Credit: Photo by John Anderson

The world’s first cooperatively owned brewpub is expanding its business into local bars. Two of Black Star Co-op’s most popular beers will now be available on draft at several of Austin’s finest craft-brew hubs.

High Esteem, a golden ale made with local wildflower honey, and the best-selling Vulcan, a citrusy American IPA, will both be distributed by Flood Distribution, Inc. – Texas’ only independent, statewide beer distribution company. “We’re expanding our business operation because we want to expand our cooperative. We want to have our beer in new places with new people … [g]aining fans and member-owners as we display the sustainable versatility of the cooperative business model,” explained Dana Curtis, co-founder and leader of the Black Star Co-op’s business team.

Inaugural tappings begin tonight and include stops at Craft Pride, the Whip In, and Brew & Brew with brewers and co-op members in attendance.

Thursday, May 29, 6pm. Craft Pride, 61 Rainey, 512/428-5571. www.craftprideaustin.com

Friday, May 30, 4pm. Whip In, 1950 S. I-35, 512/442-5337. www.whipin.com

Saturday, May 31, 2pm. Brew & Brew, 500 San Marcos #105, 512/493-0963. www.thebrewandbrew.com.

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Anna Toon hails from West Texas and is a graduate of Texas Tech University. She writes about craft beer and sustainable agriculture – an ardent investigator of the good things in life.