A look at 2025 North Texas production numbers

Click to enlarge.

This is the annual update of the breakdown of brewery sizes in North Texas, based on 2025 production data as reported to the Brewers Association (BA) and published in the May/June 2026 issue of The New Brewer.

Note, not all brewing companies provide their numbers, and some report statistics combining multiple locations. For 2025, roughly 80% of brewing companies active in North Texas are accounted for in the BA's production report.

Data also includes production from breweries that closed during the course of 2025. As a result, the number of entities represented in the chart is not equal to the total number of breweries open and operating at any given time.

Inside the numbers:

Brewery tiers in North Texas, based on production (shown alphabetically):

     Regional (> 15,000 bbls)

• Manhattan Project Beer Co. of Dallas.

     Large (> 10,000 bbls)

• Martin House Brewing Co. of Fort Worth.

     Mid-Size (> 5000 bbls)

• Community Beer Co. of Dallas.
• Four Corners Brewing Co. of Dallas.
• HopFusion Ale Works of Fort Worth.
• Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. of Fort Worth.
• Tupps Brewery of McKinney.
• Twin Peaks Brewing Co. of Irving.
• Union Bear Brewing Co. of Denton/Plano.
  
  

Tier movement

• Advancing from "Small" to "Mid-Size" tier: Union Bear Brewing Co. of Denton/Plano.
• Moving from "Large" to "Mid-Size" tier: Community Beer Co. of Dallas.

Year-to-year production change

• At 54%, just over half of the breweries in North Texas reported a drop in production during 2025 (flat compared to 55% reporting declines in 2024).
• Overall production in North Texas was down 3% for those reporting in 2024 and 2025 (compared to a 6% overall decline in 2024).
• Comparison: Craft beer volume was down 4% nationally in 2025, according to the Brewers Association.

Significant year-to-year production gains (based on those reporting in 2024 and 2025)

• For the fourth year in a row, Manhattan Project Beer Co. of Dallas had the largest year-to-year gain in raw barrels produced locally for 2025. The brewery is now the fourth largest craft beer producer in all of Texas, behind Gambrinus Co. of San Antonio (Shiner), Saint Arnold Brewing Co. of Houston, and Real Ale Brewing Co. of Blanco.
• The largest year-to-year percentage gains for brewing companies with production greater than 1000 barrels were realized by (alphabetically): Armor Brewing Co. of Allen, Four Corners Brewing Co. of Dallas, Manhattan Project Beer Co. of Dallas, Martin House Brewing Co. of Fort Worth, Oak Highlands Brewery of Richardson, Rollertown Beerworks of Frisco, Three Wide Brewing Co. of Fort Worth, and Union Bear Brewing Co. of Denton/Plano.
  

Manhattan Project working to build facility in Waco

Foster Pavilion and parking garage at Baylor University (City of Waco).

According to the minutes of a council meeting held by the City of Waco on Tuesday, a North Texas brewery may one day be operating a new location within its borders.

Council members approved a lease agreement that would allow Manhattan Project Beer Co. of Dallas to construct a 10,260 square foot facility at 600 S. University Parks Dr. in Waco, the targeted location a retail development on the ground floor of the parking garage serving Foster Pavilion at Baylor University.

To be built by K4 Construction, site functions would involve the "operation of a craft beer brewing and manufacturing facility, including the production, packaging, storage and distribution of  beer; a taproom and bar for on-site consumption; a full-service restaurant and kitchen serving elevated bar foods and chef driven menu items; and a coffee and beverage concept." 

Manhattan Project produces beer at its original site on Sulphur St. in West Dallas, as well as at Four Corners Brewing Co. in The Cedars. Last summer, the company also explored the possibility of expanding to Mesquite, but it is not known if that initiative is still under consideration.

As for the Waco site, it's projected to open by May 1, 2027.

Manhattan Project exploring expansion to Mesquite

Rendering of a proposed site layout for Manhattan Project's expansion to Mesquite (Simple Development Partners).

Manhattan Project Beer Co. of Dallas is exploring options for an expansion east, this based on information presented to a meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Mesquite on June 23.

