Category: Brewery News

Garrison Brothers Distillery announces virtual Bourbon Brawl

San Antonio’s Alamo City, one of the five semifinalists for this year’s Bourbon Brawl. Photo: Garrison Brothers Distillery, used with permission.

Garrison Brothers Distillery, the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas, announced the virtual adaptation of its statewide bartender competition, Bourbon Brawl 2020. The contest was originally supposed to take place in May but was postponed in light of the pandemic. Now, in lieu of an in-person event, Bourbon Brawl 2020 will take place entirely online on Thursday, November 19.(Garrison Brothers Distillery, 2020)

Garrison Brothers has partnered with Sourced Craft Cocktails, a cocktail curation and delivery service, to provide custom cocktail kits for guests to order and receive prior to the virtual Finals event where one kit will be selected as the winner. The grand prize is $12,500 from a public charity called Good Bourbon for a Good Cause, founded by the Garrison Family and their staff in 2018. They will also get the opportunity to take the title of Bourbon Brawl 2020 Champions home to their respective Texas city.

In February 2020, contestants submitted a cocktail recipe to Garrison Brothers. A panel of drinks experts blind judged each cocktail and chose 75 bartenders to proceed to the next round. Each of the 75 bartenders’ venues featured their cocktail for two weeks, while the Garrison Brothers team visited each location to judge the cocktail along with the service. After that, they selected 25 mixologists to compete in the semi-finals, five from each of these five major Texas cities: Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio.

The semi-finals and final event of Bourbon Brawl 2020 were initially slated to take place throughout March, April and May. After postponing the events several times due to COVID-19, the Garrison Brothers team decided to change the format so it could still take place safely this year. The five semi-finalists from each city have collaborated to create one cocktail that represents their city using ingredients from a list provided by Sourced Craft Cocktails.

The Bourbon Brawl 2020 cocktail kits are available online for $212.40 and for pre-order through Sourced from October 12 through November 12. The kits will be delivered just before the Finals event on November 19. Guests are encouraged to order the five-in-one cocktail kit that includes everything needed to make two full servings of each of the following cocktails:

Fort Worth’s Chisholm Two-Step

The Chisholm Two-Step will put some boogie back in your boots with a jolt of Chai Tea Latte concentrate and a complement of sarsaparilla-infused Simple Syrup, giving an entirely new meaning to the legendary “Texas Tea.”

Dallas’ Snake In My Boot

Do not let the mellow coconut sugar syrup and warm, smooth bourbon goodness fool you: the combo of tart cherry juice and muddle jalapeno slice ensures that this snake has plenty of bite.

San Antonio’s Alamo City 

Just like the Alamo, this simple South Texas sipper is easy to remember. With notes of fruit and rosemary adding a bit of lightness to a generous pour of Garrison Brothers bourbon, the Alamo City would be a perfect companion to any day on the Riverwalk.

Austin’s MIA (Missing In Austin)

Go off the grid for a while with this fruit-focused delight, featuring pineapple juice, grapefruit juice and plenty more. When you wrap up these fruity notes in the warm caramel cradle of bourbon, you get an entire night on Sixth Street all rolled into one.

Houston’s The Pho-Kit 

Say “Pho-Kit” and turn your cocktail into a savory meal in a glass. This unique combination of curry powder, chili oil and fish sauce melds with honey syrup to bring out every spicy note you can find in a pour of Garrison Brothers.

Each city’s semi-finalists have been invited to Austin for the Finals event on November 19, where only select Garrison Brothers staff will be in attendance. The select staff will judge each cocktail in person in a socially-distanced, COVID-safe environment. Guests are invited to tune in virtually, taste each cocktail, and vote on the winning drink amongst themselves.

“This partnership with Sourced not only makes Bourbon Brawl 2020 possible despite the event limitations of the pandemic, but it also prepares Texas bartenders to create the ‘cocktails of the future.’ By challenging them to create cocktails from ingredients that ship well and working through the process of curating a cocktail kit with Sourced, they’re learning valuable skills that will hopefully help them evolve with the industry.” – Dan Garrison, founder and proprietor of Garrison Brothers Distillery.

