – 9 p.m., $60 per person, $30 for Briscoe members
Must be 21 and older to attend.

Briscoe Western Art Museum
210 W. Market St
San Antonio, TX 78205

Experience the cool flavors of summer in this informative, educational and immersive program celebrating mezcal and the flavors of Mexico. Hear from the founders of Bruxo Mezcal as they share their stories about the people and the process of distilling this time-honored drink while enjoying samples paired with paired with traditional Oaxacan flavors through small plates of mole, bichos (bugs) and more, with a dash of sal de gusano – agave worm salt. Everyone will also enjoy light bites and small plates from Cuishe Cocina Mexicana. Advanced purchased tickets are required and include the program, mezcal tasting, light bites, small plates, and specialty cocktails featuring Bruxo Mezcal, including the Mezcal Mule and Paloma Mezcal.

Pullman Market opens at Pearl in San Antonio

The highly anticipated destination centered around Texas food and local agriculture features a specialty grocer, tortilleria, bakery, quick-service eatery, restaurants, and more. Photo: Robert Lerma, used with permission.

There is always something new and exciting going on at Pearl. From the farmers market to restaurants and special events, guests have a variety of of shopping and dining options. Some of my most memorable moments in San Antonio took place there. Today, I’m happy to share that today, Pullman Market is making its grand debut.

Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group’s Pullman Market, the largest culinary market in the Southwest, opens at Pearl on Tuesday, April 23. Visitors will be able to enjoy the market’s specialty grocer, featuring Texas-based produce and goods from over 150 suppliers throughout the state. Two of the market’s four restaurants, Fife & Farro and Mezquite, are also set to open on April 23. (Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, 2024)

“Pullman Market is the first project of its kind in San Antonio and the region. We’re most excited about providing a space for guests to get a taste of the ideals that make this city great: community, hospitality and high-quality food. There’s something for everyone at Pullman Market. You can grab a quick bite, stay awhile at one of our restaurants, discover fresh local ingredients or grab something premade to make mealtime easy – knowing it’s all been sourced with a commitment to quality and sustainability in an effort to offer the best we can for our community.” – Kevin Fink, Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group Partner

The 40,000-square-foot market is located in the former Samuels Glass Company headquarters at Pearl, which has continued to evolve as a culinary hub of San Antonio. Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery located just north of downtown San Antonio. Located in the heart of Pearl, Pullman Market was designed by award-winning Texas architecture firms Clayton Korte and Burton Baldridge and interior design firm Joel Mozersky Design.

Pullman Market celebrates everything food related and is about creating easier relationships between local producers and the community. The specialty market features over 150 Texas vendors supplying fresh produce, meat, cheese, wine, beer, and more. The market also features a retail section with a selection of locally sourced home and beauty goods, chef supplies, toys and more, as well as a high-quality grab-and-go meal case. Visitors will also be able to pick up provisions from the on-site tortilleria and sourdough bakery.

In addition to the specialty market, Pullman Market features five casual to-go concepts with items such as burgers, tacos, ceviche, sandwiches, coffee and ice cream, the latter of which includes flavors created by award-winning pastry chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph. Pullman Market also includes four restaurant concepts, two of which will open on April 23: Fife & Farro and Mezquite.

Fife & Farro is a family-friendly, no-reservations-required eatery specializing in wood-fired sourdough pizza and handmade heritage grain pasta. Fife & Farro is open for dinner only from 5p.m. to 10p.m. Monday and Tuesday and for lunch and dinner from 11a.m. to 10p.m. Wednesday-Sunday.

Mezquite focuses on the cuisine of Sonora, Mexico, with a dedicated mezcal bar named Mezcaleria. Mezquite and Mezcaleria are open for lunch and dinner from 11a.m. to 10p.m. Thursday-Tuesday and for dinner only from 5p.m. to 10p.m. on Wednesday.

The remaining Pullman Market full-service restaurants, Isidore and Nicosi, are scheduled to open later this spring. Isidore will feature an elevated dining experience where reservations will be required and the menu will change regularly, highlighting the best ingredients of the season. Nicosi, created by Bristol-Joseph, will be an intimate dessert bar with 20 seats and a no-phone policy. Stay tuned for an opening announcement in the coming weeks.