Currently, Manhattan Project operates in a 15,000 square foot facility established in West Dallas in late 2019. Production is maxed out at that locale, so the company's primary goal is to expand capacity with the proposed project.

Plans outlined by Dallas-based firm Simple Development Partners call for construction of a 90,000 square foot building on a vacant seven-acre site located just southwest of the intersection of U.S. 80 and I-635 in Mesquite. Two tenants would then occupy the structure, with Manhattan Project taking 45,000 square feet of the space and having an option to grow further in the future.

Discussions are still in the early stages, but a production ramp-up would likely be the priority, with retail and/or restaurant amenities potentially not added until later. Either way, should things move forward, the developer estimates it will take up to two years for the completion of construction and improvements.

For now, the main hurdle is a question of zoning, as the land use designation would need to be changed from "Commercial" to "Light Industrial". This matter will be taken up in a city council meeting scheduled for July 21.

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Update: On July 21, by a 5-2 vote the Mesquite City Council approved an ordinance to change the land use designation as noted, while also changing the zoning for the site to "Planned Development - Commercial" with a conditional use permit granted for a brewery.

Welcome to the Herb 'N Jungle: Sheraton Dallas taps new signature beer

Herb 'N Jungle Honey Beer, Chicken 'n Waffles with Chipotle Hot Honey, the Herb 'N Jungle, El Cubano (All photos: © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D).

Something new is buzzing about the Sheraton Dallas Hotel at 400 Olive St. in downtown, as the travel and entertainment destination has launched a new signature beer brewed in collaboration with Manhattan Project Beer Co., the Dallas-based brewery doing business just four miles away.

Formally introduced at an exclusive preview event last evening, Herb 'N Jungle Honey Brew - a.k.a. Gold Flash Honey Lager (5.2% ABV), is made with honey sourced from beehives maintained on-site in the Sheraton's Herb 'N Jungle outdoor garden. Upwards of 70,0000 bees live and work in the garden, which is located on the fourth-floor terrace of the hotel.

The motivation for creating a house beer for the hotel was borne out of the Sheraton's ongoing commitment to community support and its desire to provide patrons with locally-inspired offerings. In the spirit of this, a partnership with Manhattan Project was formed roughly two years ago, shortly after the hotel first began housing bees on the property.

According to Brandon Byrd, part of the management team at Manhattan Project, when the project started the production crew got to work with research and development once the hotel delivered "buckets of Sheraton honey" to the brewery. They experimented with other beer style types before landing on the final formulation, which adds honey to a classic Munich-style helles base recipe.

The objective was to create a beer with "wow" factor, but also one that would have wider reach in terms of appeal. In the end, those goals appear to have been realized in the form of an ever so slightly-sweet summer crusher, which finishes clean with a subtle hint of honey character in the finish.

As for where to get it should you frequent the hotel, Herb 'N Jungle Honey Brew will be on tap year-round at the Sheraton's dining establishments - Draft Sports Bar & Lounge, Open Palette and The Parlor.

And for those looking to enjoy their honey beer with a bite, suggested pairings include two new offerings on the daily Draft food menu: the Chicken Bao-Bun (grilled chicken teriyaki with soy aioli, cilantro and pickled vegetables) and the El Cubano (smoked crispy pork cutlet with Swiss cheese, honey mustard, tomatoes and dill pickles). 

At the same time, diners should also keep an eye out for special menu items infused with honey from the rooftop bees like Chicken 'n Waffles with Chipotle Hot Honey and the Honey Cake with Rose Water Cream.

For more information on the food and drink options at eateries of the Dallas Sheraton Hotel, click here to visit the "Dining" section of the hotel's official website.

A look at 2024 North Texas production numbers

Click to enlarge.

This is an update of the annual breakdown of brewery sizes in North Texas, with 2024 production data added as reported to the Brewers Association and published in the May/June 2025 issue of The New Brewer.

Note, not all brewing companies provide their numbers, and some report statistics combining multiple locations. Data also includes production from breweries that closed during the course of 2024, but ignores production from companies whose output was consolidated and moved out of state (Deep Ellum Brewing Co., Revolver Brewing). As a result, the number of entities represented in the chart is not equal to the total number of breweries open and operating at any given time.