Independence Brewing Co releases beer to spark voter engagement


Independence Brewing Co announced the release of Freak Power, a new blood orange hefeweizen. Photo: Julia Keim, used with permission.

Ahead of its sixteenth anniversary, Independence Brewing Co. announced the release of Freak Power, a new blood orange hefeweizen named in honor of Hunter S. Thompson’s groundbreaking campaign for sheriff of Aspen in 1970. The beer will debut just in time to kick off the voter registration period for Texas residents ahead of the 2020 presidential election. Just as Thompson created the “Freak Power Party” to inspire fellow “freaks” to vote, Independence Brewing aims to inspire the inner freak in all of us to participate in our democracy.  (Independence Brewing Co., 2020)

Freak Power is part of Independence Brewing’s upcoming initiative to help spread political awareness and civic engagement among eligible voters in markets where their beer is sold. As part of the Freak Power rollout, team members will be deputized as volunteer voter registrars for Travis County and the South Austin brewery will host voter registration drives ahead of Texas state elections on November 3, 2020. In addition to the brewery’s efforts in Austin, Independence Brewing’s sales representatives throughout the state will organize promotional events at local bars and retailers and assist on-site voter registration.

The recipe for Freak Power is a twist on the classic Bavarian hefeweizen, balancing the sweet clove esters with the citrusy tang of blood orange. The result is a hef that starts like a traditional German wheat beer and ends with a crisp finish that does not linger too long on the palate. It pairs best with light, starchy, and lemony foods, and at 5.4% ABV, Freak Power is an ideal candidate to engage and mobilize voters of all stripes without clouding their judgment.

The seasonal brew is available through November at the taproom and at local retailers throughout Texas. The can will be easy to spot, too. Bright pink and orange graphics against a matte-black backdrop will make this beer a standout on store shelves. 

Independence Brewing Co. is a local craft beer brewery and taproom located in Southeast Austin, Texas. Founded by Amy & Rob Cartwright in 2004, Independence Brewing Co. has grown from a small mom, pop, and dog operation to a team of 40 people producing more than 17 thousand barrels a year with distribution throughout Texas, Arkansas, and Colorado. Independence Brewing Co. is now one of the largest, longest-standing, and most beloved breweries in Central Texas.

Independence’s core lineup includes Austin Amber, Native Texan Pilsner, Power & Light Session IPA, Redbud Berliner Weisse, Convict Hill Oatmeal Stout, and the brand’s top-selling beer, Stash IPA. These beers and several seasonal/limited releases are available to be enjoyed in a laid-back, industrial-style tasting room with views of the beer-making process set to live music from local musicians. Birds Barbershop offers beers exclusively from Independence Brewing Co. in all nine of their locations across Texas.

“Now, more than ever, we need to encourage each other to speak up and enact change. The 2020 election is a critical moment for our nation and will set the political agenda for the coming years. With Freak Power, we sought to create something that ignites enthusiasm the way Hunter S. Thompson did back in 1970.” – Amy Cartwright, President and Co-Founder of Independence Brewing Co.

Lone Star Beer announces new German-style kölsch

Das Bier Y’all is a classic German-style kölsch with a peachy twist. Photo: Lone Star Beer, used with permission.

Lone Star Brewing announces the latest seasonal beer in the beloved family of Lone Star Beers: Das Bier Y’all – The New Taste of Classic Texas. Das Bier Y’all is a classic German-style kölsch with a peachy twist, brewed to honor the German heritage of the Lone Star State and its enduring cultural influence that remains prevalent in Texas today. The beer is now available for purchase in select locations throughout Texas for a limited time through early Spring 2021. (Lone Star Beer, 2020)

Following the recent success of Lone Star’s first seasonal launch, Rio Jade Mexican-style lager, the Das Beer Y’all German-style kölsch is the next edition in the Lone Star cultural series that honors the unique customs and traditions that shape the Texas we know today. With a taste reminiscent of the Hill Country distilled into beverage form, the flavor profile is proudly Texan with a modern interpretation.

