Locals joining Kokua Project in support of Maui relief efforts

Image credit: Maui Brewing Co.

Maui Brewing Co. of Hawaii recently organized the Kokua Project, an industry-wide collaborative effort described as  "one beer, brewed by many, to support our Maui 'Ohana who have been affected" by the devastation of the Maui wildfires.

A partnership with the Global Empowerment Mission, the Kokua Project follows similar past initiatives in that it offers both professional and homebrewers access to a shared beer recipe. By choosing to brew and release the beer, participants then agree to donate 100% of the proceeds to ongoing relief efforts.

Brewers willing to join the cause can visit the project website at https://mauibrewingco.com/kokua/, where they'll find a pledge form, marketing materials and a base recipe for Kōkua - "Maui Strong" Session IPA.

So far, over 500 breweries have signed up for the project, with more than 35 of those hailing from the Lone Star State. Among them are the following brewers from North Texas:

• Bankhead Brewing Co., Rowlett/Fort Worth
• Beer Geeks, Fate
• Celestial Beerworks, Dallas
• Dr. Jeckyll's Beer Lab, Pantego
• False Idol Brewing, North Richland Hills
• Keyworth Brewing Co., North Richland Hills
• Lakewood Brewing Co., Garland
• On Rotation Brewery & Kitchen, Dallas
• Revolver Brewing, Granbury
• Siren Rock Brewing Co., Rockwall
• Three Wide Brewing, Fort Worth
• Union Bear Brewing Co., Plano
• Vector Brewing, Dallas
• Westlake Brewing Co., Dallas

Anvil Brewing is forging new relationships in Royse City

Photo © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D.

In May, Anvil Brewing of Pittsburg expanded beyond its original East Texas home with the soft debut of new location in Royse City. A grand opening followed on July 4th, the celebration officially establishing the business as a new resident of the North Texas beer scene.

Owned by Byron and Kristin Aldredge, Anvil Brewing began operations in Pittsburg during the fall of 2017. They contacted Royse City to express interest in starting a project after another brewing company decided not to move forward with plans for a space at 232 E. Main St. in the city's downtown district.

The building in question formerly housed the Royse City Fire Department. Built in 1982, the structure contains roughly 4500 square feet. Naturally, given the history, it's fitted with a set of three roll-top garage doors, which presumably can be raised to let a little bit of the outside in. Though, when it's not a hundred and infinity degrees out, patrons may also wish to take advantage of patio space created along the front elevation.

As for what to expect at Anvil Brewing "No. 2" (as it's billed on social media), the place is the epitome of a local bar and grill. The primary public area upfront contains ample seating for dining customers, while a separate spot in the back takes the form of a neighborhood pub, this complete with dark wood furnishings (featuring a penny-topped bar), high-top tables, billiard games and a wide-screen television.

Offerings-wise, Anvil's food menu is rather expansive, with appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches and fry baskets served throughout the day, and steak and salmon "Dinner Selections" available after 5 p.m.

For beverages, there's beer, wine, a full bar and a variety of non-alcoholic options. House beers, of course, are the headliner, sharing space with guest drafts on a 20-handle tapwall. Anvil recipes pouring on a recent visit included a chocolate stout, a German brown ale, a traditional (non-hazy) IPA and a Japanese rice lager. Another, a Mexican pale lager, had just kicked according to the beertender.

On that note, a small pilot system is visible on-site, but Anvil's production batches are brewed in Pittsburg and trucked into Royse City. Any local brewing is limited to test runs or small volumes needed to create condiments like Anvil's beer cheese and beer mustard.

In that sense, Anvil Brewing No. 2 is essentially a satellite taproom helping the company extend its reach to new customers. The restaurant side of things is more or less a must-have in the current market environment, but all the better in order to create an entertainment destination for craft beer fans in Royse City and beyond.

Anvil Brewing No. 2 is open five days a week, with operating hours from Wednesday thru Sunday.