Inside the numbers:

The large- and mid-size brewery tiers in North Texas, based on production (shown alphabetically):

     Regional (> 15,000 bbls)

• Manhattan Project Beer Co. of Dallas.

     Large (> 10,000 bbls)

• Community Beer Co. of Dallas.
• Martin House Brewing Co. of Fort Worth.

     Mid-Size (> 5000 bbls)

• Four Corners Brewing Co. of Dallas.
• Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. of Fort Worth.
• Tupps Brewery of McKinney.
• Twin Peaks Brewing Co. of Irving.
  
  

Tier movement

• Advancing from "Large" to "Regional" tier (>15,000 bbls): Manhattan Project Beer Co. of Dallas.
• Advancing from "Very Small" to "Small" tier: Armor Brewing Co. of Allen, Panther Island Brewing of Fort Worth, Rollertown Beerworks of Celina.

Year-to-year production change

• At 55%, just over half of the breweries in North Texas reported a drop in production during 2024.
• Overall production in North Texas was down roughly 3% for those reporting in 2023 and 2024. This number does not include contributions from Deep Ellum or Revolver.
• Comparison: Craft beer volume was down 4% nationally in 2024, according to the Brewers Association.

Significant year-to-year production gains (based on those reporting in 2023 and 2024)

• For the third year in a row, Manhattan Project had the largest year-to-year gain in raw barrels produced locally for 2024. Their sales have increased 5X since 2019, and they are now the area's largest producer.
• The largest year-to-year percentage gains for brewing companies with production greater than 1000 barrels were realized by (alphabetically) Armor Brewing Co. of Allen, Manhattan Project Beer Co. of Dallas, Panther Island Brewing of Fort Worth, Rollertown Beerworks of Celina, and Union Bear Brewing Co. of Denton/Plano.

A look at 2023 North Texas production numbers

Click to enlarge.

This is an update of the annual breakdown of brewery sizes in North Texas, with 2023 production data added as reported to the Brewers Association and published in the May/June 2024 issue of The New Brewer.

Note, not all brewing companies provide their numbers (assumptions are made for a couple of "Large" tier breweries based on past history), while some report statistics combining multiple locations. Data also includes production from breweries that closed during the course of 2023. As a result, the number of entities represented in the chart is not equal to the total number of breweries open and operating at any given time.

Inside the numbers:

The large-size brewery tier in North Texas, based on production (shown alphabetically):

• Community Beer Co. of Dallas.
• Deep Ellum Brewing Co. of Dallas.
• Manhattan Project Beer Co. of Dallas.
• Martin House Brewing Co. of Fort Worth.
• Revolver Brewing of Granbury.

Tier movement

• Advancing from "Mid-Size" to "Large" tier: Manhattan Project Beer Co. of Dallas.
• Advancing from "Very Small" to "Small" tier: Fort Brewery & Pizza of Fort Worth, Second Rodeo Brewing Co. of Fort Worth (includes data from Beard Science Sour House of The Colony), and Union Bear Brewing Co. of Denton/Plano.

Year-to-year production change

• Overall production in North Texas was down roughly 9% for those reporting in 2022 and 2023. This value is influenced somewhat by numerous "Small" tier breweries showing significant drops, though in some cases this involves cuts occurring prior to closing a second location or closing permanently.
• Comparison: Craft beer volume was down 1% nationally in 2023, according to the Brewers Association.

Significant year-to-year production gains (based on those reporting in 2022 and 2023)

• For the second year in a row, Manhattan Project had the largest reported year-to-year gain in raw barrels produced locally for 2023. In fact, sales of the brewery's beers have more than tripled since 2019.
• The largest year-to-year percentage gains for brewing companies with production greater than 1000 barrels were realized by 3 Nations Brewing Co. of Anna/Carrolton, Celestial Beerworks of Dallas (two locations), Fort Brewery & Pizza of Fort Worth, and Second Rodeo/Beard Science of Fort Worth/The Colony.

A look at 2022 North Texas production numbers

Click image to enlarge.

Presented is an updated chart showing a breakdown of brewery sizes in North Texas based on production data reported to the Brewers Association and published in the May/June 2023 issue of The New Brewer.