With an ABV of 4.8%, this crisp and refreshing kölsch is locally brewed in the Hill Country region of Austin and is infused with natural peach flavoring to create a distinct take on a classic German brew style. In the tradition of Lone Star, the beer remains highly drinkable and perfect for the transition from Summer to Fall in Texas. Das Bier Y’all pairs perfectly with small, socially-distanced backyard get-togethers, enjoying the sunset from your patio or while reminiscing on days spent enjoying the splendor of Texas.

Served in a metallic copper and deep teal can, Das Bier Y’all was conceptualized by Austin-based designers Keith Davis Young and Lauren Dickens whose creations are rooted in Austin institutions and brands such as Magnolia Cafe, Native Hostel, Better Half and Hunt, Gather. The unique-to-Texas design features the iconic armadillo, the state mammal of Texas and unofficial mascot of Lone Star Beer. Das Bier Y’all will be available throughout Texas, with six-packs available at a suggested retail price of $7.99. Beer lovers can use Lone Star’s beer finder to find a store selling nearest to them. 

Since it is currently not possible to enjoy beer gardens and Oktoberfest-themed events, Lone Star is helping to bring the beer garden experience to five lucky winners’ backyards. Lone Star is launching a “Beer Garden in a Box” contest, arranged by Austin-based experiential events company Wander/Gather. Starting Wednesday, September 16, 2020, Lone Star followers will have the opportunity to enter to win a curated box featuring:

  • A 25-minute exclusively recorded video hosted by a local chef and mixologist, featuring one handcrafted cocktail and a German-style pretzel-making demo 
  • Curated “Oktoberfest” playlist from DJ Cassandra
  • Branded recipe cards and packed dry ingredients for two people 
  • German-style beer mug
  • Lone Star branded Cowboy-style bandana 
  • Six ounce preserved Texas peaches and local honey
  • German drinking game “Flunky Ball” + Lone Star branded ping pong balls (2)
  • Beer garden-themed decorations
  • Branded checklist for hosting a backyard beer garden gathering at home
  • Access to a Wander/Gather virtual event planner

Followers can enter the giveaway by visiting Lone Star’s Instagram page on September 16, 2020 and following the contest instructions; entrance will close at 5p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2020.  

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.

Iconic Pearl beer returns with new look and taste

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The relaunched Pearl xXx. will be available everywhere in June. Photo: Joe Mondo Cruz, used with permission. 

The Pearl Brewing Company announced today the relaunch of the iconic Gem of Fine Beer. The brand’s rebirth is rooted in San Antonio’s history and re imagined with a new look and taste inspired by the growth and success of its beloved home city. Pearl xXx will be available for purchase at select retail locations throughout San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth and other Texas counties starting this week, with full distribution starting in June. Pearl Beer will be available at select retailers in all major Texas cities, with six-packs available at a suggested retail price of $9.49. (Pearl Brewing Company, 2020)

An introduction 134 years in the making, Pearl xXx represents a return to its heritage of quality, bearing the triple “x,” the pre-prohibition signature of craftsmanship. Established in 1883, with production beginning in 1886, the Pearl Brewery has been a timeless icon in Texas, sustaining itself through prohibition and embracing change early-on by becoming a female-owned and operated brewery in the early 1900s when Emma Koehler took over operations of the brewery in 1914 after her husband’s death.

With an ABV of 3.8%, this renewed, easy-drinking Texas beer is brewed at a craft facility in the Texas hill country with the finest ingredients, including premium Czech Pilsen malt, caramel malt and a touch of wheat for a smooth, modern take on a classic American lager. A touch of citrus at the end of the boil gives it a truly distinct flavor.

The design is inspired by the original characteristics of the brand, including its iconic clam shell shape and script, and is updated with a new timeless look. Austin-based agency Guerilla Suit reverted back to Pearl xXx Beer’s rich, storied heritage to refine and polish what makes the beer a gem among traditional-style lagers. Packaged in a new bottle, Pearl xXx Beer’s updated design repositions the beer as a modern classic that Texans can both identify with and (re)adopt as their own.

