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 104,000 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 up more than 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.

Winners announced at the 2025 National Homebrew Competition

Image credit: American Homebrewers Association.

Winners from the final round of the 2025 National Homebrew Competition (NHC) were announced tonight at a ceremony taking place in Kansas City, Missouri.

Put on by the American Homebrewers Association, this year's event was the 47th annual edition of the NHC. A total of 1,086 homebrewers located worldwide entered the competition, submitting 2,974 beers for judging across 40 categories covering homebrewed beer, cider (and perry) and mead.

The list of honorees from North Texas includes a number of names familiar to the local homebrewing community, as most have made appearances on the roster of medalists going back a number of years.

As for this year's NHC, winning beers from North Texas are summarized below. You can also click here to be taken to a full competition summary.

Nicholas McCoy of Sachse, with Jeff Poirot.

• Go Big! - Bronze in the Specialty IPA category.
• Club Affiliation: Draft Punk.

Jarrett Long of Arlington, with Amanda Long.

• Foreign & Dark - Bronze in the Irish & British Stout category.
• Club Affiliation: Horsemen of the Hopocalypse.

Cheers and congratulations to all!

Local artist nabs Platinum Crushies for Odd Muse label designs

Image credits: Craft Beverage Marketing Awards, Odd Muse Brewing Co.

Winners from the 2025 Craft Beverage Marketing Awards (CBMA), a.k.a. "The Crushies," have been announced, with a local artist's work for a North Texas brewery recognized among the winners.

Now in its sixth year, the CBMAs "serve as the ultimate platform for honoring outstanding marketing achievement in the global craft beverage industry." Prizes are awarded across 12 different categories, with entries open to companies producing craft beer, cider/mead, craft hard seltzer, non-alcoholic craft beer, ready-to-drink cocktails and THC-infused beverages.

Matthew Scott, a Dallas-based artist who goes by the Instagram handle @greetings_from_the_not_dead, was honored with Platinum Crushies for two packaging labels designed for Odd Muse Brewing Co. of Farmers Branch (details below). Scott has been creating art for Odd Muse since the brewery opened in 2019, and you can purchase prints of his work in various sizes at the taproom.

For more on the 2025 Crushies, click here to visit the official competition website.

Matthew Scott for Odd Muse Brewing Co., Farmers Branch

• Platinum Crushie for Public Domain Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout - Best Bottle Label Design: Craft Beer.
• Platinum Crushie for Primrose Path Hazy IPA - Best Can Label/Printed Design: Craft Beer.

Cheers and congrats to Matthew Scott and Odd Muse Brewing Co.!

Beer is back at Landon Winery in Greenville

Image credit: Landon Winery.

A longtime local winemaker has rejoined the roster of North Texas beer brands, as Landon Winery is once again serving house beers at its location in Greenville.

Owned by Bob Landon, the winery originally opened in Mckinney in 2005, with Greenville coming online as the primary production facility in 2010. Beer was then added to the mix in Greenville during the summer of 2017, the motivation being to provide another beverage option for tasting room visitors seeking to enjoy something other than wine.

As it turned out, Landon's first foray into beer was somewhat short-lived, with brewing operations ending by early 2019. Now that beer is back, the winery has both an American Lager and a Mexican Lager on tap in Greenville.

As for other locales, house beers are also distributed to Landon's site in Downtown Gainesville, which opened last fall and is billed as a winery/brewery/distillery.

Locals line up for a taste of Forney's first brewery

Forney Brewing Co.'s taproom, tapwall, German hefeweizen, 10-bbl brewhouse, cobb salad (All photos: © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D).

If the steady line of locals visiting on opening day is any indication, the first brewery to do business in the City of Forney should be well on its way to realizing the goal of being a go-to entertainment destination for area residents.

Owned and operated by Eric Britton, Forney Brewing Co. is located at 203 E. Main St. in the heart of Downtown Forney. Method Architecture did the work to renovate and modernize an existing structure on the site, which has around 5,000 square feet of interior space supplemented by a 1,500 square foot covered patio outdoors.

Inside, patrons seated in the taproom are surrounded by a variety of visuals. Windows on one end of the building provide views of the production space, while a wall on the opposite end is adorned with vintage photos paying homage to the city's history. Then, of course, there's the requisite array of widescreen TVs.

A full kitchen is also among the amenities, and Britton - a confessed foodie - says an attention to detail will be applied to the food offerings as well as the beer. At a glance, the focused menu has an elevated pub fare feel, featuring starters (deviled eggs, nachos, wings), salads, sandwiches, smash burgers, and kids items, not to mention Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert.

Liquid options naturally begin with the beer, but Forney Brewing also serves wine, cocktails and sodas. Flights and full pours are filled from a 17-handle tapwall, with four house beers and five guest offerings from Manhattan Project Beer Co. now on tap. The context there is Britton worked at the Dallas-based firm before taking the leap to open a brewery of his own.

On the current beer lineup, Britton is quick to emphasize it's in the introductory stage. He says "the fun stuff will come out once production gets going," but at the outset, the idea is to get a feel for Forney's flavor preferences. So, for now, his recipes include standards like an American light lager, a German hefeweizen, a juicy IPA and a hoppy brown ale.

And therein lies another bit of insight into Britton's approach, as new beers will debut with style nomenclature only. "Our beers will have names, but they have to earn a name first," explains Britton. In other words, both he and his customers will have to be happy with a beer before it assumes any sort of identity. That said, the hoppy brown could be a nominee, at least based on favorites discussed with fellow drinkers seated at the bar.

As for other things to look forward to, Britton says the "just getting started" thing really applies to the whole operation. On top of expanding the house beer portfolio, they'll add events, kids games and more as they work to further establish Forney Brewing Co.'s family-friendly atmosphere.

For more on Forney Brewing Co., including updates on operating hours going forward, follow the brewery's social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.

