Tag: Independence Brewing Co

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.

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

Independence Brewing Co. releases beer to spark voter engagement

freakpower
Independence Brewing Co. released Freak Power, a new blood orange hefeweizen to kick off the voter registration period in Texas. Photo: Julia Keim, used with permission. 

Ahead of its fifteenth 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 debuts just in time to kick off the voter registration period for Texas residents ahead of state elections in 2019 and national elections in 2020. Just as Thompson created the “Freak Power Party” to inspire fellow “freaks” to vote, Independence Brewing aims to inspire the inner freak in everyone to participate in our democracy. (Independence Brewing Co., 2019)

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 5, 2019. 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. As far as the taste is concerned, Head Brewer Brannon Radicke states – “The tanginess of the citrus cuts a little bit of that sweetness and dries out the finish. Plus, the fruitiness of the blood oranges pairs nicely with the style’s signature clove and banana esters.”

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

“The design decisions for Freak Power are inspired by ideas and aesthetics tied to the free thinkers and radical minds of the late 60s,” said designer Lauren Dickens. “The color palette and energetic rays behind the illustration are a nod to the burst of blood orange flavor in the beer.”

“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.

German Chocolate Cake Stout at Alamo Drafthouse

germanchocolatebeer
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.

Independence Brewing Co announces seasonal fall beers

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Cherry Redbud is one of the seasonal beers introduced for the fall season. Photo: Kirsten Kaiser, used with permission. 

Independence Brewing Co. is excited to announce the fall release of three seasonal beers just in time for colder weather. The Autumn lineup introduces two brand new fruit-infused variations; Cherry Redbud Berliner Weisse and Tangerine Highboy Double IPA. The Independence team also welcomes back the seasonal classic, Shiny Diamonds Ale, an increasingly popular session IPA. (Independence Brewing Co., 2018)

Cherry Redbud is inspired by the traditionally tart and lemony German beer with round cherry finish. Its subtle wheat maltiness has a delicate mix of fresh sweet and tart cherries, making Cherry Redbud a highly effervescent, easy-to-drink brew with a refreshing finish perfect for the crisp fall air. Cherry Redbud brings a deeper, sweeter flavor to the already robust Berliner Weisse-style beer.

Highboy Double IPA takes on a citrusy profile in the form of the Tangerine Highboy Double IPA, a resinous, fully-juiced beast of a beer that’s been double dry-hopped with loads of late-addition hops and souped-up with fresh tangerines. Made with a blend of Centennial, Citra, Amarillo and Summit hops, Tangerine Highboy brings together the old school West Coast Double IPA, East Coast IPA haze craze and a grove of ripe tangerines all packed into one bracing beer.

Shiny Diamonds is a hoppy ale mingling rich flavors with a clean finish, inspired by the heavy metal glam and soulful finesse in the song “Holy Diver” by Dio. Shiny Diamonds has fresh herbal and tropical flavors producing mild grapefruit notes followed by a clean, dry finish. Simple, yet as intricate and multifaceted as a skillfully cut gem, Shiny Diamonds is as complex as it is flavorful.

These seasonal exclusives will be available throughout the winter on draft at Independence Brewing Co.’s brewery and at local bars and grocery stores.  Shiny Diamonds and Cherry Redbud will be available in six-packs and Tangerine Highboy Double IPA will be available in four-pack, 16oz tallboy cans.

“Each of the three fall releases brings a completely different flavor profile to the table. You have the heavy taste of hops in the Tangerine Highboy Double IPA, the crisp, fruity notes of Cherry Redbud and the dry, tropical taste of Shiny Diamonds to round it out.” – Head Brewer Brannon Radicke.

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 and Arkansas. Independence Brewing Co. is now one of the largest and most beloved breweries in Central Texas.

Independence Brewing Co. celebrates International Beer Day

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‘Taste of Texas’ features chefs across Texas and Native Texan inspired dishes. Photo: Independence Brewing Co, used with permission.

Friday August 3 is International Beer Day, and to celebrate, Independence Brewing Co., one of Austin’s largest and most beloved craft breweries, announces its ‘Taste of Texas’ campaigns. It features ten chefs in five cities that will create Texas-Inspired dishes featuring new seasonal brew “Native Texan.” The brewery has partnered with ten culinary experts statewide to celebrate the release of its new seasonal pilsner, Native Texan. Each of the hand-selected chefs and mixologists have been tasked with creating a Texas-inspired dish or cocktail incorporating the beer as its star ingredient. These limited-time, chef-prepared offerings will be served at choice restaurants across Texas exclusively on International Beer Day. (Independence Brewing Co., 2018)

Participating chefs and mixologists include:

Austin: Alma Alcocer (Executive Chef, El Alma); Anselmo Sanchez (Executive Chef, El Chile); Todd Duplechan (Chef/Owner, Lenoir); and Justin Gutierrez (Bar Manager, Yuyo)

San Antonio: John Brand (Chef/Culinary Director, Sternewirth at the Hotel Emma); and Jason Dady (Chef/Owner, Alamo BBQ Co.)