Note that not all brewing companies provide their numbers, while others report numbers combining multiple locations. As a result, the number of brewing companies represented in the data is not equal to the total number of breweries open and operating at any given time.

Inside the numbers:

The large-size brewery tier in North Texas, based on production (shown alphabetically):

• Community Beer Co. of Dallas.
• Deep Ellum Brewing Co. of Dallas.
• Martin House Brewing Co. of Fort Worth.
• Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. of Fort Worth.
• Revolver Brewing of Granbury.
• Tupps Brewery of McKinney.

Tier movement

• Two breweries advanced from the "very small" to the "small" production tier in 2022 - False Idol Brewing of North Richland Hills and Siren Rock Brewing Co. of Rockwall. One brewery dropped from the large to mid-size production tier - Four Corners Brewing Co. of Dallas.

Year-to-year production change - overall (based on those reporting numbers in 2021 and 2022).

• Overall production in North Texas was down roughly 7% in 2022.
• Comparison: Overall industry production growth was flat nationally, according to the Brewers Association.

Year-to-year production change - by tier (based on those reporting numbers in 2021 and 2022).

• Large (> 10,000 bbl): -13%.
• Mid-size (5000-10,000 bbl): 0%
• Small (1000-5000 bbl): -6%.
• Very Small (< 1000 bbl): +21%.
  
• Comparison: While individual percentages for local tiers are inflated, the general trend of larger breweries making less beer, and smaller breweries making more beer, falls in line with results shared during the Brewers Association's "2023 State of the Industry" presentation.

Largest year-to-year production gain (based on those reporting numbers in 2021 and 2022).

• Manhattan Project Beer Co. of Dallas had the largest reported gain in raw barrels produced locally for 2022.

My 2023 Big Texas tasting card

Image credits: Tupps Brewery, Ghost Eye Brewing Co., Funky Picnic Brewery & Café, Windmills,
Equal Parts Brewing, Peticolas Brewing Co., Vector Brewing, Manhattan Project Beer Co., Brewvolution.

According to my records, my last visit to the area's longest running beer festival was in 2019. Surely the plague was partially to blame, though I'm sure life probably has been getting in the way as well. In any case, it was fun to be back at it once again with other beer denizens at this weekend's Big Texas Beer Fest (BTBF).

Taking place in the familiar confines of the Fair Park Automobile Building in Dallas, the 2023 event featured 97 beverage makers serving up a variety of more than 400 craft beers, ciders and seltzers. Over 50 of the breweries in attendance hailed from North Texas, representing roughly half of the brands that serve our local industry.

Among those set up and sampling, Jester King Brewery of Austin attracted some of the largest crowds around its booth, but Delirium Brewery of Belgium established quite a presence as well. The latter brought along a large inflatable version of the pink elephant that adorns its logo, and at some point, brewery reps doled out a plethora of pink elephant hats to attendees.

Also drawing interest was a gun mount exhibit from the Battleship Texas, an attraction brought in by Altstadt Brewery of Fredericksburg and the Battleship Texas Foundation Group. The vessel itself, which fought in both World War I and World War II, is currently dry docked in Galveston while it undergoes restoration.

Getting back to festival beverages, while there were a fair number of lagers, stouts and sour beers, IPAs naturally ruled the day. By my count, there were easily more than 100 IPAs available on the festival floor. I tried exactly one, IPA Series 1 from Ghost Eye Brewing Co. of Dickinson. The beer led with a mix of citrus and tropical fruit flavors, finishing with a welcome pithy bitterness.

And while we're on the subject, if you've ever had doubts about IPA's dominance as craft beer's most popular style, let me tell you about the BTBF booth occupied by Shiner.  The little brewery known for its lagers had a trio of IPAs in the offing when I surveyed their selection, and nothing else. All ales and not a drop of that ubiquitous dark lager? Talk about stepping outside the "bocks."

As for other festival favorites, I direct you to the summaries below. It should be noted that I mostly stuck to beers of lower strength, though I did enjoy a dose of Enriched Plutonium - a rum barrel-aged version of Plutonium 239 from Manhattan Project Beer Co. of Dallas. 

