Four North Texas breweries earn medals at 2019 Aro Rojo

Image credit: Competencia Internacional de Cerveza Aro Rojo.

Four area breweries and a local gypsy brewer have been recognized south of the border at the 2019 Aro Rojo International Beer Competition.

Held March 26-28 in Tampico, Mexico, the Aro Rojo event aims to be an international platform for recognition of beers from around the world. In addition to those sent in from the competition's home country of Mexico, beers were submitted from South and Central America, South Korea and the United States. Entries were evaluated according to the 2015 Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) Style Guidelines.

As for North Texas, a total of five medals were awarded to local breweries, with an additional medal of note bestowed upon a beer Dallas-based BlackMan Brewing created in collaboration with Costa Rican brewer Treintaycinco - Fabrica de Cervezas. Each of these honorees is listed below, while a complete list of winners may be found by clicking here (image at link expands to a slideshow).


Bankhead Brewing Co., Rowlett

• Silver for Whoopee! in the Czech Premium Pale Lager category.
• Bronze for Devil Wagon in the Munich Helles category.

BlackMan Brewing/Treintaycinco - Fabrica de Cervezas, Dallas/Costa Rica

• Silver for Smoking Lit in the Historical Beer: Lichtenhainer category.

Cowtown Brewing Co., Fort Worth

• Silver for Everybody's Doing It in the American IPA category.

HopFusion Ale Works, Fort Worth

• Gold for Coco Anejo in the Winter Seasonal Beer category.

Martin House Brewing Co., Fort Worth

• Bronze for Friday IPA in the American IPA category.

Cheers and congratulations to all!

North Texas Craft Beer Conspectus - March 7, 2019 edition

Image credits: Parker County Brewing Co., Deep Ellum Brewing Co., BlackMan Brewing,
Walking Beam Brewing Co., Brutal Beerworks.

This edition of the Conspectus features a fresh set of updates related to new and future brewing operations, as well as news on national and international recognition received by local brewers.

Cheers!

Parker County takes prize at New York competition

Parker County Brewing Co. of Willow Park was honored last month at the 2019 New York International Beer Competition. The event, which took place February 10 in New York City, drew over 600 submissions from 14 different countries.

Fawn, the brewpub's barrel-aged imperial oatmeal stout (released in January), won Double Gold in the American Style Stout category. Only five beers entered in the competition received the Double Gold designation, a prize level awarded based on a unanimous decision by the judges.


BlackMan Brewing wins additional awards in Central America

Following up recent wins in Costa Rica, Barrett Tillman of BlackMan Brewing has garnered additional recognition for Smoking Lit, a lichtenhainer he brewed in collaboration with Treintaycinco - Fabrica de Cervezas of Costa Rica. In addition to winning gold in the Sour Styles category, the beer was named Best of Show at Barrilito de Oro 2019 - Micro Brew Fest Panama.


Deep Ellum, Walking Beam debut operations out west

Two new entities have opened in the western portion of the Metroplex, with Deep Ellum Brewing Co. introducing its Funkytown Fermatorium to Fort Worth on March 1, and Walking Beam Brewing Co. opening its doors in Bridgeport on February 23.

As of now, Walking Beam is serving house brews, while the Fermatorium is pouring Deep Ellum standards as it works to develop a portfolio of Fort Worth exclusives. On the culinary side, each provides on-site food service, with hand-crafted pizzas being the primary offering at both locales.


Brutal Beerworks now TABC-approved

Set to become the first brewery in North Richland Hills (NRH), Brutal Beerworks obtained its permit from the TABC on March 1. The company's location is currently under construction at 8446 Boulevard 26 in NRH, with an opening targeted for May. Once up and running, Brutal will operate under a brewpub license, which allows for the sale of beer-to-go.

North Texas Craft Beer Conspectus - January 29, 2019 edition

Representing just the sort of news that's expected in the Conspectus, this round of updates includes items on new beers, new and future breweries, and international recognition for a local brand.

Cheers!


Bluffview Growler now brewing in Dallas

Adding its name to the roster of active North Texas brewing operations, Bluffview Growler introduced its first house brew during the pub's second anniversary party in mid-January. Billed as Bluffview's Unfiltered Pale Ale, the small-batch beer was an American-style pale ale that finished out with an ABV of 7.0%. Available for a limited time, it tapped out shortly after the celebration.


Lakewood releases 2019 production calendar

Lakewood Brewing Co. of Garland has revealed its 2019 production plans, with a number of notable changes in store for the coming year. In addition to a new Small Batch Series and special Barrel Works selections, the brewery will introduce a new year-round beer called Lemonale and a new Seduction Series offering in the form of Salted Caramel Temptress. As for beers not making the cut, Dry-Hopped Zomer Pils and Till & Toil will not be included in the 2019 seasonal lineup. Details on that and more can be found by clicking here.


BlackMan Brewing honored at Pura Vida Indie International Beer Cup

Gypsy Brewer Barret Tillman has landed multiple awards from the 2019 Pura Vida Indie International Beer Cup. Tillman was recognized for Smoking Lit, a collaborative effort between his BlackMan Brewing label and Treintaycinco - Fabrica de Cervezas of Costa Rica. The beer, a lichtenhainer by design, was named Best Beer from Costa Rica, Best Beer from Central America, and Best Beer of the Cup.