Pullman Market is located at 221 Newell Ave., San Antonio, TX 78215. The market’s operating hours are 8a.m. to 9p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 8a.m. to 10p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, which operated from 1883 to 1999. Located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River, it is home to architecturally significant buildings like the brewhouse and stable – both built in 1894 – and numerous plazas. Today, Pearl is home to dozens of unique culinary concepts, one-of-a-kind retail, weekend markets, residential communities, innovative office tenants, the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America and the award-winning Hotel Emma. Pearl is a vibrant district where the community gathers to play, work and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity. We invite all to gather and experience the best of what San Antonio has to offer.

Big Country Organic Brewing Co launches organic beer line

Big Country Organic Brewing Co launches three new beers in 2023 beginning in April. Photo: Big Country Organic Brewing Co., used with permission.

Big Country® Organic Brewing Co. is growing with the launch of three new beers slated for 2023. The first to hit shelves is TexMex Lager, a bright, refreshing Mexican style lager made with organic ingredients. Beginning in April you will be able to find TexMex Lager in 6-packs of 12oz. cans at your local retailer, and on draft in restaurants and bars throughout Texas. (Big Country, 2023)

Following the launch of TexMex Lager, the journey to highlight beer styles from across our great big country will continue with the release of a West Coast style IPA and Hazy New England style IPA. Both certified Organic IPAs will be available in July.

Big Country® may be known for their Organic Hard Seltzer, but the team has been producing high quality, crushable beers since the inception of the company. The release of these beers into the market is bringing Big Country’s dedication to organic production to the craft beer community so everyone can enjoy what was previously only available to visitors of the Austin brewery.

“We love craft beer just as much as we love the craft seltzer we introduced in 2021. We have an outstanding and very capable brew team, we have a certified organic production facility, and we have a dedication to making world class organic beverages for adults. There are a lot of great craft beers in the market, but there aren’t enough of them meeting the high standards to qualify as organic. We want to change that.” – Bill Gillies, Founder and CEO of Big Country

There will be a launch party at Big Country® Organic Brewing Co. on Friday, April 7 from 4p.m. – 8p.m. with live music, new food truck menu items, giveaways and more. Big Country® will be a main sponsor at the inaugural Wild West Brew Fest Pflugerville on Saturday, April 8 from 3p.m. – 9p.m., and will be sampling the TexMex Lager along with several limited release brews.

Big Country® Organic Brewing Co. beer and hard seltzer is currently available for purchase and shipment in 32 states via their online store (valid ID required, 21+ only). Big Country® is distributed statewide in Texas through Ben E. Keith Beverages, and launching statewide April 2023 in Colorado through Colorado Craft Distributors. Big Country® is available in major retailers including Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts Farmers Market, H-E-B, and Total Wine & More.

Big Country® Organic Brewing Co. is the currently the only operating certified Organic brewery in Texas. Big Country® prides themselves in becoming pioneers in the organic movement in the alcohol industry and carries three of the most distinctive and well-respected certifications in the food & beverage industry — USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Fair Trade Certified. They first entered the craft beverage market with Big Country® Organic Hard Seltzer in the spring of 2021 becoming the first and only Fair Trade Certified™ libation of its kind in the US.

Their Fair Trade commitment means that every can puts fair wages directly into the hands that harvested its ingredients. It also ensures farmers work in safe conditions, protect the environment, build sustainable livelihoods, and earn additional money to empower and uplift their communities. Big Country® fair trade purchases have sent over $91k to the farmers since they started.

New Lone Star Brewing merchandise partnership with O.G. Lone Star

Lone Star belt buckle. Photo: Lone Star Brewing, used with permission.

Lone Star Brewing has launched a special line of merchandise inspired by throwback Lone Star designs from the 1960s and 1970s. The merchandise items include shirts, hats and a brand new belt buckle. The merchandise is available for purchase online starting now until it sells out. (Lone Star Brewing, 2022)

The merchandise line was created in partnership with O.G. Lone Star, a purveyor of vintage Lone Star memorabilia. The new limited shirts, hats and belt buckle are inspired by the nostalgia of the retro Lone Star branding. Only 100 belt buckles will be sold and come with a certificate of authenticity. The items were all created with the help of Morgan Mercantile based in Fort Worth, Texas. 

“The 1960s and 70s produced plenty of classic Lone Star branding that have since become highly sought after items in the decades following,” said Senior Marketing Director, Emily Hoyle. “Knowing that, we wanted to give a nod to that nostalgia and reproduce some of the retro items just in time for holiday gift giving. We’re excited to bring a little joy and a little bit of Lone Star to folks this holiday season.”