Sweet Dol-ings to dole out Temptress treats at Lakewood, June 14

Image credit: Lakewood Brewing Co.

These days, it has seemingly become more common to see a brewery put baked goods into their beers as opposed to other way around. That said, The Temptress Imperial Milk Stout has proven to be a tasty addition when used in cookies, ice cream and other confections ever since Lakewood Brewing Co. of Garland began producing the beer over a decade ago.

Of course, collaborating with local makers on products beyond beer is a way for breweries like Lakewood to expand their brand awareness. In this case, the brewery has lent its liquid to Sweet Dol-ings Bakery of Dallas for use in the creation of two new Temptress-infused treats that will be on the menu during a pop-up event at Lakewood this weekend.

Launched in 2024, Sweet Dol-ings is a woman-led baking business founded by Nedjina Dol. A passion for baking led Dol to begin mailing homemade dessert boxes to friends and family during the 2020 holiday season. It turned into an annual tradition that has since become something much bigger.

Now, coming up on Saturday, June 14 at 12 p.m., Sweet Dol-ings will be set up in the Lakewood Taproom offering up a Temptress Cake, made with the original Temptress, along with a Temptress Blonde Cupcake, made with the brewery's recently released imperial golden stout.

It's an opportunity to shop small and support local business, and if you want to make a day of it, you can enjoy one or both desserts after grabbing a bite of lunch first. Options include beer-infused snacks and entrees from the Lakewood kitchen like the Bavarian Pretzel (with beer Cheese spread and Temptress mustard) and the limited time Chicken Pickle Ranch Flatbread (with ranch dressing, grilled chicken, mozzarella, Lakewood Lager house-made pickles and a buffalo drizzle).

Tupps to host inaugural Sausage Fest, June 14

Image courtesy of Tupps Brewery.

This Father's Day weekend, Tupps Brewery of McKinney will be offering patrons the best of the wurst during the company's first ever Sausage Fest, taking place on Saturday, June 14 at 4 p.m.

According to a press release, "this one-of-a-kind celebration brings together the best of North Texas sausage and craft beer for an unforgettable day of delicious indulgence, live music and spirited competitions."

Tupps will welcome sausage legends from around the region, serving up a total of eight curated sausage samples expertly paired with eight signature Tupps beers.

The menu:

• The Grain Room at Tupps Brewery: Alsatian Country Sausage + Farmhouse Ale.
• Hamm's Meat + Market of McKinney: Summer Sausage + Day Pass Belgian-Style Wheat Ale.
• Corner BBQ Shack of McKinney: Polish Rings + Backyard Bock.
• Jimmy's Food Store of Dallas: Hot Italian Sausage + Tupps IPA.
• Kuby's Sausage House of Dallas: Jalapeño Sausage + Salted Lime Mexican Lager.
• Deep Cuts Dallas: Butcher's Choice + Hefeweizen.
• Local Yocal Farm to Market of McKinney: Brisket & White Cheddar + Juice Pack Hazy IPA.
• Ye Ole Butcher Shop of Plano: Hot Links + East Side Lager.

Additional attractions at Sausage Fest will include live music, a hot dog eating contest, a dad bod contest and more (contest sign-ups will be on-site the day of the event). There will also be gourmet sausage dishes and other food available for purchase, along with beer, wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. 

Tickets are not required to attend, but tasting tickets are the only way to enjoy the sausage and beer pairings - and they're expected to sell out. Pre-purchasing is highly encouraged to ensure there is enough sausage for everyone, so click on the following link to secure your spot: https://www.prekindle.com/promo/id/-2853111880211067068.

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.

Oak Highlands opens new Richardson locale

Photos © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D.

Following an April announcement detailing plans to move operations from their original location in Dallas, Oak Highlands Brewery (OHB) is debuting the company's new digs in Richardson during a grand opening event this weekend.

Situated at 500 Lockwood Dr. in the Lockwood neighborhood of city's Core District, Oak Highlands will occupy an 11,000 square foot structure going forward. Formerly home to Happy Hippie Brewing Co., the turnkey space is a purposeful step down from the 16,000 square feet Oak Highlands utilized in Dallas, with the new site offering a number of advantages.

For one, the interior lays out with a larger taproom (separate from the production area) compared to Dallas, with an alcove set aside for live music set-ups and a separate room that can be cordoned off for events. Plus, there's the potential for more foot traffic, given the change of scenery from an industrial park to the outskirts of a residential community where an array of retail and entertainment destinations now sit in proximity to the brewery.

Neighbors include Communion Coffee Shop and Lockwood Distilling Co., both of which do business just steps away from Oak Highlands' front door. And judging by the opening day tappings of a Nitro Coffee Porter with Communion Coffee and Locktoberfest, a barrel-aged version of the brewery's Oktoberfest finished in Lockwood whiskey barrels, there's the promise of many collaborations to come in the future.

Speaking of beer production, the company will be downsizing with respect to brewhouse operations as well. Ryan Pickering, head brewer and Certified Cicerone at Oak Highlands, is moving from the 30-barrel system in Dallas to a newer 10-barrel setup in Richardson. It's actually a bit of a blessing, according to Pickering, since smaller batches means he'll be able to brew more often and with a lot more flexibility.

Right now, the Richardson tapwall is capable of pouring 10 beers, but there are plans to expand that to the 20-handle wall currently being used in Dallas. Pickering says they'll also bring other equipment over, while making further adjustments to the pre-existing production, canning and cooling capabilities to bring things more in line with the brewery's everyday needs.

Beyond the beer, on the topic of other amenities at Oak Highlands' new spot, there are wide-screen TVs, pinball machines, and a to-go fridge, not to mention fresh merchandise in the form of a new lineup of t-shirts and hats. Oh, and let's not forget about the permanent food truck installation.

After making a name for itself out west, Brix Barbecue will be parked out front serving barbecue to Oak Highlands patrons on the regular. Brix, which has a brick-and-mortar locale in the Near Southside neighborhood of Fort Worth, was among those receiving an Honorable Mention nod in Texas Monthly's just-published list of the best barbecue joints in all of Texas.

