Craft Beer News
Austin’s proudly adopted West Coast transplant, Shannon Harris is on a trailblazing mission to bring the first Black-owned brewery to the city of Austin. I had the pleasure of sharing some pints with him to learn about his impressive efforts to make the brewing world a more diverse & inclusive community. As a true advocate for BIPOC, he is leading by example in creating his own cultivated space, Urban Jungle Brewing. See how you can […]
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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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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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The TABC announced on Wednesday that they were going back on another press release that they put out the Friday before. That release was simply allowing brewpubs and breweries, who sold beer to go, to rezone their patios and allow people to drink their to-go beer on the patios. It was, what seemed like, a simple gesture to give some breathing room to the already struggling brewery industry. Over the last 5 days that this […]
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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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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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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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Black is Beautiful Austin Brewery Releases, Part 1 Black is Beautiful is a beer collaboration on a fierce mission to raise awareness of the daily injustices people of color face. The project is the brainchild of Marcus Baskerville, Head Brewer & Co-Owner of San Antonio brewery, Weathered Souls. Baskerville expounded via the Black is Beautiful site, “This platform and collaboration is about understanding and supporting people of color and inclusion… With the current tensions that […]
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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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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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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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Texas Breweries Brew All Together IPA By Now, maybe you have heard of the worldwide collaboration of All Together IPA. If Not, read more about the inspiration of the All Together IPA here. Many Texas breweries have brewed or are going to brew this collaboration. A few of the Texas Brewers explained to us, their decision to join this collaboration and how it will help their community. Künstler Brewing: San Antonio, TX: Released on April […]
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