North Texas Craft Beer Conspectus - October 26, 2020 edition

Image credits: Franconia Brewing Co., Symbol Brewing Co., Steam Theory Brewing Co., Smittox Brewing Co.

The Conspectus, otherwise known as the 'in case you missed it update,' has been missing in action for months, but I suppose that's just another thing we can pin on the pandemic. In any case, activities are picking back up at area breweries, so here are a few recent items that may be of interest.

-Cheers!

Franconia releasing first ever cans

There have been some changes at Franconia Brewing Co. of McKinney, where new ownership is in place and new packaged products are on the way. The brewery is canning beers for the first time in its history, with a pilsner called Run for the Pils and two varieties of Walker Texas Radler (pineapple and peach) now available. An official launch party for the three beers will be held at Franconia on Saturday, November 7.

Symbol shares plans for second round

Carrollton-based 3 Nations Brewing Co. recently announced the creation of a side project to be known as Symbol Brewing Co., the news coming with the release of the brand's first three beers. A second round of offerings is already in the works, with the following beers expected to arrive in December: Symbol Hazy Double IPA (8.5% ABV, 35 IBU), Pastry Gose with Passion Fruit, Orange and Guava (4.7% ABV, 5 IBU), Pecan Porter with Peanut Butter, Banana, Chocolate and Coffee (7.0% ABV, 32 IBU).

Steam Theory kicks off unique collaboration

Steam Theory Brewing Co. of Dallas has unveiled a barrel-aging project it began working on over the summer. The brewpub got together with 18 Texas distilleries to create a series of barrel-aged brews that will be presented in flights along with the base beer and a sample of the original spirit. One beer, a Balcones Rye Whiskey Barrel-Aged IPA, has debuted thus far, with others to be shared in the coming months.

Smittox Brewing Co. launches crowdfunding campaign

Seeking to establish the first black-owned brewery in the area, Smittox Brewing Co. has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. Readers may recall founder Kuumba Smith has collaborated on beers with Martin House Brewing Co. (Short Order Porter) and Vector Brewing (Black is Beautiful) in the past. Smith hopes to locate his brewery off U.S. Highway 75 (Central Expressway) in either Allen or Plano. Click here to view the campaign.

North Texas Craft Beer Conspectus - August 2, 2019 edition

Image credits: False Idol Brewing, Noble Rey Brewing Co.,
Happy Hippie Brewing Co., Howling Mutt Brewing Co.

It's been a minute since the last round of ICYMI updates in May, but the Conspectus is back with news on continuing development activities as well as Noble Rey's rebirth.

Cheers!

Noble Rey brand reborn

The group behind last year's purchase of Rockwall's Woodcreek Brewing Co. has added another name to its portfolio with the acquisition of the Noble Rey Brewing Co. brand. Noble Rey recipes are now being produced at Nocona Beer & Brewery while ownership scouts locations for a new taproom facility (presumably in Dallas). Select draft offerings are said to already be back on the market, with cans soon to follow.


Happy Hippie to start production at Hop & Sting

Also in the market for a home is Happy Hippie Brewing Co., with the firm currently targeting the Richardson area as a place to put down roots. While the search continues, look for Happy Hippie to begin production by way of an alternating proprietorship agreement with Hop & Sting Brewing Co. of Grapevine. If all goes according to plan, initial shipments of Happy Hippie beer will occur in the fourth quarter of 2019.


Crowdfunding in the cards for Howling Mutt

With TABC approval in hand, Howling Mutt Brewing Co. is working to clear the final hurdles in its effort to open a brewery in Denton. To assist with those endeavors, the company is preparing to launch a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. Howling Mutt has set a goal of $6,000 for the project, with funds to be used to offset unexpected costs incurred during the course of development.


False Idol obtains TABC approval

The TABC approved a brewpub license for False Idol Brewing in July. False Idol was brewing batches under license at Oak Cliff Brewing Co. of Dallas, but its focus will now shift towards getting its operation up and running in North Richland Hills. Once equipment is in place, look for False Idol to brew beer for distribution while it prepares its taproom (which will include an element of on-site food service) for a full public opening later this year.

North Texas Craft Beer Conspectus - May 29, 2019 edition

Image credits: Krootz Brewing Co., HopFusion Ale Works,
Craft and Growler, Siren Rock Brewing Co., Trinity Forest Brewing Co.

In addition to the regular rundown of development activities, this edition of the Conspectus includes a license change for a Fort Worth brewery, the opening of a new brewery to the north, and the planned start of brewing operations at the area's original growler shop.

Cheers!

HopFusion changes license type, to begin selling beer to go June 4

HopFusion Ale Works of Fort Worth is the latest local firm to switch from a manufacturer's permit to a retail/brewpub license, a move which enables the brewery to sell beer to go under current law. Look for HopFusion to begin selling six-packs, crowlers, growlers and kegs for off-premise consumption on June 4.