As for operating hours, set service times in Richardson are pending, but take note that Dallas will remain open (and hosting events) during the transition, with the final day at the original OHB set for July 31.

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):

     Large

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

     Mid-Size

• 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 "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.

Fort Worth Flying Saucer celebrates 30 years on June 7

Image courtesy of Flying Saucer Draught Emporium.

Fort Worth’s original craft beer emporium, Flying Saucer, celebrates a 30-year milestone on Saturday, June 7, at 4 p.m. Festivities are set to include live music, food for purchase from the Saucer and sibling concepts Flying Fish and Rodeo Goat (4-8pm), special tappings, raffle prizes, merch giveaways, limited edition 30th anniversary swag for sale (Teku glasses, hats and t-shirts) and more.

And on the subject of more, in between live music acts in the evening (prior to the last band's set at 8:30 p.m.), Captain Keith will take the stage to lead a craft beer Q&A featuring a panel of experts, one of which will be Brad Farbstein, owner of Real Ale Brewing Co. in Blanco. It's an appropriate pairing, especially given the fact that Real Ale will be celebrating its own 30th anniversary in 2026.

As for what it costs to get in, the event is $10 per person at the door, or you can click here to RSVP in advance on Eventbrite for FREE admission.

Rahr & Sons recognized at 2025 Australian International Beer Awards

Image credit: Melbourne Royal.

Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. of Fort Worth has been honored with two medals at the 2025 Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA).

First established in 1993, the AIBA is put on by Melbourne Royal, a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to promote and celebrate agricultural products and producers by way of community events and competitions.

For the 2025 AIBA event, 391 breweries from 22 countries worldwide entered 2,277 beers for evaluation. Submissions were then judged across 24 categories covering beer and cider products, as well as packaging design and media. Winners from Texas included Rahr & Sons, who was recognized for a pair of its year-round beers, Dadgum IPA and Paleta de Mango.

For more on the 2025 Australian International Beer Awards, click here to visit the official competition website.

Rahr & Sons Brewing Co., Fort Worth

• Paleta de Mango, Silver for American Style Fruit Beer.
• Dadgum IPA, Bronze for West Coast Style IPA.
  
  

Cheers and congratulations to Rahr & Sons!

Voodoo Brewing now holding court in Castle Hills

Photos © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D.

The latest in a series of Voodoo-branded franchise taprooms to land in North Texas, Voodoo Brewing Co. - Castle Hills is now open at 4400 State Hwy 121 in Lewisville.

Owned by Manal and Fahad Keen, the new Voodoo placement has set up shop in a 4,346 square foot space as part of the mixed-use development, The Realm at Castle Hills. It's the fourth foray into the Metroplex for the Pennsylvania-based parent company, following previous ventures debuting in Grand Prairie, Plano and Fort Worth*.

And naturally, there are similarities and differences when comparing Voodoo Castle Hills to its area predecessors. Readers may recall that every franchise begins with a blueprint providing access to Voodoo's culinary recipes and its line of hand-crafted beers. Individual owners then infuse a bit of their own personality into the place, either by way of the decor or by adding unique items to the menu.

In the case of Voodoo Castle Hills, differences start with the interior design. Rather than having a bar & grill or downtown pub-like feel, Voodoo Castle Hills almost comes across as a small event venue, with a very open, single-room setup where the tables are spread out and surrounded by wide-screen televisions.

Then on the food service side of things, visitors are met with a Mediterranean-inspired menu. Along with selections from Voodoo's standard range of burgers, salads, sandwiches, pizzas and more are options like the Med Zeppelin Burger, the Puffy Pita Smash Salad, the Groovin' Gyro, the Meat-iterranean Pizza (with Turkish sausage) and the Gyro Hero Bowl.

As for similarities, of course there's the beer. From a 24-handle tapwall, year-round and seasonal offerings from Voodoo pour alongside a smattering of guest beers sourced from a variety of Texas breweries. The house-to-guest beer ratio is likely to vary over time, but at least for now recipes from the Lone Star State hold a slight advantage.

Wine, cocktails, mocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages (sodas, tea, lemonade, Liquid Death Mountain Water) round out the liquid lineup, which leaves just one important amenity to mention.

Off to one side, a throne scene flanked by golden crowns has been fashioned for photo-ops...you know...for those looking to declare themselves king of Castle Hills.

Voodoo Castle Hills is open seven days a week, with daily hours beginning at 11 a.m.

---

* The Fort Worth pub closed in November, while Grand Prairie is re-branding as an independent entity. Voodoo Plano continues to operate, with another project, Voodoo Brewing Co. - Frontier, currently under construction in Prosper.

On CBC 2025 and the Indianapolis beer scene

CBC at Indiana Convention Center, Taxman Brewing Co., Lucas Oil Stadium, A.J. Foyt Exhibit at IMS Museum.
(Photos © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D, Seal: City of Indianapolis).

When the Brewers Association (BA) announced the selection of Indianapolis, Indiana, as the host city for the 2025 Craft Brewers Conference (CBC), my thoughts immediately went to "sports town." And not just because of sportsball, there's that internationally renowned racing venue as well.

In addition to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the city is home to the Colts (NFL), Pacers (NBA) and Fever (WNBA), not to mention Butler University (NCAA), NCAA Headquarters (including its Hall of Champions), and three teams playing minor league baseball, hockey and soccer. And just to further drive the sports point home for those choosing to drive in, Lucas Oil Stadium (Colts) appears as a dominant feature of the Downtown Indianapolis skyline.

Naturally, there's a lot more to the city and state than sports, but admittedly, my knowledge of Indiana beer didn't extend much further than the state's largest producer, 3 Floyds Brewing Co. of Munster. The company's campus (brewpub, beer production facility and distillery) has been closed to the public since COVID, so there's just a retail storefront currently, but it's also only a two-and-a-half-hour drive north of Indy should you be so inclined.

