With barley and beans, Maple Branch adds coffee to its craft mix

Image credits: Maple Branch Craft Brewery.

Maple Branch Craft Brewery of Fort Worth has branched out, literally, beyond the beer with the addition of a new coffee shop located at 2624 Whitmore St., right next door to the taproom. The company's Branch & Bean Coffee + Roastery offers coffee drinks made from house-roasted beans sourced from around the world, with house-made syrups and gelatos available as accompaniments.

According to Igor Stepczynski, marketing coordinator and brand ambassador for both ventures, the motivation to move into coffee is about expanding the craft experience for everyone who frequents Maple Branch.

"When customers come to Maple Branch, they can depend on us for quality beer and food made with the best ingredients and utmost care," says Stepczynski. "For Branch & Bean Coffee + Roastery, we wanted to provide the same standard by buying raw coffee beans, roasting them on site, and providing another way for people to enjoy something made with passion, craft and attention."

Plus, it's a way to further appeal to Maple Branch patrons of all ages who come to the brewery, but aren't drinking beer.

"We pride ourselves for having a wide demographic of customers throughout the day - work professionals, families with children, etc.," adds Stepczynski. "Some of them love our environment but would simply prefer something non-alcoholic. Providing an elevated coffee experience is our way to make sure there is something for everyone at any time of day!"

On that note, while the taproom has lunch and dinner service, early hours at the coffee shop call for pastries and breakfast items. Along those lines, Branch & Bean offers a variety of morning-type fare like breakfast tacos, egg bites and brioches, mini waffles, protein boxes and yogurt, to go along with a selection of bagels, coffee cakes, scones, muffins and more.

Oh, and just so you don't forget about the beer...yes, some of those freshly-roasted beans mentioned beforehand will make their way into the brewhouse at Maple Branch. One such beer, a coconut coffee porter called Yule Fuel is on tap now, while a coffee blonde ale is in the works as well.

As for when to visit, Branch & Bean Coffee + Roastery is open from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Tuesday-Sunday. The shop is currently operating in a soft opening phase as it works towards a grand opening set for Saturday, September 6.

Oak Highlands takes four nods at 2025 USBTC Summer Competition

Image credit: Oak Highlands Brewery.

Regional winners have been announced at the 31st Annual Summer Competition of the United States Beer Tasting Championship (USBTC).

Entries to the summer edition of the USBTC are separated geographically into one of seven regions. From there, beers are examined against style guidelines covering 18 different categories, with Regional Champions identified in each category (North Texas breweries compete in the Rockies/Southwest region). The seven Regional Champions within a style group are then tasted side-by-side in order to crown a Grand Champion.

And, as has become custom, Oak Highlands Brewery of Richardson was among the winners. Three of the company's small-batch beers secured regional honors, while the year-round offering Golden Mustache received a USBTC regional nod for the fifth time.

For more on the 2025 USBTC summer event, click here to visit the official competition website.

Oak Highlands Brewery, Richardson

• Royal Scottie - Regional Champion in the Amber/Red Ale category.
• Golden Mustache - Regional Champion in the Dortmunder/Helles category.
• The Heffer - Regional Champion in the Wheat Beer category.
• What Limes with Cucumber? - Regional Champion in the Fruited Sour Beer category.

Cheers and congratulations to Oak Highlands!

Rollertown launches tap handle to honor Dirk Nowitzki

Image courtesy of Rollertown Beerworks.

The image of a familiar fadeaway jumper will now be in plain sight at watering holes around North Texas, as Rollertown Beerworks of Celina has announced the launch of a brand new tap handle design for its popular Kölsch-style beer, The Big German.

Paying homage to the legendary Dallas Mavericks star and Rollertown investor Dirk Nowitzki, the new tap handle captures Nowitzki’s iconic one-legged fadeaway jump shot in a uniquely-crafted form.

Known for his smooth shooting and Hall of Fame career, Nowitzki has been an inspiration both on and off the court. The Big German has become a fan favorite for Rollertown, celebrated for its approachable flavor and easy-drinking style - much like Nowitzki's effortless shooting touch.

“I’ve been honored with a statue before but nothing quite like this!” says Nowitzki. “I love the tap handle...it turned out great.”

Jeff “Skin” Wade, co-founder at Rollertown Beerworks adds, “Dirk has meant so much to all of us for so long now. We had to make sure the tap handle honored his special legacy and brought a bit of his spirit to every pour of The Big German.”

The tap handles, featuring a scaled-down version of Nowitzki’s signature shot, have started rolling out to local bars and the Rollertown taproom. Fans should expect to see this tribute on display as they enjoy the beer that’s as smooth and reliable as Nowitzki’s fadeaway.

On 903's new spot in Downtown Sherman

The ins and outs of 903's new restaurant and taproom in Downtown Sherman (Photos: © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D).

It's been nearly two months since 903 Brewers officially moved out of its original taproom in Sherman, but this week was my first opportunity to check out the finished version of the company's new downtown digs in person.

In February, owners Jeremy and Natalie Roberts first announced plans to end their 12-year run on Elm St. in Sherman and relocate operations to not one, but multiple new locations. Details on a new production space are pending, and a taproom in Denison is currently under construction, but the brewery's new taproom and restaurant at 221 W. Houston St. in Sherman has been up and running since early June.

Located in a structure dating back over 120 years, 903 Brewers now sets up in what is known as the Kreager Building. The name references a prominent local landowner, John C. Kreager (1892-1972), and his Kreager Hatchery, Seed & Feed Co. which occupied the building from roughly the late 1930s until at least the early 1980s. History buffs will notice signage calling attention to the former business in the restaurant's public areas.

As for what the now renovated structure offers modern day patrons of 903 Brewers, the 7,500 square foot interior splits into a main dining room, supplemented by two smaller seating areas, and the kitchen. The larger room has bar seating as well, the requisite array of widescreen TVs, and a beer to-go station where customers can grab a few cold ones to take home.

Then for outdoor dining, there's a spacious open-air back patio (the outside may actually be bigger than the inside), along with a more intimate covered patio out front.

Of course, no matter where you choose to sit, you'll have access to a range of consumables that includes a selection of well over 30 house beers, local wines, and non-alcoholic sodas to pair with a food menu featuring shareables, build-your-own grilled cheese options, burgers, salads, sandwiches, pizzas and more.

Oh, and not for nothing, I know it's a brewery and we're supposed to talk about the beer, but 903 is an old friend to us by now, so let me just mention that they have the best onion rings I've had in a long, long time (look for the Whiskey Battered Onion Rings under "Shareables and Snacks").

903 Brewers - Sherman is open from Tuesday through Sunday, with daily hours beginning at 11 a.m.