Pearl xXx has also partnered with local artisans like Richter Goods to create a line of modern clothing inspired by the heritage of the brand, as well as with Jung Provisions to create a limited edition candle. Pearl xXx Beer will continue to champion local artisans and makers embedded in Texas culture to create signature and one-of-a-kind merchandise items and lifestyle products.

“This relaunch of Pearl Beer is all about paying homage to Pearl’s deep roots while embracing the San Antonio of today.” – Pearl Brand Manager and San Antonio resident, Daniel Crawford

Lone Star Beer announces new Mexican lager

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Rio Jade: The New Taste of Texas is Lone Star Beer’s new Mexican-style lager. Photo: Lone Star Beer, used with permission.

Lone Star Beer announces the latest line in the beloved family of Lone Star Beers: Rio Jade. Rio Jade: The New Taste of Texas, is a Mexican-style lager inspired by the appreciation for Texas’ diverse lands and waterways. The beer will be available throughout Texas starting in late April, with full distribution in May, for a limited time until the end of summer. In light of current events, to assist those who have supported its beer for generations, Lone Star is also launching a goodwill initiative called Keep The Lights On Y’all to help support members of the bar and restaurant community during these uncertain times. (Lone Star Beer, 2020)

Lone Star’s first seasonal beer will inspire all drinking-age generations to be proud of what Texas represents. Like the ever-flowing waters of Texas, Lone Star Beer is here to ensure no one goes thirsty. The new beer, which translates to “River Jade,” was inspired by the love of the land of Texas and the color and design is reflective of the natural beauty found in the waters of Texas and Mexico. From natural pools, to running rivers, everyone can find their oasis in Texas with a Rio Jade in hand.

With an ABV of 4.5%, this crisp, Mexican-style lager is locally brewed in the Hill Country of Austin with the finest ingredients Texas has to offer, including award-winning malt from Blacklands Malt, the first malt house to use Texas-grown barley. The beer has a unique-to-Texas flavor that provides a crisp and refreshing taste with characteristic sweetness of flaked maize balanced with spicy, floral and citrus notes from the hops. Rio Jade pairs perfectly with floating the river, sunbathing at a favorite swimming hole, or watching the sunset from your backyard to practice “social distancing” at this time.

Served in bold turquoise cans, Rio Jade is the first beer label designed by Burnt Nopal Creative Director and Texas-based artist Cruz Ortiz. Rio Jade will be available throughout Texas, with six-packs available at a suggested retail price of $7.99. Beer lovers can use Lone Star’s beer finder to find a store selling nearest to them. Rio Jade will also be available for delivery with Drizly. Lone Star encourages everyone to enjoy the new lager at home during this time.

As a response to the COVID-19 crisis effect on members of the service industry, Lone Star is launching the Keep The Lights On Y’all initiative. With the help of the team at popular Texas Humor, Lone Star has created an exclusive T-shirt inspired by the classic neon lights that grace fine establishments throughout the state as a call to action for Texans to support local bars and restaurants. The shirt serves as a reminder to all Texans to show support and help out those in the service industry while their doors are temporarily closed. One-hundred percent of the profits from the new merchandise will benefit Southern Smoke, a Texas-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that supports the food and beverage community and their suppliers—championed by Houston Chef Chris Shepherd. Keep The Lights On Y’all initiative t-shirts are available online for $25 each.

Lone Star Brewing Co., the makers of Lone Star Beer “The National Beer of Texas” and Lone Star Texas Light Beer, have 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.

“We’re excited to launch the Rio Jade Mexican Style Lager as it gives us a chance to honor our heritage, but also celebrate the Texas of today. The beer perfectly represents what we value at Lone Star – connecting to the land and people of Texas, providing new and refreshing ways to enjoy our great state, and above all else, making delicious tasting beer for Texans everywhere.” – Lone Star Brand Director, Emily Hoyle

 

Five San Antonio bartenders to compete for spot in Bourbon Brawl 2020

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Bourbon Brawl 2020 will take place in Austin on Thursday May 7. Photo: Garrison Brothers Distillery, used with permission.