Within the city itself, I found there to be a number of interesting and unique breweries worth exploring. Plus, I made one observation that differentiates the Indy area a bit from our local North Texas scene. For more, see "Taproom Trips" below.

As for the industry as a whole, much of the chatter at CBC 2025 centered around economic conditions and how breweries might best navigate and survive the current downturn. Discussion both during individual seminars and CEO Bart Watson's annual "State of the Industry" address focused on these areas, with particular attention paid to how breweries can keep things fresh and interesting while competing in a market crowded with other types of beverage alcohol to choose from.

Details and data points on those topics are shared below as well, along with results from the culminating event of the week, the 2025 World Beer Cup competition.

Cheers!

State of the Industry

Just two years ago, the industry was seemingly in a state of transition. There were still pockets of modest growth, but for the most part things had flattened out in 2022, ending a long run of positive growth and the upward trend of the total brewery count. The market had matured, making this the "new normal."

Typically, a mature market is characterized by slow growth, stable demand and strong competition, with businesses tasked with trying to maintain customer loyalty while reigning in costs and finding new ways to differentiate themselves in the market.

In the time since, though, the industry has seen a slowdown in demand, with operating costs climbing and competition increasing even more. As a result, brewers are now faced with an even more difficult market environment, and the economic indicators bear this out.

In 2024, total production volume was down 4%, with regionals, taprooms and brewpubs all coming in around the average. Micros, however, were down even further at 7%. But the news was even worse for breweries producing less than 500 barrels. Representing 64% of all breweries in the U.S., this segment was down 9%.

So, what's dragging the industry down? Inflation and potential tariffs impacting costs are hopefully short-term hinderances, but more permanent influences on the market include demographics (craft beer drinkers are generally older and some are aging out), lifestyle changes (driving low and non-alcoholic beer sales), and competing beverage options.

Taking demographics as a jumping-off point, the younger generation just isn't all that into beer. They tend to prefer other types of beverages (especially RTDs, or ready-to-drink beverages), seeking what they perceive as a greater variety of flavors.

An interesting point here has to do with the proliferation of the IPA. Other classic styles are getting harder to find because fewer breweries are making them. And for (older) breweries that do, they find themselves trying to breathe new life into their flagships.

Yet, with IPAs being the predominant offering, some younger drinkers are saying they don't like beer because they think all beers are hoppy and/or bitter. It's almost like the beer landscape has become homogenized all over again.

Complicating matters is NIQ data showing sales declines in a majority of traditional beer styles, while increases are seen in stronger IPAs, light lagers, pilsners and blonde ales. Indeed, go to a taproom today and you're likely to find any number of IPAs and light lagers pouring alongside a plethora of pilsner variants (e.g., Italian, African, New Zealand pilsners). 

Why, then, should brewers go back to classic styles if IPAs and light lagers are what pays the bills?

It's about appealing to the younger generation in hopes of expanding the customer base, and flavor again comes to the forefront. The opportunity for flavor innovation in popular styles was a talking point (see pilsners above), but many classics have inherent flavor complexities that are perhaps lost on the new generation. This goes to stepping up efforts to educate, since there's likely some truth in the idea that the kids may not know about quads.

That said, rolling out an entire line of brown and red ales probably isn't the answer. Product mix matters (doesn't it always?), so finding the right balance and being willing to adjust is important in order to satisfy the ever-changing tastes of your customer base. Honestly, maybe the definition for the word "pivot" should be changed in the dictionary to read "what craft brewers are constantly doing to try and stay alive."

As for the overall message, it remains one of focus. Breweries should stay true to their core values and lean into the things they do best while not overreacting to trends. And, of course, quality and execution are key. Racking up small wins may be the way to weather the current storm, and beer has weathered many storms in the past, so there's no reason it can't ride this one out as well.

World Beer Cup

On the competition topic, the 2025 edition of the World Beer Cup (WBC) attracted 8,375 entries from 1,761 breweries and cideries located in 49 countries worldwide. Those beers were judged against guidelines covering 117 categories (112 for beer, 5 for cider), with the average number of submissions per category coming in at 73.

The top three entered categories were Juicy/Hazy IPA, West-Coast IPA and American-Style IPA in that order, a result which mirrored the style rankings at the most recent Great American Beer Festival competition last October.

Image: 3 Nations Brewing Co.

Emerging from the pool of entries as the sole North Texas honoree for 2025, 3 Nations Brewing Co. of Carrollton/Anna brought home its second WBC medal all-time for their Bavarian wheat beer, Shed 'n Silo. The brewery won its first WBC award in 2022.

• 3 Nations Brewing Co., Carrollton/Anna - Silver for Shed 'n Silo - South German-Style Hefeweizen.

For more on the 2025 WBC, and the historical performance of breweries from North Texas, click the links below:

• Official press release from the Brewers Association, with a summary of 2025 competition statistics.
• Download a complete list of 2025 WBC winners in PDF format.
• View a historical chronicle of awards won by North Texas breweries at GABF and the WBC.

Taproom Trips

Not having been to Indianapolis previously, I focused on visiting brewing companies close to my hotel in the immediate downtown area. That narrowed the of list options to about 10, with two of those being among the top five producers in the entire state - Sun King Brewery and Upland Brewing Co.

Sun King proved to be a very popular destination during the two days I was in town (even limiting entry due to large crowds), so I didn't get a chance to check it out, but I did go to Upland's Fountain Square locale for a quick, just-got-into-town pint of their year-round Bad Elmer's Porter.

What's interesting about Sun King and Upland, and the Indy beer scene in general, is how many firms are operating multiple locations - something we don't see much of here in North Texas. Besides Sun King with seven spots (including one in Florida) and Upland with eleven, my stops included Taxman Brewing Co. - four locations, and Chilly Water Brewing Co. - two.

