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.

Bluffview Growler adding small-batch brewhouse

Image credit: Bluffview Growler.

Just over a year after it began filling growlers near the Park Cities neighborhood of Dallas, Bluffview Growler is looking to add to its business by offering patrons the option of house-brewed beer.

Dale Czech, who co-owns both Bluffview Growler and Lakewood Growler with wife Stacie, was a homebrewer before he opened the Lakewood shop in early 2014. He'll utilize those skills, while teaming with Ross Frederick and Mason MacPhail from the Dallas Homebrew Collective, to craft small-batch recipes covering flavor profiles not well represented in the local market.

"We ordered a one-barrel system, which we'll use to fill two or three taps to complement our existing lineup," says Czech. "This will be a fun project for us, and we view it as a way to evolve our craft offerings by producing experimental beers with fresh ingredients and hops that are more difficult to brew on a larger scale."

On the subject of styles, Czech let it be known that hazy, juicy IPAs are something that's definitely on the team's radar. Beyond that, though, indications are that style choices will generally fall in line with the season.

As for when this will all take place, federal and state license applications are currently pending. Once those go through, test batches will be run initially, which means it'll likely be closer to the summer before production gets underway. When that happens, expect to see Bluffview beers on tap in house, as well as at the Lakewood location.