Garrison Brothers Distillery, the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas, recently announced the semi-finalists in its Bourbon Brawl 2020 contest, a state-wide bartender competition with a grand prize of $10,000. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, 2020)

The five semi-finalists from San Antonio include:

Dan Garrison, founder and proprietor of Garrison Brothers Distillery, visited a selection of bartenders and after tasting their cocktails and listening to their stories of inspiration, Garrison offered a select few the opportunity to advance on the Bourbon Brawl Semi-finals, on the spot. Those are the Golden Ticket winners. Consumers’ Choice winners are the bartenders whose cocktails received the most votes via Garrison Brother’s voting app.

In each semi-final competition, the city’s top five bartenders and mixologists will showcase their creative and technical cocktail-making skills, vying for the opportunity to represent their home turf at the state-wide final competition in Austin and take home the prestigious title of Garrison Brothers 2020 Bourbon Brawl “Bartender of the Year.” During these events, attendees will enjoy libations while watching the bartenders compete in a three-round, Top Chef-style match-up.

In Round One, guests will sample the five best cocktails in each city and interact with the five semi-finalist bartenders. These cocktails will be crafted with love using the 2020 vintage of Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon. Guests will receive one (1) wooden token at check-in to cast a vote for their favorite cocktail.

During Round Two, each bartender will take the stage to prepare and present “Native Texan Wildlife”-themed cocktails in real time. A panel of judges will score each cocktail and factor in the crowd-favorite cocktail from Round One. The two bartenders with the highest scores will advance to Round Three.

Round Three is a mystery ingredient challenge. In this round, the city’s top two bartenders will go head to head to create the best cocktail using secret ingredients from a veiled box. Sampled and scored by the judges, one bartender will be announced as the winner of this semi-final event and will advance to the Finals to compete for the prestigious title of Garrison Brothers 2020 Bourbon Brawl “Bartender of the Year.”

Tickets for each semi-final event are $30. Proceeds from the ticket sales will go to Good Bourbon for a Good Cause, a 501(c)3 public charity founded by the Garrison Family and their staff in 2018.

Dates, time, and locations for each event are below. The Garrison Brothers team highly encourages attendees to use local ride-sharing services, ensuring a safe ride home for everyone. Lyft codes are provided for $5 off each ride for up to 200 rides at each event.

Houston
Thursday, March 26 | 6:30p.m. – 10p.m.
The Houston Event Venue | 3118 Harrisburg Blvd | Houston, TX 77003
Tickets | Lyft code BB2020HOUSTON

San Antonio
Thursday, April 2 | 6:30p.m. – 10p.m.
The Arcadian at Sunset Station | 1174 E Commerce St. | San Antonio, TX 78205
Tickets | Lyft code BB2020SA

Dallas
Thursday, April 9 | 6:30p.m. – 10p.m.
The Empire Room | 1225 N Riverfront Blvd | Dallas, TX 75207
Tickets | Lyft code BB2020DAL

Fort Worth
Thursday, April 16 | 6:30p.m. – 10p.m.
The Ostreum | 108 South Fwy Ste. 130 | Fort Worth, TX 76104
Tickets | Lyft code BB2020FW

Austin
Thursday, April 23  | 6:30p.m. – 10p.m.
Springdale Station | 979 Springdale Rd. Ste 160 | Austin, TX 78702
Tickets | Lyft code BB2020AUS

FINALS (Austin)
Thursday, May 7 | 6:30p.m. – 10p.m.
Fair Market | 1100 E 5th Street | Austin, TX 78702
Tickets | Lyft code BOURBONBRAWL2020

Qualifying contestants must have participated in Garrison Brothers’ Bourbon Takeover of Texas, two weeks during which 75+ distinguished bars and restaurants across Texas featured cocktails incorporating the 2020 vintage of Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon. From February 17 – February 28, the Garrison Brothers team visited every participating location to taste, critique, examine and enjoy the creations, considering each for potential advancement to the next round of the competition. However, the cocktails themselves were not the sole criteria for advancement; the bartender’s attitude, charm, camaraderie with customers and concern for the well-being of their community were also factors under consideration.