Oh, and as always...selections are new to the market, or at least new to me.

Cheers!

Rice is nice

I kicked things off with a pour of Kaizen, a Japanese rice lager from Equal Parts Brewing of Houston. Let's just say this was a light, refreshing and easily crushable quaff.


Keeping your wits about you

I recommend keeping six wits about you, to be exact...as in keeping on hand a sixer of Day Pass from Tupps Brewery of McKinney. The company's newest offering is a stylistic Belgian witbier, and just the kind of beer I could drink all day.


Amber waves

Once upon a time, nearly every brewery made an amber beer of some sort. Right now, there are two ambers of note in North Texas. One is Sonidero, a smooth and malty amber lager from Windmills of The Colony. That beer won a gold medal at the 2022 Great American Beer Festival. Another is Amberversary, a nicely-balanced amber ale with a hint of hop happiness from Vector Brewing of Dallas. Wait, what year is it again?

Woodruff is the way

Got Berliner weisse? Get German woodruff (it's a plant). That is, if you like beer descriptors like sweet and sour, floral and funky. Berliners weren't on my radar going into BTBF, but Eclectus from Peticolas Brewing Co. of Dallas, with a shot of woodruff syrup, ended up being one of the more enjoyable pours of the day.

More smoked beers please, 'twould appease

Smoked beers are one of my favorite styles. Couple that with a beer name referencing the guttural growl of one's favorite musician, along with a recipe using malt smoked on the grounds of the historic Kreische brewery site in La Grange, and well, you've got my attention. Coming from Funky Picnic Brewery & Café of Fort Worth, A Haw-Haw-Haw-Haw in Billy Gibbons' Voice is a smoked helles with pecans. And yeah, it's fine, if you've got the time...

Manhattan Project opens bomb new brewery in Dallas

Plutonium-239, a coconut porter, was one of 13 beers on tap for
Manhattan Project's debut (© Brian Brown/Beer in Big D).

In the three years since it began production under an alternating proprietorship agreement with another local brewery, The Manhattan Project Beer Co. has been busy building a brand while also working to open a facility of its own. This week, the latter effort came to fruition, as the company welcomed patrons inside its new space at 2215 Sulphur St. in West Dallas.

And, let's just go ahead and say it, since it fits right in with what's behind the company's name...this place is the bomb!  The vision of Karl and Misty Sanford, along with Jeremy Brodt, what the three founders have created can best be described as an upscale urban oasis.

Functionally, the site takes up most of the block it occupies, with over 10,000 square feet of indoor space containing the production and public areas, and another 4,000 square feet comprising an outdoor beer garden. Plus, there's a dedicated parking lot with room for more than 30 vehicles. This, in a spot where virtually no parking existed before.

In terms of visuals, the brewery has a sleek and modern look, with Manhattan Project's black-and-white color scheme adorning the building inside and out. Moreover, just like how its packaging stands out on retail shelves, the simple, but striking pose set by the brewery's structure makes it immediately recognizable when viewed against the surrounding neighborhood.

Murals by Alli K Design appear on interior and exterior walls at Manhattan Project. Additional design elements include
high back seating and a marble bar top inside, along with Adirondack chairs out on the patio (© Brian Brown/Beer in Big D). 

Of course, there's more to the place than just the atmosphere and amenities, and there are things to be said about what there is to eat and drink as well. Liquid consumables include espresso and beer, while food will eventually be prepared onsite by Thai Bird Asian Fried Chicken.

Currently on the menu, seven offerings are emerging from the espresso bar, and over a dozen house beers are flowing from the taps (click the image at the top of the page for details). Among the beers, most if not all represent familiar favorites that have appeared at one time or another over both the company's amateur and professional existence.

On that note, one beer being served has a recipe dating back to the very beginnings of the Project. Aptly named Inception, it's a Belgian brown ale the group brewed in honor of the Sanford's wedding in 2010. My first taste of this beer occurred in 2013 at Deep Ellum Brewing Co.'s annual Labor of Love event. Back then it was called Edgar Sengier's Belgican Brown (after a Belgian who supplied the U.S. with uranium during World War II), but it was a beer that left an impression, and as they say, the rest is history.