Houston: Hugo Ortega (Chef/Owner, Hugo’s); and Jacob Pate (Executive Chef, Night Heron)

El Paso: Aldo Mora (Executive Chef, Café Central)

Marfa: Alexandra Gates (Chef/Owner, Cochineal)

As the beer has made its way from stores among the ranks of Whole Foods Market and Buc-ee’s into the hands of thirsty Texans, it has resonated with many people, bringing back memories of days spent on the water for some and evenings spent on the porch swing watching the bluebonnets bloom and the sun set for others. For Independence Brewing Co.’s co-founder, Amy Cartwright, Native Texan has meant something uniquely special to her, reminding her why she fell in love with Texas in the first place. Native Texan is now available in Whole Foods Market, Buc-ee’s, HEB, Central Market, and select restaurants and bars throughout Texas.

“To me, Native Texan is about a sense of belonging, the quality of life here in Texas, the people, and the natural beauty. It’s a beer brewed by Texans for Texans,” said Cartwright. “I’m excited to see and taste what Native Texan means to the finest culinary talents in Texas through each of their creations.” – Amy Cartwright

 

Independence Brewing Co. brings ‘Native Texan Films’ series to Alamo Drafthouse

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The summer film series ‘Native Texan Films’ is a tribute to the new Native Texan beer from Independence Brewing Co. Photo: Independence Brewing Co., used with permission.

Independence Brewing Co. is partnering with Alamo Drafthouse to bring a Texas-inspired summer film series celebrating the launch of the new pilsner Native Texan. The series “Native Texan Films” will take place from July 17 to August 27 and includes Texas-inspired film screenings at Alamo Drafthouse locations statewide. Each of the selected films, which include Friday Night Lights, Dazed and Confused and Urban Cowboy, is inspired by Texas pride as a tribute to the company’s new, authentically Texan pilsner. (Independence Brewing Co., 2018)

The film series will kick off with a screening of Bottle Rocket in Denton, Texas, where the cult classic was filmed nearly 23 years ago. Additional films will be screened at Alamo Drafthouse locations in Austin, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Dallas (Las Colinas), Houston, Laredo, Lubbock, New Braunfels and San Antonio. Admission will be free to the public; however, attendees can reserve a seat by purchasing a $5 voucher, which can be redeemed at the theater for an ice-cold can of Native Texan or another concession item.

The full Native Texan Films screening schedule:

Independence Brewing Co. chose Alamo Drafthouse as the venue for its summer film series because of its distinct Texas roots and the fact that the cinema house was founded on the principle of enjoying great beer while watching great films. Tickets are now available for all 11 of the scheduled film screenings. Details are available online.

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 17,000 barrels each year with distribution throughout Texas and Arkansas. Independence Brewing Co. is now one of the largest and most beloved breweries in Central Texas.

Independence Brewing Co releases Native Texan

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Native Texan is now available in stores.  Photo: Independence Brewing Co., used with permission.

Independence Brewing Co., an Austin-based brewing company, announces the release of Native Texan, a brand-new addition to the brewery’s seasonal roster of craft beer. The Independence brewing team sought to create a beer original in taste and style and one that would satisfy the taste buds of the German and Czech immigrants who settled in Central Texas over 180 years ago. The brew’s flavor profile is reflected in the use of 100% German pilsner malt, famed Augustiner yeast and a carefully proportioned selection of both German and Czech noble hops. (Independence Brewing Co., 2018)

Native Texan is a beer made by and for the people of the Lone Star State. It is a pilsner as German as the heritage of the Hill Country, as bright as the state’s “Friday Night Lights,” as clear as the West Texas sky and as smooth as an East Texan drawl. As it has been picked up by several Texas-born brands: Whole Foods Market, Buc-ee’s, HEB and Central Market, it is now available in stores across Texas. Native Texan is a versatile brew that can be enjoyed with a carefully curated cheese plate or a handful of Beaver Nuggets. Beer enthusiasts will soon find large displays of Native Texan in grocery stores and gas stations as Independence Day approaches.

Perfect for the summer season, Native Texan has an ABV of 5% making it highly sessionable during the scorching heat. Drinking the beer will bring back memories of days spent on the water and evenings spent on the porch swing, watching the bluebonnets bloom and the sun set, all reminders of why people fall in love with the Lone Star State in the first place.

“With this beer we wanted to give a big shout out to all Texans, near and far, who are proud to be from here—or who got here as fast as they could,” – Amy Cartwright, co-founder of Independence.