by Ingrid Norbergs - 0 Reviews - 2 List
Texas is a little late to the craft beer game compared to powerhouses like Colorado, but it's catching up with a vengeance. As we all know, the great state of Texas does nothing half way and beer is no exception. So whether you're pulling one out of the fridge, drinking a pint out or sampling it at the brewery, this is some of the best Texas beer.
Updated: July 20, 2010
Our own hometown hero and favorite purveyor of Texas beer recently moved to new digs in east downtown. St. Arnold's is doing so well that at times they haven't been able to brew fast enough?Summer Pils was a rare sight on shelves for a while and their limited batches of the Divine Reserve series spurs a frenzy of searching.
Just over two years old, this baby Conroe brewery took the beer world by storm by selling exceptional beer in a can. You can find Pine Belt Pale Ale, Bombshell Blonde, and their latest, Buried Hatchet Stout, all over town and even on tap. Pine Belt, their first, is a malty pale and a favorite, but all three beers are solid go-to's. Take a drive up I-45 on any Saturday and enjoy free tasting.
Consistently brewing some of our favorite beers?of any state?for 14 years now, Real Ale should make Texas proud to have it within the borders. Brewhouse Brown, Rio Blanco Pale Ale, Devil's Backbone Belgian-Style Tripel are just a few of their shining stars. For a special treat, keep a look out in the winter for their Coffee Porter, made with Houston-roasted Katz Coffee.
Austin's Independence Brewing Co is only 4 years old but already it's making a splash outside its hometown. Simple but rich Austin Amber, floral Freestyle Wheat and complex Bootlegger Brown are available at Spec's and you may be lucky enough to find a pint at Onion Creek or Anvil.
Proud promoters of their area code, this Austin beer company makes exemplary versions of IPA and porter. 512 still hasn't started distributing widely in Houston, so when you happen to see it on tap be sure to take advantage.
So this Katy-based brewery hasn't opened yet but we are eagerly anticipating more Houston-area beer. For now, follow No Label's blog for news of their progress'they hope to be up and brewing by fall 2010.
Better known by the name of both its town and most popular beer, Shiner, this brewery may be too big to qualify as a microbrewery, but there's no way to keep good old Shiner off a list of Texas beers. Shiner's been brewed since 1909 and there's a good reason it's still around a hundred years later. Try Shiner Blonde or their anniversary beer, Shiner 101, a Czech-Style Pilsner, if you want to spice things up.