Taxman, Dark Side of the Munich Dunkel at Chilly Water, Metazoa, Bad Elmer's Porter at Upland (© Brian Brown/Beer in Big D).

Taxman ended up being my favorite destination, thanks to their range of traditional and barrel-aged Belgian offerings. With Deduction, Exemption and Qualified being their dubbel, tripel and quad, respectively, the brewery's tagline is "Belgian Inspired, American Crafted" for a reason. Though, one thing I'll add is the downtown location is steps away from Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Pacers and Fever. The message here being don't get caught in an Uber when a game lets out (playoffs especially!) and they start shutting down streets to allow for arena-escaping foot traffic.

Surveying others, three breweries make up what I'd refer to as the College Ave. crawl. Along an easily walkable three-quarter mile stretch, Sun King sits roughly halfway between Metazoa Brewing Co. and St. Joseph's Brewery & Public House. And if you're looking for a pre-crawl bite to eat, high marks go to The Rathskeller, a German restaurant that sits a couple of blocks west of St. Joseph's in a historic 19th century building.

Metazoa is a pet-friendly brewery that has donated 5% of profits to animal and wildlife organizations since its inception. Their motto being "Drink Beer. Help Animals." And while Trivia Night and a Pacers playoff game on the big screen were likely contributing factors, this place had the best overall vibe.

St. Joseph's Brewery (© Brian Brown/Beer in Big D).

Then there's St. Joseph's, which is quite literally the church of beer in Indy. This is because the brewery occupies a church building whose cornerstone was laid in 1879. Due to private events on-site, I was only able to stop by on my way out of town, so a crowler of their seasonal PopeMeal Oat Stout was obtained to enjoy back home.

As for a few I missed. Other than Sun King, Guggman House Brewing Co. (two locations) and Kismetic Beer Co. both came highly recommended, I just didn't have enough time to seek them out.

Union Bear expands its pawprint to McKinney

Photos © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D.

Union Bear Brewing Co. is now open at 308 W. Virginia St. in McKinney, as the brewpub brand operated by 33 Restaurant Group has expanded operations to a third location set just a block or so back from the city's downtown square.

So, what's the new place like? Well, it's a lot like Union Bear, of course. Indeed, if you've been to either the Denton or Plano outpost, you've already got a good idea of what to expect in terms of the look and decor. The primary difference being that McKinney is a restaurant only in terms of operations, as no brewing activity takes place on site.

Even so, visitors will still be able to enjoy a wide variety of Union Bear beers. According to Coty Bell, director of brewing operations, "McKinney will get the best of both worlds with our favorite beers from our Denton and Plano breweries." In other words, standards like the brewpub's Blonde, Amber and Mexican Style Lager will be on tap regularly, with specialties from the production locales mixed into a daily lineup of up to 20 draft beers.

As for dining in, there are a few adjustments to the food menu compared to other locations as well. There's the familiar range of sandwiches, snacks and greens, but in McKinney they plate Sicilian-style bar pizzas (as opposed to flabreads in Plano, and hand-stretched pies in Denton), and you'll also find a wider selection of "Plates" (i.e. higher-end entrees) to choose from.

Then amenity-wise, there's a full bar serving cocktails and spirits, and if there's a game on, it'll surely be shown on one of more than a dozen flatscreen TVs. The main draw, though, may ultimately be the ambiance of the patio space, which runs fully along the east elevation. Most of it is covered, but there's a smaller, uncovered area with turf set aside for patrons and their pooches.

Oh, and let's not forget about the dedicated parking lot. It's limited to maybe 20 spots combined on the left and right side of the restaurant, but let's be honest, any sort of parking allotment is a welcome addition considering the urban address.

Union Bear McKinney offers service six days a week, with hours starting at 11 a.m. from Tuesday through Sunday.

Meddlesome Moth set for final run in Dallas

Photos: Raynor Brumfield.

Plans are now in place for the Meddlesome Moth's final days, as it completes an iconic 15-year run as one of the top craft beer destinations in Dallas and all of North Texas. After a series of special events, the Moth will close on Thursday, May 22.

In 2010, Shannon Wynne and Keith Schlabs (founders of sibling concepts Flying Saucer and Rodeo Goat) debuted the Moth in the former Ann Sacks Tile Showroom as the first restaurant in the developing Dallas Design District. For its decor, a trio of oversized stained glass windows depicting Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry and Elvis were reclaimed from Hard Rock Cafe - Dallas and restored to perfection, quickly defining the eatery along with its extensive selection of craft beers and brasserie offerings (these will change hands by way a private sale through Heritage Auctions).

Also of note, the Moth hosted some of the greatest names in craft beer culture during its time in Dallas, including Adam Avery (founder, Avery Brewing Co. of Colorado), Ken Grossman (founder, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. of California) and James Beard award-winner Garrett Oliver (brewmaster, Brooklyn Brewery of New York). Plus, in 2012, Stephen Beaumont, author of The World Atlas of Beer, named Meddlesome Moth as one of his favorite beer destinations in the world.

As for the remaining events, the Moth will celebrate its 15th and final anniversary during April Ale Week from April 20-25. According to a press release, a series of “Meet the Brewer” happy hours will occur from 4-7 p.m., with local Dallas favorites Celestial Beer Works (4/21), Manhattan Project Beer Co. (4/23) and Peticolas Brewing Co. (4/25).

A final Bon Voyage Brunch will then take place on Saturday, May 17, featuring brunch specials with a yacht rock theme. Reservations on OpenTable are highly recommended.

Rahr & Sons on the hunt for a new haunt

Photo © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D.

After more than 20 years of making beer at 701 Galveston Ave. in Fort Worth, Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. has announced plans to end operations there in preparation for a move to a new home.

According to a social media post, the "goals for the future of Rahr Brewing have surpassed the capabilities of [the] current location." Up until now, the company has operated in an industrial space encompassing more than 30,000 square feet. As for the future, a new site has yet to be identified, but it's believed the preference is for the brewery to remain in Fort Worth.