Krootz Brewing Co. now open in Gainesville

Established as the first business of its kind in Cooke County, Krootz Brewing Co. opened its doors to the public on April 26. The company is currently serving a menu of small bites with its beers while preparations are made for an official grand opening event slated for June 15.


Craft and Growler adding brewing operations

According to a Facebook post on May 20, Craft and Growler has purchased equipment with the intention of brewing house beers at its location in Dallas. Craft and Growler was the first growler shop to open in North Texas, but it will the second such entity to add brewing operations after Bluffview Growler did so earlier this year.

An article posted by the Dallas Observer indicates Craft and Growler hopes to begin brewing by late summer.


Future Fermentations

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has approved a manufacturing permit for Siren Rock Brewing Co. of Rockwall. At last report, the start of construction was pending on the project, which is set to be located at 310 S. Goliad St.

Trinity Forest Brewing Co. of Dallas obtained its TTB (federal) approval this month. With a TABC permit already in hand, the group plans to brew its first production batch at Hop & Sting Brewing Co. on June 7.

North Texas Craft Beer Conspectus - April 30, 2019 edition

Image credits: Trinity Forest Brewing Co., Howling Mutt Brewing Co., Dirty Job Brewing, Wild Acre Brewing Co., Four Walls Brewing Co.

An end of April edition of the Conspectus brings news on permitting activity, a satellite location for a Fort Worth brewery, and fundraising efforts by a newly-announced entity to the north.

Cheers!

Dirty Job opts for brewpub license, now selling beer to go

Dirty Job Brewing of Mansfield has changed its permit type and is now operating under a retail/brewpub license. This allows the brewery to sell beer to go, which is something it began doing earlier this month. Growler fills are available for most house brews, with Dirty Job currently filling 32 and 64-ounce receptacles.


Wild Acre opening second location

As first reported by Fort Worth Weekly, a second location for Wild Acre Brewing Co. is in the works. Construction has begun on an existing structure at 6479 Camp Bowie Blvd. in Fort Worth, with plans including a kitchen and an in-house brewing operation. Once open, the new spot will serve customers seven days a week.


Permits approved for three North Texas newbies

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has issued permits for a trio of North Texas breweries in development.

Howling Mutt Brewing Co. (retail/brewpub license) is working to acquire and assemble equipment while its space is under construction at 205 N. Cedar St. in Denton.

Trinity Forest Brewing Co. (manufacturing permit) is a Dallas-based firm that is still awaiting federal approval from the TTB. Once that is received, the group will produce beer under an alternating proprietorship agreement with Hop & Sting at Grapevine Craft Brewery.

Information is scarce on 111 Brewing (manufacturing permit), but a public notice indicates the brewery will be established at 111 S. Fannin Ave. in Denison.


Four Walls launches crowdfunding campaign

Four Walls Brewing Co. has launched a campaign to raise funds on Indiegogo. Those behind the project have set a flexible goal of $10,000, with the money earmarked for outfitting a brewery to be located in Downtown Celina.

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 - December 26, 2018 edition

Closing the book on 2018 beer blurbs, this edition of the Conspectus features news on new brands, an expansion, and the promise of a new barrel-aged series to come from the area's oldest craft brewery.

Cheers!

Edgewise Eight launches brand in Weatherford

Becoming the newest brewing operation in North Texas, Edgewise Eight Brewing of Weatherford debuted its products during a launch event at Antebellum Ale House in early December. According to co-founder Clif Ellis, production is current being done on a small system at the company's Weatherford location, with the short-term goal being to supply beer to popular bars in the city.


3 Nations signs lease on new location in Carrollton

This month, 3 Nations Brewing Co. unveiled plans for a new taproom and brewery to be built in the City of Carrollton. The company's future home will occupy an existing structure raised in 1950 that once served as a grain storage shed. Construction on the space is set to begin in January, with the hope that a grand opening will occur by early summer 2019.


Rahr & Sons to tap new barrel-aged series in 2019

A new barrel-aged series is in the works at Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. of Fort Worth, at least based on a teaser video posted recently on the company's Facebook page. The R&S 'Berǝl Series will debut in January with Black Sappath, a beer brewed with chocolate and blackberries prior to being aged in maple syrup bourbon barrels for six months.


Vector Brewing secures spot in Lake Highlands

Residents of Northeast Dallas will soon be able to plot a course to a new neighborhood brewery, now that Vector Brewing has entered into an agreement to take over a space in Lake Highlands. The company will be established at 9850 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 405, in the community's Lakeridge development.

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Image credits (top-to-bottom): Edgewise Eight Brewing, 3 Nations Brewing Co., Rahr & Sons Brewing Co., Vector Brewing.