The new brass belt buckle is reminiscent of old Lone Star beer signs that can still be found in bars throughout the state. The shirts and hats are reprints of previously retired designs.

Lone Star Brewing Co., the makers of Lone Star Beer “The National Beer of Texas” and Lone Star Texas Light Beer, has been proudly brewing beer in Texas since 1884. Since its founding, Lone Star has partnered with local communities throughout the state, supporting Texas-specific charities and organizations. Lone Star Brewing Co. is owned by Pabst Brewing Company, one of the largest independently owned American brewing companies.

First ever Fair Trade Certified organic seltzer launches in Texas

Big Country Organic Hard Seltzer is made with organic cane sugar produced using environmentally sustainable methods in Guarambare, Paraguay. It is the first and only Fair Trade Certified, USDA Organic libation of its kind in the US. Photo: McKenna Hixon, used with permission.

Big Country® Organic Hard Seltzer is the first and only hard seltzer to carry all three of the most distinctive and well-respected certifications in the food and beverage industry — USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Fair Trade Certified. Big Country® is also a proud member of the Go Texan program, which supports Texas agriculture. (Big Country Organic Hard Seltzer, 2022)

The organic hard seltzer is made at Willard’s Brewery, the only Certified Organic brewery in Texas, located in Austin. Big Country® recently announced the statewide launch of its hard seltzer’s new variety 12-packs with prominent placement in HEB, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, and Total Wine & More locations throughout Texas. The 12-packs showcase Big Country®’s recently refreshed package design and feature four new flavors –– Blackberry Grapefruit, Passionfruit Kiwi, Prickly Pear Peach, and Watermelon Pineapple.

Founder and CEO Bill Gillies started Big Country Foods Inc. as a supplier of organic ingredients over nine years ago. Gillies wanted to further his vision of bringing more clean ingredients to the market by providing consumers an organic hard seltzer, different from the rest. As a consumer, Gillies had always been selective about the ingredients in his food and drink. This personal concern led him to take what he calls “the path of most-resistance” when sourcing only the cleanest ingredients for Big Country®.

Big Country’s quality ingredients stand out in the highly competitive hard seltzer category. Its flavors are crafted by nationally acclaimed mixologist, Ricky Cobia. In addition to their unique flavor profiles, Big Country takes pride in their proprietary brewing process they like to call the “Cane to Can” approach. This allows Big Country to control the entire brewing process, ensuring transparency and quality in every batch.

Big Country® Organic Hard Seltzer is distributed statewide in Texas through Ben E. Keith Beverages. The new variety 12-packs are currently available on shelves in major Texas retailers including Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts Farmers Market, HEB and Total Wine & More.

Big Country is perfect for today’s health-conscious consumer, with each can only containing 90 calories, 0g sugar, 1g carb, and 4.5% ABV. In addition, by purchasing Big Country® Hard Seltzer, consumers are giving back through the Fair Trade USA® program, which supports safe working conditions for farmers, protects the environment, builds sustainable livelihoods, and allows farmers to earn additional money to empower and uplift their communities. Since inception, Big Country Fair Trade purchases have sent over $91,000 to the farmers.

Big Country® Organic Hard Seltzer is the only Fair Trade Certified™ libation of its kind in the US. Their Fair Trade commitment means every can puts fair wages directly into the hands that harvested its ingredients. It also ensures farmers work in safe conditions, protect the environment, build sustainable livelihoods, and earn additional money to empower and uplift their communities.

Since 2013, Big Country has worked with partners in Paraguay to import ingredients including a variety of organic sugars. Now, their seltzers are brewed in Austin, Texas with organic alcohol from fermented Big Country Cane Sugar.

In 2020, Big Country® Foods Inc. welcomed Big Country® Beverages (@bigcountrybeverage) to their organic family of products. BCHS is thoughtfully crafted by their skilled brew master and artisan mixologist, who have used their combined 25 years of experience to create the most delicious and unique flavors on the market.

Each 12-ounce can contains 90 calories, 0g sugar, 4.5% ABV, and is gluten free. Flavors are:

• Prickly Pear Peach ––Two of Texas’ favorites fruits come together to create a juicy and satisfyingly sweet pairing of cactus pear and sun-ripened peach. Truly unique and truly Texas.

• Passion Fruit Kiwi –– The Southern hemisphere shines with tangy tropical passion fruit complementing the tart sweetness of ripe kiwi in this refreshingly balanced, citrus forward flavor.