Oak Highlands adds to win totals at 2023 USBTC Summer Competition

Image credit: Oak Highlands Brewery.

The United States Beer Tasting Championship (USBTC) has announced the winners from its 29th Annual Summer Competition.

Overall, a total 165 breweries submitted 696 beers to the event, with entries broken down into 18 different style categories. As always, judges identified Regional Champions first (North Texas breweries compete in the Rockies/Southwest region), then pitted the best beers from each region against each other to determine a Grand Champion.

As for local results, Oak Highlands Brewery of Dallas once again found itself among the winners, continuing a run of USBTC placements dating back to 2016 (the brewery opened in July 2015). In fact, Oak Highlands has now been recognized well over 30 times over the course of its history at the USBTC. Not only that, one beer from this year's group, Golden Mustache, is now a four-time Regional Champion.

For more on the 2023 USBTC summer event, click here for a full competition summary.

Oak Highlands Brewery, Dallas

• Allgood - Regional Champion in the Golden Ale/Kölsch category.
• Chump Change - Regional Champion in the Belgian/French Specialty category.
• Golden Mustache - Regional Champion in the Dortmunder/Helles category.
• Guavagood - Regional Champion in the Fruit Beer category.
• Shandy - Regional Champion in the Radler/Shandy category.

Cheers and congratulations to Oak Highlands!

Autonomous Society set to celebrate one year anniversary, August 26.

Photo © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D.

Autonomous Society Brewpub has announced details surrounding its one-year anniversary celebration, with festivities to take place on Saturday, August 26.

Set in The Cedars District of South Dallas, Autonomous Society is the brainchild of long-time homebrewer, Dean Weaver. And, after just a year in business, his brewpub has established itself as a go-to spot for well-executed old-school styles - that is, types of beer not found quite so often anymore.

"This is not just a celebration of our one-year anniversary," says Weaver. "It's a celebration of our commitment to crafting unique and exceptional beers that push boundaries and challenge the status quo."

As for anniversary attractions, Weaver will draw upon his credentials as one of only 30 Certified Cicerones® in the area to lead a guided craft beer tasting during the event. Tickets for this portion of the program are $32 per person, and available through Eventbrite.

"We have carefully curated this selection to showcase our diverse range of flavors," explains Weaver. "This is more than just drinking beer; it's an opportunity for people to truly appreciate the artistry behind each pint."

Also on the agenda, Autonomous Society will unveil a new menu featuring dishes designed to complement and bring out the unique flavors of its house-brewed beers. The goal with these new offerings is to create an elevated dining experience that goes beyond traditional pub fare.

"Crafting exceptional beer is just one part of our vision," says Weaver. "By integrating our beers into our culinary offerings, we aim to create a truly immersive experience where guests can indulge.”

Beyond all that, the event promises live music from The Best Available Band from 6-9 p.m., and the opportunity to obtain exclusive anniversary glassware. Doors will open promptly at 11 a.m.

Meddlesome Moth celebrates Belgian Beer Week, August 21-25

Image credit: Meddlesome Moth.

Belgian brewing traditions will be in the spotlight this month at Meddlesome Moth, as the gastropub has plans to celebrate Belgian Beer Week from August 21-25 (and beyond) at its locale in the Dallas Design District.

According to a press release, special tappings will take place throughout the week, with beers like Tripel Karmeliet, Delirium Black, St. Bernardus Abt 12, Chimay White, La Trappe Quad and Westmalle Dubbel occupying slots on the tapwall. Those beers and others can be enjoyed as part of a Belgian Beer Flight priced at $20 for four, five-ounce pours.

Then, during the following weekend, featured brunch specials on Saturday and Sunday are set to include a savory Belgian waffle (with spinach, ham and cheese). In addition, classic moules frites (Belgian mussels served with fries) and a sausage-wrapped grilled leek served with beer cheese soup will be available after 5pm.

For more information and to reserve a table call 214-628-7900, or visit the Moth's website at www.mothinthe.net.