Real Ale Brewery in Blanco is either a hobby gone crazy or a dream come true
for the Conner family. Either way, Charles and Julie Conner and his parents,
Phillip and Dianne, are ready to talk about beer to everyone that shows up for
the microbrewery tours at 1pm on Saturdays.
“I think I enjoy doing the tours the most,” says Julie, who is expecting the
couple’s first child any time now. “It’s a great way to get to know a lot of
different people.” Charles handles most of the brewing and bottling chores
while his parents take care of the daily operation.
The brewery got its beginnings in late 1994 when Charles’ brother received a
home brewing kit as a present. After their first batch together, Charles bought
his own kit. “I went a little crazy with the hobby,” he said, “and so did my
dad.”
Recently retired from the district attorney’s office, Phillip has found a
retirement business that incorporates his favorite hobby. Both Phillip and
Charles had won awards in local home brew competitions before going pro.
The Conners chose Blanco for their brewery because it offered fewer
bureaucratic hurdles and is halfway between their prime two markets — Austin
and San Antonio. They began working on the brewery in the basement behind the
Town Creek Mall on the southeast corner of the courthouse square last April.
The first batch of Brew House Brown Ale and Full Moon Pale Rye Ale were
released in July 1996.
Charles said one of the things that convinced him and his father to start the
brewery was the fact that they could not find the kind of beers they like being
brewed in Texas. Using the British brewing technique, both beers are
full-bodied with distinctive flavors. Brew House is an American style brown ale
with a subtle, malty sweetness that changes at different temperatures. Full
Moon is a little lighter than the brown ale and has a stronger hop presence.
This spring the brewery will roll out Blanco River Ale, a lighter beer that
will be great in the summer heat.
The Conners expect to produce 250 to 300 barrels of beer their first year.
Charles said the output could increase to 500 to 1,000 barrels next year (there
are two kegs in a barrel). The Real Ale Brewery beers are available in 22-ounce
bottles and kegs at finer beer stores and pubs.
Besides his full-time job in the marketing department at DTM Corporation in
Austin, Phillip spends about 30 hours a week working on the brewery. The most
labor-intensive and time-consuming work at the brewery, bottling the beer, will
be eased somewhat when the new bottling and labeling machine arrives at the
brewery this month, Charles said.
For Charles, the best part of owning a brewery is when all of the work is done
and it’s Real Ale Beer time. “The satisfaction of producing a good product and
getting to see people enjoy it is very gratifying in a private way,” he said.
About 45 minutes southwest of Austin, for the scenic route to Blanco, take
FM165 off of US290 in Henly. The country road follows the Blanco River valley
for much of the way and is a scenic drive you won’t soon forget.
There is a small beer garden behind the brewery along a natural area. Blanco
supports several good restaurants and has trade days around the old courthouse
on the first Saturday of each month. Tours and tastings are Saturday at 1pm or
by appointment by calling the Dripping Springs office at 512/858-5150. Or visit
their website at http://www.io.com/realale.
Coming up this weekend…
Grand Equinox Opening of Rancho Richey Refuge an hour’s drive south of Austin
on TX80, a mile south of Belmont on the Guadalupe River, celebrates spring with
a grand campout with folk lore, singalongs, hikes, and water activities, Mar.
21-23. 444-4550 or http://www.io.com/~zow/gogo.html.
Massacre Living History Program at Presidio La Bah�a in Goliad
commemorates the 1836 battle, Mar. 22 & 23. 512/645-3752.
Friends of the Library in Boerne will be holding their annual book sale at the
fairgrounds, Mar. 21-23. 210/698-1298.
Cavalier Dayes of Texas brings medieval festivities to Rocky Hill Ranch in
Smithville on weekends, Mar. 22-Apr. 13. 512/499-8497.
Coming up…
The Bluebonnet and Wildflower Trails around La Grange are mapped by the
chamber of commerce in a special brochure. 800/LAGRANG.
Celebrate Easter at Mo-Ranch Conference Center in Hunt with an art exhibit,
sunrise service, and Easter buffet. Lodging is also available on the banks of
the Guadalupe River, Mar. 29 & 30. 210/238-4455.
Texas Music Industry Directory, a publication by the Texas Music Office,
offers insights into music halls, record stores, and other music-related
businesses around the state, $18. 463-6666 or
http://www.state.tx.us/agency/301.html.
This article appears in March 21 • 1997 and March 21 • 1997 (Cover).
