Published 8/14/2024
This edition of Six Things You Need to Know covers various craft beer topics in the Austin area and beyond.
Thirsty Planet Reopening in San Marcos
Thirsty Planet Brewery announced on instagram that they will be opening a new brewing facility in San Marcos. The brewery was originally located off 290 near Fitzhugh Rd, before moving operations to a large facility on South Congress in 2016. While there were plans to open a taproom right away, it took until 2023 to finally see that through. Sadly, that didn’t go well. In the last year, several Thirsty Planet beers have been contract brewed by Austin Beerworks, but it looks like they will be taking production back into their own hands again. It remains to be seen where in San Marcos they’re moving too, but Aquabrew (formally Hops & Grain San Marcos) left behind space that may be under consideration.
Argus Cidery is Back
Speaking of Thirsty Planet – the facility on South Congress also produced beverages for Richard’s Rainwater, Weird Tea, Meridian Hive, and Argus Cidery. While the former three have moved production elsewhere (Meridian Hive in particular is now produced at Celis), Argus has been absent from Austin shelves… until now. Their beverages are now being produced by Locust Cider in Gig Harbor, Washington, and have recently made their way back to their hometown. Argus (who also had a taproom out near Fitzhugh Rd until 2020), has now made their Apple Bomb cider available in cans at stores around Austin, and even on tap at Whichcraft.
Bear King Brewing Opens Second Taproom
In a surprise announcement this week, Marble Falls’ Bear King Brewing announced a new location opening in Cottonwood Shores. Now, before you get excited and google where Cottonwood Shores is – it’s just across the bridge and about 4 miles west from Marble Falls, so not any closer to Austin. But if you’re heading up that way, the new location is already open; let us know how it is! [4315 FM2147, Suite B]
Cottonwood Creek Brewery Opening in Hutto
In a slightly strange coincidence, the word “Cottonwood”, followed by a water feature, appears again in the news. But this is on the other side of Austin, as Cottonwood Creek Brewery is a new brewery announcement for Hutto, following the openings of Rockabilly Brewing and Power Brewing Project. They’ve come out swinging on social media with a whopping 24 instagram posts in the last 13 weeks, which is a lot of outreach considering that they’re still months away from opening. But with 3 breweries, Hutto will be an easy pick for an off the path brewery day (unless you work for Samsung, then it’s just down the road). [610 US-79]
Jester King Hosts New Lager Fest
Jester King Brewery announced a new Lager Fest to celebrate their 14th anniversary this year. The event will be held at their brewery on September 21st (do you remember), and will host 22 breweries each bringing two lagers. There will also be food trucks, coffee and ice cream vendors, live music, face painting, a photo booth, and vintage goods. You can purchase tickets and view the brewery list here. And for all you lager fans – Spokesman South at The Yard hosts a Lager Jam every September as well, so here’s hoping they don’t fall on the same day and we can see you all at both events.
St. Elmo Brewing Co 2 Opening Very Soon (Old Gregg Brewing Soon After?)
While we don’t have exact dates yet, a quick look at St. Elmo’s instagram story makes it clear that the new location will be opening imminently. They’ve posted pictures of the new murals, shown off a large delivery of kegs, and the entire team did a staff tour earlier this week. I drove by there recently and it’s looking like a lovely building, and is less than 5 minutes away from ABW Sprinkle Valley. Also nearby is Old Gregg Brewing Co, who posted about a month ago that they’ve installed tanks that will run directly to the taps, so it’s clear that they’re taking their beer quality very seriously as well. Should be a lot to look forward to this Autumn!