Regarding production during the coming downtime, further comments promise it will continue and that "Rahr beers will still be brewed by [the] same talented brewers in Fort Worth." In fact, licensing records suggest Rahr & Sons will be tapping into available capacity by way of an alternating proprietorship just two miles away at Wild Acre Brewing Co.

"We are so grateful for all the memories, the laughter, and all of the life events we’ve shared together at the brewery. As we begin this exciting journey to find a new location, please be assured that our brewing and the availability of your favorite Rahr beers in restaurants, bars and stores will remain uninterrupted."

The current taproom will remain open for roughly another month, with the final day of business on Galveston Ave. set for Saturday, May 17.

Oak Highlands relocating brewery to Richardson

Image credits: Oak Highlands Brewery, City of Richardson.

As the company approaches its 10th anniversary in North Texas, Oak Highlands Brewery (OHB) has announced plans to move operations to Richardson.

Last week, Oak Highlands signed a lease on the existing space at 500 Lockwood Dr., which sets up just off the northwest corner of Central Expressway and Beltline Rd. in Richardson's Core District. This spot should be familiar, since it was originally home to Happy Hippie Brewing Co.

So, what's the motivation behind the move?

According to a press release, Oak Highlands has enjoyed many years of success in the Lake Highlands area of Dallas, but "this opportunity allows OHB to move from an industrial park into a high-traffic retail area that is still a convenient drive for our loyal beer enthusiasts, while also creating outstanding exposure to the D-FW area at our new location."

The new venue will also allow Oak Highlands to expand on the range of fun events fans of the brewery already enjoy. Patrons can expect great live music, food events and competitions, private parties and dog rescue fundraisers, along with a recurring calendar of weekly events like bingo, trivia, music bingo and meat raffles.

As for when this will all go down, Oak Highlands hopes to have the Richardson facility open by late spring. Further details will be shared on the brewery's social media channels at once a firm date is determined.

In the meantime, Oak Highlands is planning to host a Farewell Party at the current locale on Brockwood Rd. in Dallas on Saturday, July 26th. After that, it'll be time to head from Brockwood to Lockwood as the company plants new roots in Richardson.

Texas Craft Brewers Guild outlines 2025 legislative agenda

Texas craft brewers visited the State Capitol for Lobby Day in February (Texas Craft Brewers Guild).

The Texas Craft Brewers Guild has announced support for three bills filed for consideration by the 89th Texas Legislature now in session. These proposals seek to address crucial aspects of brewery operations throughout Texas.

• Beer To You (SB 246 / HB 2441): would allow Texas brewers to safely and legally deliver and ship their products directly to consumers, mirroring paths to market already afforded to Texas wineries and all Texas retailers with the exception of brewpubs. Beer To You bills were first introduce during the 88th Texas Legislature, but were denied hearings in both House and Senate committees.
• Interfacility Transfer (SB 1240 / HB 4773): would reduce regulatory hurdles currently experienced by multi-location breweries simply trying to move their own inventory between their own facilities. Such barriers involve either having to pay a distributor to move their product, or being forced to structure their locations as separate business entities just to sell the product back to themselves.
• Beers For Steers (SB 1554 / HB 3336): would provide targeted tax relief for Texas craft breweries who donate their spent grain to local agricultural producers by offering an excise tax credit. This bill incentives brewers to support nearby businesses and keeps valuable resources in local economies while helping to lower feed costs for Texas farmers and ranchers.

"The craft beer industry is a vital part of the Texas economy, driving tourism, economic development, and job creation across the state," says Caroline Wallace, executive director of the Guild. "With these bills, we have a clear path to support our small manufacturing and hospitality businesses and enhance their ability to operate efficiently and sustainably."

Texas ranks third nationally in craft beer production, with the industry contributing $5.3 billion to the state's economy. Despite this significant economic impact, Texas sits at 48th when it comes to craft breweries per capita, underscoring substantial opportunity for continued growth in a large, highly populous state.

In the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, Texas has seen a rise in brewery closures and a slowdown in new brewery openings, reflecting the broader challenges faced by the hospitality industry.

Small breweries have contended with supply chain disruptions and increased costs of raw materials, capital, and real estate. Price hikes, driven by inflation and further compounded by environmental challenges and global factors affecting supply chains, have significantly impacted operational costs. With the industry already facing headwinds, it's essential that we examine laws currently inhibiting breweries' ability to compete effectively and return to growth in a rapidly changing marketplace.

"We are at a pivotal moment where legislative progress can profoundly influence the growth and success of the craft brewing industry in Texas," says Travis Bailey, government affairs associate for the Guild. "Our Texas beer laws have improved substantially over the past 12 years, and each legislative change has spurred brewery growth. Still, the market and consumer expectations have moved faster, and our craft breweries continue to face more regulatory hurdles and barriers to growth than their counterparts in many other states. It's time to modernize our laws to reflect the evolving needs and potential of this industry and enable Texas craft brewers to truly compete."

Temptress dons a new blonde look at Lakewood

Lakewood's newest temptation (photo: Cassie Henderson).

Lakewood Brewing Co. of Garland has announced the release of a new tempt-ation and the latest entry in the company's Seduction Series.

Temptress Blonde is an imperial golden stout inspired by the brewery's top-selling craft stout, The Temptress. And being a bright Texas blonde with the underlying character of its darker sibling, it's a Temptress recipe "designed with warm weather drinking in mind."

“Temptress Blonde is a beer for the senses,” says Wim Bens, founder and president of Lakewood. “A golden stout is designed to make you do a double take. Its bright golden hue deceptively disguises traditional stout flavors—vanilla, coffee (supplied by LDU Coffee), and malt sweetness. But don’t be fooled by its lighter color—Temptress Blonde boasts an impressive 9.1% ABV.”

