Austin’s brewpub market, like the rest of the bar business, is a cutthroat and highly predatory racket. With new
microbrewers expanding distribution operations into Texas, the local makers of
fine brews fight tooth and nail with million-tap ale houses, a new breed of
beer-savvy bar manager, and corner stores stocked with coolers full of exotic
bottled beers.
Ain’t it beautiful?
All this rabid competition means great news for Austin’s beer drinkers,
who can try ever-changing varieties of local beers fresh from the brewers’
tanks, just as god intended. And because of the trusty supply/demand equation,
it’s even better for aspiring beer novices, who can begin a serious self-guided
study of “Brew Styles 101” at a remarkably low cost.
Austin’s brewpubs stand out among the million other local bars by brewing
their own beers in house, thereby providing a thirsty public with the freshest
beer in town. Instead of being shipped by boat from Amsterdam or Pwllheli, your
beer travels from tank to keg to glass — a journey of maybe 50 feet that
leaves flavors intact and customers happy. Think of it as the liquid equivalent
of a “pick your own” produce farm.
Small-batch brewing ensures freshness and a generally quick turnover of beer
styles, so it’s not uncommon to have a brewpub’s selection of house brews
change from week to week. If you want to test drive an unfamiliar style, all of
the brewpubs listed below have knowledgeable barkeeps who cheerfully offer
tastes to trial-and-error beginners. So if you can scratch up a few bucks and a
willing palate, you’re ready to explore a new world of beer — or a familiar
one made better by low, low discount prices.
This article appears in July 19 • 1996 and July 19 • 1996 (Cover).