As for the present and the future, look for upwards of 17 different beers to be available on a daily basis at Manhattan Project, with the occasional nitro pour being offered for beers like the brewery's coffee stout, Black Matter. Stop by for a pint, a flight or an espresso seven days a week, as Manhattan Project is now open with daily operating hours as follows: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to midnight.

North Texas Craft Beer Conspectus - July 23, 2018 edition

Updates on new and renewed brewing operations in Dallas and Denton headline this edition of the Conspectus, with a look at upcoming operations out west on the agenda as well.

Cheers!


Barley & Board back to brewing in Denton

Idle since early 2016, brewing operations have re-started at Barley & Board of Denton. House beers will be tapped monthly as part of the brewpub's Home Brewers League, an initiative that gives local homebrewers the chance to brew a commercial batch. Barley & Board supplies ingredients for the collaborative effort, while local hobbyists are charged with making the beer. The beer for August is a French saison by Brian Tiensvold. It follows Cole Haley's black IPA, which kicked things off in July.


Steam Theory debuts in Trinity Groves

After roughly four years in development, Steam Theory Brewing Co. is now up and running in Trinity Groves. The brewpub is currently serving culinary offerings from a summer dinner menu alongside a selection of guest beers. House brews are said to be in the works, presumably ready in time for Steam Theory's official grand opening on August 25.


Cans coming from Manhattan Project

Packaged products are on the way from Manhattan Project Beer Co. of Dallas. Set to arrive at retail in September, the brewery will can its three core beers - Half-Life, Hoppenheimer and Plutonium-239, and a seasonal pilsner - Necessary Evil. As for when Manhattan Project's taproom will open at 215 Sulphur St., look for that to occur sometime in Q1 2019.


Celestial receives TABC approval, introduces Space Camp

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has issued a brewpub license for Celestial Beerworks of Dallas. Currently under construction at 2530 Butler St., owner Matt Reynolds is targeting an early fall opening. The company has also introduced Space Camp, a membership program that provides consumers with one free crowler of beer per month, along with swag, taproom discounts and first access to special releases (click here for more information).


Edgewise Wight launches crowdfunding campaign

Looking to raise funds for a brewpub to be located in Weatherford, Edgewise Eight Brewing has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. The company has set an open-ended goal of $5000, with funds earmarked for amenities and other items that will help make Edgewise Eight "the most inviting place to go in Weatherford."


Soul Fire begins work on building in Roanoke

Demolition has begun on a space to be occupied by Soul Fire Brewing Co. in Roanoke. In addition to housing the brewery's production equipment and a taproom, plans for the building at 206 N. Oak St. include facilities for live music and a food hall.

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Image credits (top to bottom): Barley & Board, Steam Theory Brewing Co., Manhattan Project Beer Co., Celestial Beerworks, Edgewise Eight Brewing, Soul Fire Brewing Co.

North Texas Craft Beer Conspectus - January 26, 2018 edition

Along with new release recaps, updates on a handful of North Texas breweries in development are included in this edition of the Conspectus, as is information on Mug Club memberships at a long-time local restaurant.

Cheers!


Nine Volt gets packaged at Pegasus City

Pegasus City Brewery of Dallas has packaged its Nine Volt D.P. & L. Tripel, choosing unique 750mL ceramic flip-top bottles as the vessel for delivery. Availability is limited, however, with only Craft Beer Cellar and select Dallas locations of Spec's currently stocking the beer.


Rahr & Sons publishes 2018 production schedule

Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. of Fort Worth is the latest brewery to provide consumers insight into its 2018 production schedule. Notably absent from the list are Bucking Bock, Snowmageddon and The Regulator. As for other changes, Paleta de Mango (a mango lime chile kölsch) and Adios Pantalones (a session beer with lemon and lime) will join the year-round lineup, though neither beer will enter the market until March.


Legal Draft launches new premium American lager

Nowhere But Texas, the newest beer from Legal Draft Beer Co., was unveiled during an event at the brewery in Arlington last evening. The beer, which is a premium American lager, takes its name from a popular song penned by the Steve Helms Band, and its release coincided with the premier of the song's music video.