Two future brewing companies obtain TABC approval

Earlier this month, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) issued permits for Toasty Bros. of Denton and Funky Picnic Brewery & Café of Fort Worth.

Toasty Bros. is set to begin brewing this month under an alternating proprietorship with Hop & Sting at Grapevine Craft Brewery. The first beer to hit the fermenter will be a double stout called Damage Dealer, which looks to debut in March.

Funky Picnic is currently under construction in the Near Southside neighborhood of Fort Worth, with current targets eyeing late spring for an opening date.

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Image credits (top-to-bottom): Bluffview Growler, Lakewood Brewing Co., Pura Vida Indie International Beer Cup, Toasty Bros., Funky Picnic Brewery & Café.

North Texas Craft Beer Conspectus - September 28, 2018 edition

A bevy of beverage types appear in this edition of the Conspectus, yet seeing as how it's National Drink Beer Day, perhaps it would be appropriate to drink a beer while reading this latest round of updates.

Cheers!


Black Man Brewing introduces "First Cello" series

Nomadic brewer Barrett Tillman of Blackman Brewing has produced a concerto of beer he has dubbed the "First Cello" series. The arrangement consists of a draft-only base beer, First Cello Tart Ale, and a series of movements to be released in bottles. The movements represent deviations from the original beer, each featuring different ingredients infused with liquid taken from the early or late stages of fermentation. First Cello is available on tap now at Small Brewpub, while bottle variants may be purchased online for pickup on Tuesday nights in October.


Breaking Brew Meadery opening in Dallas

Emerging somewhat quietly on the North Texas scene, Breaking Brew Meadery opens its doors to the public for the first time on Friday, September 28. Located at 14438 Midway Rd. in Dallas, the company's initial operating hours will be Friday 4-9 p.m., Saturday 1-9 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m.


Trinity Cider makes Dallas debut on October 5

Production is underway at Trinity Cider in Dallas, with the company's grand opening now set for Friday, October 12. The business, which has set up shop at 2656 Main Street in Deep Ellum, occupies the same space as a 1990s-era brewing operation that was known as Main Street Brewing Co.


Special use permit approved for Siren Rock

After successfully navigating a number of roadblocks, a special use permit was approved by the Rockwall City Council for Siren Rock Brewing Co. in August. This will allow the venture to continue to move forward in the development process, with the submission of site plans, architectural drawings and the like being next on the agenda.

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Image credits (top to bottom): Blackman Brewing, Breaking Brew Meadery, Trinity Cider, Siren Rock Brewing Co.

North Texas Craft Beer Conspectus - May 25, 2018 edition

The business of beer comes to the forefront in this edition of the Conspectus, with news bites on branding, packaging, production and licensing.

Cheers!


Braindead says yes, we can

Crowlers are a thing at Braindead Brewing in Dallas, now that the brewpub has installed a can seamer on site. Happiness Comes From Within, a New England IPA, was released in the 32-ounce can format on Monday, along with the promise of more beers to come in the future.


Flix Brewhouse now open in Little Elm

In late April, Flix Brewhouse opened its latest cinema/brewery in Little Elm. On-site brewing operations will mostly follow a list of corporate recipes, but head brewer Derrick Rima will have some flexibility to create special house beers on occasion. The Little Elm theater is the first of two planned locations for North Texas, with an additional outpost in the works for Mansfield.


Tillman readies first gypsy brew

Gypsy brewer Barrett Tillman of Black Man Brewing has bottled his inaugural release, Gesho Forest Rustic Ale. Set to debut on draft at Small Brewpub on Tuesday, June 19 (Juneteenth), Tillman describes the beer as a "rustic ale with gesho leaves, cinnamon tree bark and hickory wood." Consumers can secure take-home bottles on the day of release by purchasing them in advance at iso.blackmanbrewing.com. Public sales will take place later, beginning on June 23.


Canning underway at Old Town

Old Town Brewhouse of Lewisville initiated the first canning run under the company's new moniker in early May (Old Town was formerly known as Cobra Brewing Co.). Six-packs of Can't Get Enough Amber Ale began arriving at retail locations last week. No doubt the beer is best enjoyed while listening to Bad Company's self-titled debut album.


Hop & Sting shifts production to Grapevine

Hop & Sting Brewing Co. is now producing beer at North Texas Brewing Co. (a.k.a. Grapevine Craft Brewery), after making the decision to move operations to secure more production time and space. In addition to helping Hop & Sting increase its market presence, the change also enables the company to serve its products in Grapevine's taproom.


Chimera re-branding as Fort Brewery & Pizza

After being sold to the principals behind Kent & Co. Wines and other Fort Worth ventures, Chimera Brewing Co. will now be known as Fort Brewery & Pizza. The re-branding puts the focus of the business primarily on pizza and beer, though salads and bar bites remain as additional food options. A launch party for the new brand will occur at the brewpub on June 6.


Pick up beer to-go at Panther Island

Looking to add the ability to sell beer to-go, Panther Island Brewing Co. has switched over to a brewpub license. Consumers can now fill growlers and/or pick up cans of Panther Island brews from its facility in Fort Worth.

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Image credits (top to bottom, click to enlarge): Braindead Brewing, Flix Brewhouse, Black Man Brewing, Old Town Brewhouse, Hop & Sting Brewing Co., Fort Brewery & Pizza, Panther Island Brewing Co.