Southerleigh launches new sour beer

piccadilleigh
Southerleigh’s Piccadilleigh beer features pickles, Hawaiian Punch and other childhood flavors. Photo: Southerleigh, used with permission.

Southerleigh introduces a fun new beer that features nostalgic flavors sure to make locals feel like a kid again in the form of an adult beverage. Head Brewer, Les Locke, has created Piccadilleigh to bring out locals’ inner child with sour and funky flavors many San Antonians grew up to love. The playful, new beer’s ingredients take the juices that many enjoyed as kids and incorporates Cherry Kool Aid and Hawaiian Punch into the batch. The inventive brew also uses 55 gallons of pickle juice and Meyer Lemon purée, an end result that delivers a  powerful punch to patrons. The glass is finished off with a Chamoy rim and Tajin – two San Antonio favorites.  Piccadilleigh is available now for $6 per 12 oz. pour. (Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, 2019)

Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, helmed by San Antonio Chef Jeff Balfour, brings a modern take on Texas’ cross-cultural cuisine to Pearl. Influenced by the coastal classics of Chef Balfour’s upbringing in Galveston married with the comfort of southern cuisine, Southerleigh boasts a curated, seasonally shifting menu that reflects Chef Balfour’s innovative craftsmanship. Southerleigh houses a custom manufactured brewery designed by Portland Kettle Works, bringing brewing back to Pearl with up to twenty different beers on tap.

Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery
136 E Grayson St., Ste 120
San Antonio, TX 78215

Independence Brewing Co releases new beers for fall

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Space Case Highboy is one of the new beers Independence Brewing Co is releasing for the fall season. Photo: Julia Keim, used with permission.

Independence Brewing Co. recently announced the release of two seasonal beers just in time for fall: a double IPA dubbed “Space Case Highboy” and a Redbud Berliner Weisse infused with strawberries and raspberries. The specialty releases come just before the brewery’s 15th anniversary and just after the passage of the beer-to-go sales amendment, which enable manufacturing breweries to sell up to one case of beer to-go per person, per day. The brewery will be celebrating their 15th anniversary with an all-day art and music festival at the brewery on Saturday October 19. (Independence Brewing Co., 2019)

As part of Independence’s rotating Berliner Weisse series, the new Strawberry Raspberry Redbud is a flavorful iteration that delivers an unmistakable mélange of sweet strawberry and tart raspberry. The beer has a jammy aroma of hand-picked berries and a subtle maltiness on the palate. The finish is long, crisp and fruit-forward to celebrate peak berry harvest season in the Lone Star State. It is perfect for sipping as the temperatures begin to drop and the days begin to shorten.

Space Case Highboy is the latest addition to Independence’s rotating 16-ounce double IPA series. The intergalactic inspiration for the beer’s name comes from the variety of hops head brewer Brannon Radicke used; Comet for citrusy notes, Galaxy for tropical notes and Apollo for a thrust of bitterness. He designed the beer to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11’s moon landing.

As of September 1, fans of Independence Brewing Co. can visit the brewery to purchase up to one case of canned beer, or the equivalent of 288 fluid ounces, to take home per day. Patrons can bring their own growlers to be filled in the tap room and the brewery has plans to sell crowlers in the near future.

Both seasonal brews are available on a rotational basis at the taproom and at local retailers throughout Texas. Cans are hard to miss on store shelves, with bright pink and purple graphics against Independence’s recently redesigned matte-black backdrops.

As one of the longest standing craft breweries in Central Texas, Independence is proud to continually release new brews alongside their core lineup, Austin Amber, Stash IPA, Power & Light Session IPA, Redbud Berliner Weisse, Convict Hill Oatmeal Stout, and Native Texan Pilsner.