Eno's welcoming new members to its Mug Club

Beginning February 1, Eno's Pizza Tavern will accept new members into its Mug Club. Memberships, available at a cost of $50, include a 17-ounce personalized mug, taller pours, a free birthday beer and discounts on food. Those interested may apply in person, either at Eno's original Bishop Arts location, or at the company's new restaurant in Forney.


Seguin beers now available in North Texas

According to a social media post, Seguin Brewing Co. is now shipping its products to North Texas. Available exclusively at area Total Wine locations, consumers can purchase the following Seguin beers in six-packs of 12-ounce cans: 9-Pin Kölsch, Bock-N-Röhl, Honey Pecan #5 Cream Ale and Lake Breeze Blonde.


New brewery blurbs

A brewpub license for Turning Point Beer has been approved by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). The company's facility is currently under construction in Bedford.

The Manhattan Project Beer Co. took ownership of a property in Dallas last week. To be located at 2215 Sulphur St., those behind the effort are now in the process of submitting construction plans to the City of Dallas for approval.

Also working through the approval process, Celestial Beerworks hopes to obtain permits soon in order to begin construction on a building at 2530 Butler St. in Dallas.

Brewing operations are no longer part of the plan at Navarro County Brewing Co. of Corsicana. Citing excessive costs and development delays as reasons for abandoning the brewing aspect of the project, the ownership group will instead focus on building a taproom and growler fill station.

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Image credits (top to bottom): Pegasus City Brewery, Rahr & Sons Brewing Co., Legal Draft Beer Co., Eno's Pizza Tavern, Seguin Brewing Co., Turning Point Beer, Celestial Beerworks, The Manhattan Project Beer Co.

Manhattan Project to share space with Bitter Sisters

Image Credit: The Manhattan Project Beer Company.

A name familiar to many in the homebrewing community, The Manhattan Project Beer Company has revealed that it will begin commercial production in October 2016.

Karl and Misty Sanford first teamed up with fellow founder Jeremy Brodt in 2010. At the time, the goal was simply to design a special beer for Karl & Misty's wedding, but after working together the group found it had a unique sort of synergy that led it to formally establish The Manhattan Project in 2013. Since then, the trio has gone on to win over 25 awards at local, regional and national homebrew competitions for both Belgian and American-style brews, including a version of the beer that started it all, a Belgian-American brown ale known today as Inception.

As for how The Manhattan Project will get its beer on the market, the company has entered into an alternating proprietorship with Bitter Sisters Brewing Company. Like other similar agreements, this essentially means the two companies with both be licensed to brew at the facility presently occupied by Bitter Sisters in Addison.

Of course, this won't all happen for another few months, but that doesn't mean you can't get a taste of what the company is all about a little sooner. The Manhattan Project plans on offering free samples of its products at events around the city between now and October, with one chance occurring this Sunday, May 15, at Brew Riot in the Bishop Arts District.

For more information on The Manhattan Project, follow the company on social media (Facebook, Twitter) or visit its website at www.manhattanproject.beer.

Two years of local beer at LUCK

Image credits: LUCK, HopFusion Ale Works,
The Manhattan Project Beer Co., Mossberg Brewing (click to enlarge).

In the two years since it opened in Trinity Groves, the Local Urban Craft Kitchen known as LUCK has made a name for itself in both the culinary and craft beer community. The work of partners Jeff Dietzman, Ned Steel and Daniel Pittman has been praised by media outlets like The Dallas Morning News and D Magazine (food, beer), and just last year LUCK appeared on an episode of Frankenfood on Spike TV.

Yet, speaking as someone who follows the beer scene in North Texas, what stands out to me is the enduring support of the local brewing industry. And, just to be clear, this is something that goes well beyond having a locals-only beer menu that plays no favorites among a crop of over 40 different area brewing operations. Though, that alone qualified the place to earn the honor of having the "Best Local Beer Selection" in 2014, as cited by the Dallas Observer.

