Craft Beer Austin Staff Picks | Summer 2025
Welcome back for the Summer 2025 edition of Staff Picks. We once again polled the team to see what they recommend during the dog days of summer in Central Texas. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit to let us know your favorite beers of the moment on our social platforms.
Aaron
The Brewtorium | Canyonero | Texas Imperial IPA
David
Saint Arnold | Cold IPA
Just like their tagline says, “Spoiler: the beer is cold. Texas is not.” This is a 6.3% 31 IBU crusher where the lager yeast really comes through making it clean and perfect for the weather. Krush and Strata hops layer in bright notes of melon, peach, and citrus, making each sip refreshing yet flavorful. I know its a Houston-brewery, but they are mainstays in my house and on tap walls all over Central Texas, so I am comfortable giving Houston a little love with this summer pick. If you hurry, you can get it on draft right now at Turnstile.
Pam
Equal Parts | Kaizen | Japanese Rice Lager
Equal Parts Kaizen has consistently been in my beer fridge all summer because it’s so refreshing and full of flavor. Kaizen is a Japanese style rice lager coming in at 4.6% ABV. Despite the light body and low ABV, this beer is full of flavor with light citrus notes and a clean dry finish. Plus it’s a consistent, high quality beer, just like the name implies.
Black Chapel Brewing | Neapolitan Complex | Milkshake IPA
Oftentimes, a new brewery opening means putting logistics first – build and decorate the taproom, hire and train staff, prepare food and drink to serve. With so much to juggle, the beer quality might become an afterthought, with plans to ramp up the creativity a few months down the line.
This is not a good strategy, and the team at Black Chapel knows this – beer needs to come first if you want to wow the crowds. Owners Whitney and Jared Broach joined forces with brewer and co-owner Kevin Dyer, formally at Black Market Brewing Co. in California, and he got to work about 3 months prior to their open date. Their massive tank-to-tap system was full and ready to go long before the doors officially opened, to the point that the brewery was soft open for about 6 weeks for those of us willing to sip amongst sawdust. In addition, several of their beers have already been submitted for GABF judging later this year.
The official grand opening was this past weekend, and I can’t recommend checking them out enough. On tap you’ll find a cucumber sour, peanut butter golden stout, salt and lime lager, and my personal favorite, a Neapolitan ice cream milkshake IPA. Don’t worry, there’s also a traditional IPA, Vienna lager, American pilsner, and Japanese rice lager for those of you into the weird stuff. The brewery is located west of Johnson City, and a trip out there is a great opportunity to visit other newcomers Witcher Craft Brewing Company, West Wing Brewery, and the 13 other breweries along this stretch of 290.
Dani
Save the World | Chasing Broncos | Juicy IPA
My go to pick has been a hazy IPA from Save the World Brewing. Chasing Broncos is a great beer to beat the heat. It is light and refreshing. Chasing Broncos is a New England Style IPA that profiles tropical fruit. It is recognized with a gold medal at the U.S. Open Beer Championship in 2024. If you have not been to Save the World Brewing in awhile, it is located in Marble Falls. Lately, they are making some fantastic beers that I would be on the lookout for in Austin.