The beer is available now in four-packs of 12-ounce cans at the Lakewood Taproom, with shipments rolling out across Texas starting this week.

Rahr & Sons to celebrate Springfest with new year-round beer

Image courtesy of Rahr & Sons Brewing Co.

National Beer Day is celebrated on April 7, but locals can get a head start with Rahr & Sons by attending the Fort Worth brewery's upcoming Texas Light Springfest Social Run/Walk benefiting Rahr to the Rescue.

Kicking off on Saturday, April 5 at 8 a.m., Springfest is being billed as the "lighter, brighter cousin of Oktoberfest, packed with all the deliciousness you love from Rahr." Tickets for Springfest are $30 per person, with participants getting a spot in the 3-ish mile run/walk, bottled water, a custom Texas Light pint glass, three draft beers and breakfast.

As for Texas Light (3.5% ABV), it's a new beer described as a light, crisp refresher that's "guaranteed to add a bounce to your step" with only 3.6 carbs and 86 calories. Up to now it's been a draft only taproom exclusive, but Texas Light is coming soon to retail with availability in six-packs of 12-ounce cans.

For more information or to purchase Springfest tickets, visit https://rahroktoberfest5k.com/social-runs. Also note that canine companions are welcome to run/walk alongside their humans.

Grand Prairie brewpub to rebrand, add house beers

Image credit: Rios Brewing Co.

Change is coming to what was once the Grand Prairie franchise location of Voodoo Brewing Co., as the business has gone fully independent and is rebranding as Rios Brewing Co.

Owned by Roland Rios, the Grand Prairie brewpub originally opened in May 2023 using the footprint laid out to franchisees by the Pennsylvania-based parent company. According to Rios, that partnership is no longer active, and there are now plans to expand operations.

"We are doing a complete rebrand and will start brewing our own beer onsite," says Rios. "We will be applying for a federal producer permit in the next couple of weeks. We should be done with our complete rebrand in the next six weeks and tentatively have our first batch of beer around June 1st. We will have three small five-barrel fermenting tanks that will be able to produce two batches per tank each month. We have a 44 beer tap system, so we’ll continue to carry other local craft brewer’s beer at our site."

So far, three brewpubs bearing the Voodoo name have opened in North Texas. Counting the Grand Prairie news and the closure of a Fort Worth locale in November, that leaves Voodoo Brewing Co. - Plano as the only active franchise in the area. As for others, a proposed venture in Denton was apparently abandoned sometime last year, but there are still projects under construction in both Lewisville and Prosper.

Lakewood touts Irish Cream Temptress as the official beer of Texas St. Patrick's Day

Image courtesy of Lakewood Brewing Co.

Lakewood Brewing Co. of Garland is staking its claim to having the official beer of Texas St. Patrick's Day with the seasonal release of Irish Cream Temptress.

Featuring the rich, creamy flavors of Irish Cream, and the velvety roasted malt and chocolate elements of The Temptress Imperial Milk Stout, the brewery's Irish Cream Temptress is said to be "the luckiest thing to have on-hand besides a four-leaf clover" for St. Patrick's Day.

“This year we’re toasting the luck of the Texan,” says Wim Bens, founder and president of Lakewood. “Temptress is the number one craft stout in Texas, so why shouldn’t Irish Cream Temptress be our number one St. Patrick’s Day stout?”

Naturally, Irish Cream Temptress will be on tap for St. Patrick's Day weekend festivities at the Lakewood Taproom, but other Temptress variants like Rye Barrel French Toast Temptress and S'mores Temptress will also be available for a limited time.

Parker County Brewing Co. now occupies new stable in Willow Park

Top center: Parker County's Spicy Chicken Sammie (Photos © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D).

Parker County Brewing Co. of Willow Park first appeared on the North Texas scene after opening in early 2018. Now, seven years later, the brewpub has traded-in its retail development digs for a standalone place of its own right across the highway from its original location.

Currently owned and operated by co-founder Ryan Stewart, the company began looking to expand to a larger facility in late 2022. At first, the plan was to pursue a new construction just down the way along I-20, but an alternative became available when a building once home to Parker County Ice House hit the market.

Located at 210 Willow Bend Dr., the existing building consisted of 4,500 square feet on 0.72 acres of land, but an additional 1,500 square feet was added during the renovation process. And to put it quite simply, the resulting venue is a bigger, better version of the Parker County brewpub.

Bigger being the operative word when talking about the kitchen, dining room and bar area. Add to that an outdoor wrap-around patio (with a covered stage) that has as much room or more than the interior, and patrons and crew members alike should have more than enough room to move around in Parker County's new surroundings.

With regards to other aspects of the upgraded experience, there's also something new on the drink menu. Beverage options begin with Parker County's portfolio of "Unbridled Brews," but now in addition to wine, cider and seltzer, a fully-stocked bar provides the spirits necessary to create a range of hand-crafted cocktails.

Really, just about the only thing standing pat, at least for now, is the brewpub's production setup. Trucked over as-is, the brewdeck and equipment array is manned by Mike Kraft, a longtime industry vet who got his start in North Texas during the brewpub boom of the 1990s. And he's got plenty of taps to play with, considering 30 handles are installed on each side of the service area.

On that note, these days the year-round beer lineup includes Side Pony Blonde, Southern Passion IPA, Just a Phaze IPA and Galactic Cowboy Double Hazy IPA. Then, seasonal selections like 1879 Prohibition Ale, Velvet Reaper Imperial Oatmeal Stout, Peach Blonde, Wild Cherry Sour and others rotate in regularly.

As for the food, Neapolitan pizzas are still the primary culinary attraction, with salads, sammies, wraps, and a kids menu set to fill out the daily offering sheet as well.

Parker County Brewing Co. is now open for lunch and dinner six days a week (closed on Tuesday). An official grand opening takes place on Saturday, March 1, with live music acts hitting the stage starting at 2:30 p.m.