Independence Brewing Co.
3913 Todd Ln Ste 607
Austin, TX 78744
(512) 707-0099

Southerleigh announces new brewery at Brooks

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Southerleigh’s new brewery is coming to Brooks this summer. Photo: Nick Simonite, used with permission. 

Southerleigh Brewing Co. is excited to announce a new brewery coming to San Antonio to be located at Brooks on the Southeast side of San Antonio, TX. The popular eatery and brewery will continue to brew from its Pearl location but this Brooks location will allow for even more beer production. The second Southerleigh Brewery will be located off of Sidney Brooks east of South New Braunfels and is slated to open in Summer 2019. (Southerleigh, 2018)

Last year Southerleigh announced a second restaurant location which will also be located at Brooks and will open in Fall 2019. The brewery will be located in a different area of Brooks and will function as a separate space. Southerleigh’s new brewery will be a 6,000 square foot facility and will include a 40-seat tap room with additional outdoor seating. The brewery will feature 10 rotating taps that will change seasonally to offer a wide selection of Southerleigh brews. Southerleigh Brewery will offer guests tour facilities and will be open Monday through Sunday. Guests will be able to see the brewing process and tanks from both the tap room as well as the exterior of the building.

The brewery will be located adjacent to a tasting room, which will be a redeveloped chapel built in 1941. Brooks is a leader in adaptive reuse like Historic Hangar 9 and Aviator apartments, taking spaces that had limited public accessibility and giving them new life for the community to enjoy, and are excited to have a partner like Southerleigh that shares the vision of redeveloping the space while maintaining the integrity of the original structure.

“We’re thrilled to be adding another local staple to the Brooks campus. With the second Southerleigh restaurant location opening at the heart of The Greenline in 2019, the addition of this brewery will create even more energy around our thriving south San Antonio community.” – Brooks President and CEO Leo Gomez

 

German Chocolate Cake Stout at Alamo Drafthouse

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This year’s End Credits beer is a German Chocolate Cake Stout from Independence Brewing Co., available now through December 31. Photo: Julia Keim, used with permission. 

At the beginning of this month, Independence Brewing Co and Alamo Drafthouse announced the 2018 edition of a holiday beer that has become a seasonal favorite among Alamo Drafthouse patrons; a yearly release called End Credits. The recipe for End Credits changes with each release and this year’s version is a German Chocolate Cake Stout. There is still a chance to try this year’s End Credits, as it is available now through December 31 at all 20 Alamo Drafthouse locations in Texas and both Alamo Drafthouse locations in Denver. (Independence Brewing Co., 2018)

This year’s recipe, German Chocolate Cake Stout, was inspired by the Alamo Drafthouse staff’s collective sweet tooth. According to Independence’s head brewer, Brannon Radicke, the beer’s driving flavor is layers of chocolate and cocoa with hints of toasted coconut in the aroma and taste. The malt bill and addition of lactose gave the brew a touch of sugariness, which balanced out the mild bitterness of cocoa and hops. End Credits has an ABV of 6.5% and a medium body that is not too heavy. Radicke describes it as “more cakelike than syrupy.” A fitting description for a beer emulating a decadent dessert.

John Gross and others from the Alamo Drafthouse crew joined Radicke and his team at the Independence brewery in South Austin to help brew the beer. Together, they hand-toasted 300 pounds of raw coconut on a flat top griddle. It took five days, five hours each day. The 2018 release of End Credits is special for another reason: it will be the first-ever Independence brew to be sold in Denver, making this recipe the company’s official debut in The Centennial State. Colorado is now the third state that Independence Brewing Co. beer is sold, rounding out an already incredibly successful year for the brewery.

Independence’s End Credits German Chocolate Cake Stout is now available on draft at all 20 Alamo Drafthouse locations in Texas and at both Drafthouse locations in Denver. The seasonal brew is also available at select restaurants and bars in both states.

“This evolving series of limited-release holiday beers from Independence has become an annual end of year cinematic tradition for Alamo Drafthouse. We think highly of everything the brewery puts out and savor every drop of the limited releases while we can.”- John Gross, Alamo Drafthouse’s Director of National Beer Promotions.