Top 5 Central Texas TCGB Liquid Bake Sale Beers – Part 2
The Texas Craft Brewers Guild’s Liquid Bake Sale fundraiser may be drawing to a close, but there are still plenty of exciting, delicious baking-themed beers to sample before the sale ends. With releases rolled out across early summer, here are some top picks from the most recent LBS beers in the Central Texas region, all brewed with local grains from DFW’s TexMalt.
Wild Bunch Brewing – Blu-Jay Blueberry Blonde Ale, 8.7%
Wild Bunch’s delectable fire-brewed beers have been one of the best-kept secrets in Central Texas, but word is now out and the gloriously remote Wild Bunch beer garden is now buzzing at weekends, often complete with live music and food vendors. Wild Bunch takes their fruit ales seriously, packing them with oodles of fresh produce and (often) an enjoyably potent kick, both of which are true of their sumptuous Liquid Bake Sale Blueberry Blonde. This deep, intense, grainy-dry palate-crackling brew is stupidly crushable for a beer that weighs in at over 8%, so choc-full of fruit it glows a stunning shade of violet. Whether you imbibe it pure or mix it up with some of Wild Bunch’s excellent Porter or Hefeweizen, this is a bake sale treat you will not want to miss.
Central District Brewing – Farmhouse Loaf Saison, 6.8%
Central District’s chic, leafy taproom provides a welcome respite from the scooter-fuelled bustle of downtown Austin, and their Liquid Bake Sale contribution is equally restorative. The Farmhouse Loaf is a traditional lemon-peppery Saison with delicately balanced honey sweetness and hints of aromatic lavender, plus plenty of bright zesty lemon. A few sips of this refreshing brew and you’ll be ready to re-enter the Dirty Sixth fray.
Live Oak Brewing – Blue Corn Pilsner, 4.5%
Live Oak is not only the oldest continuously running brewery in Austin, they are also masters of all things Lager-related. It’s, therefore, no surprise that their Liquid Bake Sale Blue Corn Pilsner is an event highlight, glowing deep mesmerizing indigo and tasting absolutely phenomenal. The blue corn holds a light, sweet flavour with a hint of creaminess, complementing the smooth but firm TexMalt. The gentle floral tang of butterfly pea flower provides an added layer of elegance, finished off with a hint of herbaceous Saphir hops. As enticingly attractive as it is delicious.
Austin Beerworks – Pale Ale, 5.9%
While you may not expect Austin Beerworks’ Liquid Bake Sale Pale Ale to be particularly reminiscent of baked goods, they have done some sneaky tweaks to offer up a brew that’s much more cakey than it sounds. The toffee-caramel malt races to the forefront with a firm bready undertow and a touch of light, aromatic American hops. This beer is super easy-drinking yet retains an air of sophistication. A clever little number that allows TexMalt’s contribution to shine.
Hold Out Brewing – Grisette, 4.8%
Over the last few years, Grisettes have been quietly emerging onto the US beer scene as part of the movement to resurrect neglected historic beer styles. Hailing from the Belgian province of Hainault, close to the French border, the Grisette closely resembles a Saison, with a lower ABV, lighter, crisper body but sharing the same bright, dry peppery-citrus farmhouse notes. This version is brewed with Italian plum puree, giving it a softer body, with the flavour offering a tangy mix of gentle funk and squishy tart plum. You’ll want to try this interesting and unusual brew before the sale ends, and while you’re there, check out their Liquid Bake Sale Texas IPA too!
If you haven’t supported the Liquid Bake Sale yet, don’t miss your chance to try these tasty beers while they are still available, and be sure to check out the TCBG website for some stylish retro-chic Liquid Bake Sale merch. And even after the Liquid Bake Sale is over, don’t forget to support your local breweries and the TCBG, whose work is essential to the craft beer industry in Texas!