• Blackberry Grapefruit –– Rich, earthy blackberries mingle with the sharpness of fresh grapefruit to make this one of Big Country’s ® boldest flavors.

• Watermelon Pineapple –– Bright, vibrant pineapple blends beautifully with notes of vine-ripened watermelon to showcase the tropical warmth of a long, Texas summer.

Big Country ® Organic Hard Seltzers are available in grocery and liquor stores statewide in Texas and retails for $18.99 per 12-pack. They are also available for sale online in applicable states (valid ID required, 21+ only).

 

Lone Star announces new merchandise line celebrating dads

The new Lone Star merchandise line comes just in time for Father’s Day. Photo: Lone Star, used with permission.

Lone Star Brewing is celebrating Texas dads with a new limited-edition merchandise line for Father’s Day. The new items include Lone Star-inspired ballcaps, a variety of t-shirts, pearl snap embroidered shirts, Lone Star branded coolers, a limited edition belt from Austin-based Zilker Belts, and more. The merchandise is available for purchase online until it sells out. (Lone Star Brewing, 2022)

The Father’s Day merchandise line was inspired by the “Modern Texan Dad” and features items for more than just dads, like unisex and women-oriented t-shirts and hats, so that all can embrace the items. Lone Star wants to acknowledge all fathers and father figures with this new limited-edition merchandise line. The t-shirts, ball caps and pearl snap shirts were all created with the help of Morgan Mercantile based in Fort Worth, Texas.

“This one’s for Pops; Fathers come in many forms and are often the ultimate guides, creators of memories and providers of family fun. We want these ‘pops’ and ‘pop figures’ to wear these items like badges of honor for their hard work. The goal was to create a line of goods that could be a cross generational ‘cheers’ and approachable to all with items that extend beyond just fathers.” – Lone Star Senior Brand Manager Daniel Crawford

Lone Star Brewing Co., the makers of Lone Star Beer “The National Beer of Texas” and Lone Star Texas Light Beer, has been proudly brewing beer in Texas since 1884. Since its founding, Lone Star has partnered with local communities throughout the state, supporting Texas-specific charities and organizations. Lone Star Brewing Co. is owned by Pabst Brewing Company, one of the largest independently owned American brewing companies.

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Yuengling launches in San Antonio with Glazer’s Beer and Beverage of Texas

Yuengling, America’s top craft beer, brings its iconic brands to the Alamo city and across Texas. Photo: The Yuengling Company, used with permission.

Glazer’s Beer and Beverage of Texas is excited to announce that Yuengling, America’s oldest brewery and leading craft brand, is bringing the goods to the Alamo City. After a highly-anticipated launch, San Antonio residents and fans across the state can now enjoy the iconic beverage on-tap, at-home or at their favorite destinations throughout South Central Texas where Glazer’s distributes. (Yuengling, 2021)

Yesterday at 11a.m., a Yuengling-branded river barge descended down the San Antonio River Walk, parking in front of Michelino’s restaurant where Yuengling fans, visitors to San Antonio, and locals enjoyed tastings of the Traditional Yuengling Lager and partook in photos in front of the branded barge. Fans cheered “I love Yuengling!” as the barge passed venues along the River Walk. This iconic delivery marked the arrival of Yuengling products being made available in-stores across San Antonio for purchase.

Photo courtesy of Glazer’s Beer and Beverage of Texas and D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., used with permission.

“We are honored to be the distribution partner for The Yuengling Company in Texas and to become a part of the Yuengling family. “For years we have heard the demand for America’s oldest brewery, and we are excited to finally share this iconic beer with our retailers around the state.” – Nicholas Meyers, Portfolio Manager at Glazer’s Beer and Beverage of Texas.

Family owned and operated for more than 192 years, the cherished Yuengling family recipes and proprietary yeast were transported via armored truck over a three-day journey, starting in Pottsville, Pennsylvania and ending in Fort Worth, Texas so that Yuengling’s beers would be brewed locally in Texas to their highest standards of excellence. Fan-favorite brands Yuengling Traditional Lager, famous for its rich amber color, Light Lager 99, Golden Pilsner and FLIGHT by Yuengling, the Next Generation of Light beer with only 2.6 carbs and 95 calories, are now available for purchase throughout the state.