903 Brewers moving to multiple new locations

Left: Sherman site at 221 W. Houston St. (7500 square feet).                    Right: Denison site at 421 W. Main St. (4500 square feet).
Images courtesy of 903 Brewers.

A new beginning is on the horizon for 903 Brewers, as the 12-year old company is planning to take out a fresh lease on life. Well, a few of them actually. No, this isn't the project previously announced for FM 1417 - that one is no longer active. This is different, and something that looks to help 903 Brewers expand its daily reach beyond the borders of its original home in Sherman.

The long and the short of it is this...903 Brewers is moving, and not just to a single location. With the lease up on the Elm St. spot in Sherman, founders Jeremy and Natalie Roberts have put together a future plan that involves a new production site, along with not one, but two non-production taproom/restaurants.

Details from the source...

"First Stop: Downtown Sherman!

Opening June 2025, our new Sherman taproom will be located at 221 W. Houston St., inside the historic Kreager Feed Store - one of Urban Sherman’s incredible downtown revitalization projects. We’ve partnered with D2 Built and the talented David and Joshua Downtain to bring this space to life, blending modern design with the building’s rich history.

At 7,500+ square feet, this taproom will feature a spacious front patio, a huge back patio, and tons of parking - perfect for gathering with friends and family! We invite you to drive by and see the incredible transformation happening.

Next Up: Downtown Denison!

Coming September 2025, we’re teaming up with our good friends Scott & Meghan Furhman to bring you something truly special at 421 W. Main St. This taproom will be two stories with - wait for it - a ROOFTOP PATIO overlooking beautiful Downtown Denison! 

If you’re in the area, swing by and check out the progress - we can’t wait to welcome you!"

Specifics on a new production-only locale are still being finalized, so expect to hear more about that in the coming months. And not to worry, 903 Brewers will remain open on Elm St. until the new Sherman site is ready.

Toasty Bros. a place for pints and paintings in Denton

Photos © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D.

Six years after first debuting its brand, Toasty Bros. has a place to call its own with the opening of a permanent location for its brewery, taproom and art gallery at 104 N. Bell Ave. in Denton.

Toast Tiensvold launched Toasty Bros. in March 2019 with the release of Damage Dealer Double Stout. Since then, that beer and others have been brewed at Hop & Sting Brewing Co. of Grapevine through an alternating proprietorship agreement. All the while, the path to self-sufficiency has been in the making, the last leg of the journey starting when a lease was signed on the Bell Ave. building around three years ago.

Speaking of the new home of Toasty Bros., the business sets up in a former auto repair shop complete with front-facing roll-top doors. There's roughly 1500 square feet of space to work with, a little more than half of that devoted to the taproom.

And inside, it's unquestionably cozy, with earth tones on the walls and natural wood tabletops in the seating area. Then there's the bar installation, which has barrel staves forming the foundation for a bar top featuring wood planks framing a neon blue light centerpiece. Add to all that the surrounding gallery of original paintings, and you've got what amounts to a neighborhood tavern turned artistic oasis.

On the beer, house recipes pour from 12 taps, with selections like Bäkéneko Black IPA, Earl the Orange Alien Dessert Stout, Experience Points Porter, Random Number Generator DIPA, Rock Philosopher Undead Ale and others joining Damage Dealer on the current menu. Future offerings will be borne out of a three-barrel system on site, maintaining the small-batch approach Toasty Bros. has touted from the outset.

As for other amenities, sodas and bottled water are kept on hand for those not imbibing. There's also a dart board if you need a competitive diversion, and charging outlets are installed just below the bar for anyone needing to give their phone or tablet a battery boost while enjoying their beer.

Looking back on past coverage, fostering local pride has always been a focus for Toasty Bros. (the phrase is in the logo), and opening a taproom someday in Denton was the goal from its earliest days. Now that the ambition has been realized, fans of the brewery can celebrate the arrival of the city's newest craft beer destination.

Stop in and raise a glass with Toasty Bros. five days a week, with hours beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, and 10 a.m. on Sunday and Monday.

A sip of something different with Fox & Raven Mead

Photo © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D.

It's been mentioned here before, but the field of fermented beverages in North Texas goes beyond just beer. There are cider and mead-makers around town as well, though their numbers are far fewer compared to the landscape of local breweries.

One of those dropping honey-based alcoholic drinks goes by the moniker of Fox & Raven Mead. Founded by Bryce DeShazo and Savannah Castillo, the company has been in business since 2021. It operates out of a small production and pickup-only storefront at 1510 Randolph St. in Carrollton, but the owners are out nearly every weekend sampling and selling their meads at area festivals, vendor markets and other special events.

Products from Fox & Raven range from The Hunt - The Hare (14% ABV), a traditional mead that dries out quite nicely in the finish, to Fellow Traveler (12% ABV), a tasty acer (or maple mead) with fresh green apples. Their portfolio also features a few lower strength fruited hydromels and sparkling meads (6% ABV), with prickly pear and mango/habanero among the flavor options.

Sampling some of Fox & Raven's creations this weekend while shopping the Farmers Market at The Lawn in Little Elm, what stood out the most was how well-balanced their meads are across the board, not being overly sweet or dominated by added ingredients. Similar thoughts applied to a bourbon barrel-aged version of their base mead called The Hunt - The Hart, which was entirely too easy to drink considering its boozy backbone.

Given those impressions, the most highly-anticipated taste might be Whidbey, a barrel-aged bochet (or black mead) made with caramelized honey and marionberries. This one was only available to take home, as samples were understandably cost-prohibitive due to batch size.

As for how to get a taste for yourself, Fox & Raven meads can occasionally be found on guest taps at local breweries. Then on the packaging side, corked bottles can be purchased online for shipment or pick-up, but they are also available at Lone Star Beverages of Carrollton or at the aforementioned pop-ups. For details, visit the "Find Mead" link on Fox & Raven's website.