Looking past that, LUCK shows its support of the industry in a number of other ways, both inside and outside of the actual restaurant. Some things are more visible, like weekly pint nights spotlighting the latest local releases, and events like LUCKapalooza and last week's anniversary party that bring attention to brewers just getting started in the business (more on that below). Then, there are the things that fly under the radar, like if there's a beer festival happening around town, or if a local brewery is having an anniversary or grand opening, it's a virtual certainty that one or more of the founders will be there. I know, because I can't think of a single event I attended this year where I didn't see one or more of them in attendance.

On that note, Steel says the idea of being present in the local scene is something that's ingrained in the mindset of the three partners. "Honestly, our support at the local festivals, new brewery openings, tours, etc. has been an unspoken commitment. We ALL came to the conclusion separately that it was something that was important to us, that is, to show our support whenever possible. We weren't looking to be recognized for it, but we're appreciative when it gets noticed. More than a few of the local brewery owners/brewers have made a point to tell us, individually, how much it means to them to see us out and about, and for us that's just icing on the cake because we enjoy supporting the local beer scene." That support is something that goes both ways, as a number of those owners/brewers Steel is talking about were on hand as LUCK celebrated its second year.

It's hard to argue, though, that the tap wall is where the support of local breweries is most evident on an everyday basis. The topic even finds its way into Steel's reflections on the past two years. "The old adage of 'time flies when you're having fun' holds true with us," he explains, "because while LUCK has been a lot of work, we're having a blast! The craft beer community welcomed us with open arms and we'd like to think we've reciprocated the gesture with each new brewery that has opened their doors over the past two years. We said from the beginning that if your craft brewery operates in North Texas and you want a tap on our wall, you've got it."

Considering their approach up to now, it seems most appropriate that "local" was chosen as the leading term in LUCK's full name. As for the future, Steel makes it clear that we should expect more of the same in terms of how the restaurant will be run. "Going forward LUCK will continue to support the local beer scene by promoting the 'little guys (and girls)' making quality beer, while at the same time presenting a food menu that is approachable to everyone."

Reading that, I'm reminded that the partners listed "sharing our passion for local food and beer at its best" as a goal on LUCK's website. Maybe it's just me, but I'd say they've done a pretty good job of that so far. As for my own reflections on the first two years at LUCK, I'll just say this in reference to something I wrote right after it first opened...I don't even remember what store-bought pastrami looks like.

Cheers!

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More on breweries in development that appeared at the second anniversary celebration:

HopFusion Ale Works

Of the breweries on hand Sunday, HopFusion Ale Works is the only one currently under construction. As of now, founders Matt Hill and Macy Moore are targeting an April opening date for their location at 200 E. Broadway Ave. in Fort Worth. At the event they served what will be both year-round and seasonal selections, including the honey-forward Feisty Blonde and a maple pumpkin creation called Ichabod Canuck. The highlight for me, though, was Zombie Crack, a very well-balanced bourbon oak milk stout brewed with roasted pecans.


Mossberg Brewing

After many years as hobbyists, Mossberg's husband-and-wife team of Jim and Erin Brewer may be ready to take the next step. They are exploring options in Fort Worth, and if things fall into place they plan to be brewing professionally sometime next year with a focus on traditional farmhouse ales and mixed fermentations. While they would have a portfolio of standards, one-off brews and barrel-aged selections would be a part of the mix as well. Favorites of mine they've served at past homebrew events include the beers Balle de Foin (a French saison brewed with spelt) and Purple Drank (a sour brown ale aged on raspberries), with this weekend's pour of Blacker the Berry (blackberry sour) being among their best.


The Manhattan Project Beer Company

Another husband-and-wife team forms part of the group behind The Manhattan Project, with Karl and Misty Sanford being joined by Jeremy Brodt on the venture. To be based in Dallas, beers follow the lead of the company's name in having a nuclear theme. Along those lines, offerings include Bikini Atoll (a cherry gose), Half-Life (a dry-hopped wheat) and Inception (a Belgo-American brown ale). Another brew called Hoppenheimer, a play on the name of nuclear physicist and "father of the atomic bomb" J. Robert Oppenheimer, is said to utilize a strain of Conan yeast, which is well-known for being used to ferment The Alchemist's Heady Topper.