Led by the Sixth Generation Yuengling, Wendy, Jen, Debbie and Sheryl Yuengling alongside their father, Fifth Generation owner Dick Yuengling, the family is excited to finally make their beloved beer available to fans in Texas after years of demand. Fans can rest assured that the Yuengling beers will be brewed to Yuengling perfection here in their new home, and can look out for fun ways the brand plans to engage with Texas fans in the coming months by following along on Facebook, on Twitter, Instagram, and their website. 

“It’s an important day for our brewery as we take this large first step in our Westward expansion,” said Wendy Yuengling, Chief Administrative Officer and 6th generation family member, D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. “On behalf of our entire Yuengling family, we are humbled by the opportunity to bring the goods to the people of San Antonio. The passion these fans have shown for our beer and our brand brings into perspective the nearly 200-years of hard work and perseverance that have brought us to this point in our brand’s history. We continue to be inspired by our fans and past generations to brew the best beer possible, and look forward to continuing to do so in this amazing state.”

Yuengling will be available for purchase at major retailers throughout Texas and through Glazer’s distribution partners. To purchase Yuengling in San Antonio and surrounding areas, customers can use Yuengling’s Beer Finder to secure their goods today.

A long-time supporter of a variety of charities, including many military-based organizations through its Stars and Stripes Program that works alongside Team RWB and Operation Gratitude, as well as its multi-year partnership with TAPS, the Yuengling brand is a perfect fit for Military City U.S.A. and strongly aligns with the mission of Glazer’s Beer and Beverage of Texas to support current and former military members. Glazer’s and Yuengling look forward to partnering on future efforts in San Antonio to support those who commit their lives to defending and serving the U.S.

Formed in September 2020, The Yuengling Company is a Joint Venture between D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., America’s Oldest Brewery®, and the Molson Coors Beverage Company. Headquartered in Ft. Worth, Texas, The Yuengling Company will drive new market expansion and lead all facets of the business beyond the 192 year old brewer’s existing 22-state footprint plus any future D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc.’s New England expansion. In 2021, Yuengling Company will launch in Texas with Yuengling Traditional LAGER, Yuengling Light Lager 99, Golden Pilsner and FLIGHT by Yuengling.

Lone Star Beer creates first mosquito-zapping neon bar sign

Lone Star Beer’s mosquito zapping neon sign. Photo: Lone Star Beer, used with permission.

Texas is known for having aggressive mosquitoes year around but especially in the summertime, so Lone Star Beer and CALLEN have created the world’s first neon bar sign that doubles as a fully functioning mosquito zapper. It will help celebrate this year’s launch of Lone Star Agave Seltzers, the company’s first hard seltzer product. (Lone Star Beer, 2021)

The sign is 4×4 feet and hard to miss. Look for the sign around Texas this year and next as part of different promotions. The sign was also recently featured in Ad Age.

“The only thing more refreshing than drinking a cold seltzer on a hot Texan day – is drinking one on a hot Texan day, without a blood-sucking mosquito in sight. Cause they’re dead. This is why we made the mosquito zapper,” said Craig Allen, Founder & CCO, CALLEN. “Lone Star is a Texas brand that gets what Texans need—they’re an awesome partner and a lot of fun to work with. We love any opportunity to go beyond the traditional ad buy to reach people where they are.”

CALLEN is the advertising agency of record for Lone Star Beer, and previously introduced a new campaign for the beer in 2019 that included films Mosquito, Brisket, and Sunset.

“There’s no greater shared enemy amongst Texans than the oppressive summer heat. That’s why we made a refreshingly Texas Seltzer to be a respite on a hot summer day. A pretty close second on that list is the mosquito. Nothing ruins good times outside on the patio or porch than a bite from this dreaded foe. When CALLEN brought us this idea, we knew it was a match made in heaven and would keep us on our patios at least 2-3 seltzers longer,” said Daniel Crawford, Lone Star Beer Senior Brand Manager.

 

Pabst Blue Ribbon announces new art gallery in San Antonio

Ashley Dreyfus’ ‘There Is No Place Like Home’ was the winner of the 2020 can design competition. Photo: Pabst Blue Ribbon, used with permission.

Pabst Brewing Company, which recently brought its headquarters to San Antonio, is excited to announce the debut of its new art gallery in the Alamo City, Pabst Blue Ribbon Studios, opening on March 13, 2021. The pop-up gallery will feature 2020 Pabst Blue Ribbon can designs submitted by emerging artists from across the U.S. and will feature artwork created by the 2020 winner of the company’s annual can design competition. (Pabst Blue Ribbon Studios, 2021)

Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR) hosts an annual competition for emerging artists to create a can design that will be featured on 12-pack cases and displayed in stores for the entire year. The top five finalists are commissioned by PBR, second and third place winners receive cash prizes, and the grand prize winner takes home $10,000 in addition to being awarded the opportunity to have their design appear on millions of PBR cans across the world. Their designs will be among the 25 finalists’ art that will be displayed at Pabst Blue Ribbon Studios in Southtown San Antonio starting March 13, 2021.

