Pam Catoe

Like most people, my love for craft beer started in college when most craft consisted of imports. Austin has come a long way since then and I love being a part of the Austin beer culture and consistantly expanding my beer knowledge. Follow Me on Twitter @PamCraftBeerATX

Skull Mechanix is Permanently Closed

By / / Austin Breweries, Craft Beer News

Another victim of the COVID-19 pandemic, Skull Mechanix announced on social media they are permanently closed. Rumors of the popular music venue and brewery’s closure have been swirling around since the start of the pandemic and after their brewing equipment showed up for sale on a few websites. We reached out for confirmation but didn’t have the chance to speak with them prior to their social media post. From their heartfelt social media post: “As […]

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Did More Texas Breweries Just Get the Green Light to Reopen? Maybe…

By / / Austin Breweries, CBA, Craft Beer News

In yet another reversal, some breweries are now presumably allowed to open for onsite consumption. In mid-July, the TABC advised Saint Arnold Brewing Company to abruptly shut down its beer garden and restaurant operations because the Governor’s office advised them that their distribution sales counted as part of the 51% revenue calculation. Further, there was no advanced warning, (which is no surprise at this point). This past Friday, the TABC posted new guidance about the

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Want Beer Delivery During the COVID-19 Crisis? Act Now!

By / / Austin Breweries, CBA, Craft Beer News

Austin rejoiced when we heard local restaurants can now add alcohol to the line up of delivery and to-go options with a food order. Governor Abbott signed the waiver earlier this week as a temporary measure to help business affected by the statewide mandate to close dining rooms and bars. However, the measure only allows relief to businesses holding a mixed beverage license; therefore, does not apply to breweries, who can currently only sell beer-to-go

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Save Texas Breweries! 2 Out of 3 Members May Close by 2021

By / / Austin Breweries, CBA, Craft Beer News

According to a survey of members by the Texas Craft Brewers Guild, two out of every three Texas craft breweries will be forced to permanently close by the end of 2021 due to the public health crisis brought on by COVID-19 and back-to-back shutdowns of on-premise business at “51% establishments.” Key Survey Takeaways: One in three Texas craft breweries says they’ll be forced to close in the next three months without some change to the

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Breweries Are Not Bars | One Brewery’s Unique Fight to Reopen

By / / Austin Breweries, CBA, Craft Beer News

When the Governor decided to yet again close bars in order to slow the spread of the pandemic, he did so by lumping breweries that were operating safely in with bars that clearly were not. Local Austin area breweries went out of their way to safely open, most only opening their outdoor patios. They required masks, distanced tables, provided contactless payments, and some even created outdoor spaces that didn’t exist before the pandemic. While breweries

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BREAKING NEWS | Brewery Patios are Back Open for Business

By / / Austin Breweries

New guidance from the TABC just came out that will allow breweries and brewpubs across the state to temporarily modify their licensed premises for alcohol consumption. So what does that mean? In a nutshell, breweries can temporarily modify their license to exclude the patio or outdoor area. By doing so, consumers are allowed to buy beer-to-go, then venture to the newly unlicensed outdoor space and enjoy their purchase. Retailers are also allowed to modify premises

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Austin Area Breweries to Safely Visit this Fourth of July Weekend

By / / Austin Breweries, CBA, Craft Beer News

With the holiday weekend upon us and COVID-19 on the rise in Texas, people are having to adjust their weekend plans. However, there are several Austin area breweries that are still open for onsite consumption following strict safety protocols where you can enjoy a fresh craft beer. Know the rules of engagement! Establishments are requiring the use of a facial covering when you are not seated at your table. You must be seated to receive

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Texas Brewery Taprooms Are Closed Again

By / / Austin Breweries, Craft Beer News

Governor Abbot issued an executive order this morning closing businesses that receive more than 51% of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages starting at 12 p. m. today: “These businesses may remain open for delivery and take-out, including for alcoholic beverages, as authorized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.” Earlier this week the Governor highlighted the need for wearing masks in public places and encouraged people to stay home if possible. He

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Is Big Bend Brewing Company Making a Return with Tejas Beer?

By / / Austin Breweries, CBA, Craft Beer News

In a word – no. Last week a series of Instagram posts created quite a stir among fans of Big Bend Brewing Company in Alpine, Texas. Many of the brewery’s fans still follow them on Instagram and Facebook and last week a new post popped up on their social media platforms promising the return of the brand’s iconic Tejas line of beers with the tag line: “Finally, a beer that embodies our collective Texas spirit.

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Raise a Glass Today for a #NationwideCheers!

By / / Austin Breweries, CBA, Craft Beer News

As we are all staying home and working safe, you can still order beer-to-go from your favorite local craft brewery and food take-out is still allowed. And that is something to be happy about, so get out there TODAY and pick up a few of your favorite local craft beers, while practicing social distancing. Then raise a glass at 5:00 pm and join your fellow beer lovers in a #NationwideCheers! Led by Community Beer Company out

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Women in Beer | Mara Young

By / / Austin Breweries, CBA, Pink Boots Society, Women in Beer

When I started writing for CraftBeerAustin.com back in 2015, my first series of articles was about Women in Beer. I am happy to announce that thanks to the ladies of the Austin chapter of the Pink Boots Society, I am bringing back the Women in Beer series. This edition features Mara Young, Co-Owner and Founder of Community Cultures Yeast Lab. Describe your average week. What are you responsible for? My role consists of everything on

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It’s American Craft Beer Week | #GiveCraftBeer Today

By / / Austin Breweries, CBA, Charity, Craft Beer News, Event Listings and New Releases

Normally, we would be celebrating American Craft Beer Week by attending one of several events around town to drink local craft beer. This year things are a little different. OK, a lot different. However, the Brewers Association created a new campaign to make this year’s event special by giving the gift of craft beer through the #GiveCraftBeer campaign. Here’s how you can participate: Commit to giving the gift of Craft Beer here. Buy beer-to-go, merchandise, or

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