This year’s top five finalists are:
• First Place: There Is No Place Like Home – Ashley Dreyfus
• Second Place: A Pabst-tastic Day – Holden Mesk
• Third Place: For The Love of Women – Fantasia A. Graham
• PBR 2099 – Joe Tallman
• Desert Nightcap – Emma Covill

Pabst Blue Ribbon Studios will display the 25 finalists’ art designs for 90 days. After that period, Pabst plans to commission different artists who will showcase their artwork in the space, rotating the artists monthly. Artists will be announced with a planned gallery opening starting each month. Gallery opening events will follow all social distancing protocols and limited capacities; employees and guests will be required to wear a mask.

In addition to the can design competition, Pabst has commissioned hundreds of murals across the country – something the company plans to continue in San Antonio and beyond. In addition to Pabst Blue Ribbon Studios, Pabst Brewing Company has plans for other art installations that will be made accessible to the San Antonio community in Spring 2021.

Pabst Blue Ribbon Studios is located at 1112 S. St. Mary’s St. in San Antonio. The gallery will be free and open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays starting Saturday, March 13, 2021; the gallery will also be open on the first Friday of every month and will include a live DJ set on those evenings. Gallery hours are noon to 6p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and 4p.m. to 10p.m. on first Fridays.

Since 1844, Pabst has been American-owned and operated, and is North America’s largest privately held brewing company. Pabst’s portfolio includes iconic brands with deep ties to American heritage, such as its flagship Pabst Blue Ribbon and others such as Lone Star, Rainier, and Old Style. Their people and their brands are committed to embracing change and making a positive impact on the communities they serve.

“The goal for Pabst Blue Ribbon is to continue to build upon the vibrant arts and culture scene that already exists here in San Antonio. As we settle into our new home here in San Antonio, we look forward to the opportunity to continue to engage with the local community by expanding the city’s public arts offerings with the introduction of our new gallery space, the creation of public murals and more, that not only share the story of our brand, but of up-and-coming artists from across the U.S. and those here in our great city.” – Matt Bruhn, President of Pabst Brewing Company.

Easy to make cocktails for Valentine’s Day

Twang’s Galentine’s Day Pink Drink. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Valentine’s Day is just two weeks away and many couples will be celebrating at home this year. Below are a couple of the best easy-to-make, cocktails lovers can shake up from the comfort of their own kitchens to share with their valentine or best gal pals. Best of all, all spirits mentioned are available nationwide for door-step delivery. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, Twang, 2021)

Garrison Brothers Distillery – the first legal whiskey distillery – Sweet-Mash Texas Bourbon Kicks Up A Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Martini
Recipe – Chocolate Covered Strawberry Martini; Glassware – Martini
Ingredients:
• 2 oz. Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon
• 1.5 oz. Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
• 1 oz. half-and-half
• simple syrup to taste (1/2 oz. to 1 oz.)
• 2 whole strawberries, washed & stemmed
• 1 bottle Hershey’s dark chocolate shell

Instructions:
• prepare martini glass by dipping the rim in chocolate syrup and allowing it to harden
• swirl chocolate syrup in circular pattern inside the martini glass, place in freezer to chill
• dice one strawberry and place in bottom of mixing tin
• add bourbon, Godiva, half and half
• muddle until strawberry becomes pulp
• add ice
• Shake
• strain into martini glass
• garnish with upside down strawberry strawberry slice

Twang – Celebrate Girls’ Night In this Galentine’s Day With This DIY Cocktail
Recipe – Galentine’s Day Pink Drink; Glassware – Margarita glass
Ingredients:
• Twang-A-Rita Citrus Splash
• 4 oz. Strawberry lemonade
• 1 oz. lemon juice
• 1 oz. Dulce Vida Tequila
• 1 oz. triple sec

Instructions:
• Run a lemon along the edge of a highball glass and rim with Twang-A-Rita Citrus Splash
• Add ice, strawberry lemonade, lemon juice, triple sec, and tequila. Stir to combine
• Garnish with lemon wedge