North Texas Craft Beer Conspectus - November 15, 2018 edition

The list of subjects covered in this edition of the Conspectus includes an international award, one brewery's charitable activities and the introduction of two new names to the North Texas scene.

Cheers!


The Regulator wins silver at European Beer Star competition

Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. of Fort Worth earned a silver medal for The Regulator in the German-Style Heller Doppelbock category at the 2018 European Beer Star competition. The international event, which drew 2300 entries from 51 countries, focuses on beer styles of European origin. Click here for a complete list of winners.


Nine Band partners with Chris Kyle Frog Foundation, opens Oklahoma site

Earlier this month, Nine Band Brewing Co. of Allen launched a new partnership with the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation (CKFF). Centered around the brewery's easy-drinking honey ale, The Badge Honey Blonde, a portion of the proceeds from sales of the beer will go to CKFF for the benefit of military and first responder families.

In other Nine Band news, the company is now brewing at its location inside the Osage Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.


Toasty Bros. set to bring its brand of beer to market

The Denton-based company, Toasty Bros., will soon begin operations after entering into a joint proprietorship with Hop & Sting at Grapevine Craft Brewery. Founder Toast Tiensvold intends to brew small batches for sale at accounts in Denton, with the long-term goal of opening a taproom and brewery in the city. One of his beers, Maison Saison, was featured as part of Barley & Board's Home Brewers League program.

A TTB license has been approved for Toasty Bros., while a TABC application is pending.


Beard Science receives TABC approval

An entity to be known as Beard Science has obtained a brewpub license from the TABC. The venture is one of two in the works from Brain Storm Shelter, the company behind Twisted Root Burger Co. and Truck Yard. The brewpub is part of Truck Yard's upcoming site in The Colony, located in the Grandscape development at 5949-5959 Grove Ln. (east of Nebraska Furniture Mart off Destination Dr.).

Brain Storm Shelter is also working on By The Horns Brewing Co., which is going into The Backyard project in Mansfield.

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Image credits (top to bottom): Rahr & Sons Brewing Co., Nine Band Brewing Co., Toast Bros., Brain Storm Shelter.

North Texas Craft Beer Conspectus - October 24, 2018 edition

New cans and new brands lead the way in this edition of the Conspectus, which also hits on the topic of the first cider company to open in Fort Worth.

Cheers!


Four Bullets, Thirsty Bro preparing first packaged products

Inaugural canning runs are scheduled for next month at Thirsty Bro Brewing Co. of Royse City and Four Bullets Brewery of Richardson.

At Thirsty Bro, variety four-packs are in the works with cans of Heff Dat Hefeweizen, Mo Bro IPA, Southern Belle Porter and Sweet Cherry Blonde (not pictured) to be included. Shipments to accounts throughout Dallas-Forth Worth are expected to begin after cans are filled on November 1.

Four Bullets has chosen Billion Dollar Blonde for its first foray into cans, with packaging to occur in mid-November. Six-packs of Billion Dollar Blonde will then roll out to retailers in and around Dallas and Richardson.


TABC approves permits for Soul Fire and Edgewise Eight

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) granted licenses for two future North Texas entities in October.

In Roanoke, demolition and site preparation is complete on the downtown space to be occupied by Soul Fire Brewing Co., with construction to begin once a building permit is obtained from the city. If all goes according to plan, Soul Fire will open in early spring 2019.

Edgewise Eight Brewing continues to scout locations out west in Parker County.The group applied for a brewing permit to allow them to explore other options for production in the meantime.


Two breweries on tap for North Richland Hills

Not one, but two brewing operations are set to debut in North Richland Hills next year, now that Brutal Beerworks and False Idol Brewing have secured locations in the city.

Brutal Beerworks will be established on an end-cap in the Harwood Plaza development at 8447 Boulevard 26 (3400 square feet), while False Idol will open less than a mile away in a former auto shop at 7924 Maplewood Ave. (4100 square feet).


Locust establishes first cidery in Fort Worth

The first cidery to operate in Fort Worth opens this week in the city's Near Southside neighborhood. Locust Cider is a Washington-based company with three locations in its home state. The firm's Texas outpost is located at 710 S. Main St., which puts it on the same block as Rahr & Sons Brewing Co.

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Image credits (top to bottom): Thirsty Bro Brewing Co., Four Bullets Brewery, Soul Fire Brewing Co., Edgewise Eight Brewing, Brutal Beerworks, False Idol Brewing, Locust Cider.

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 - July 23, 2018 edition

Updates on new and renewed brewing operations in Dallas and Denton headline this edition of the Conspectus, with a look at upcoming operations out west on the agenda as well.

Cheers!


Barley & Board back to brewing in Denton

Idle since early 2016, brewing operations have re-started at Barley & Board of Denton. House beers will be tapped monthly as part of the brewpub's Home Brewers League, an initiative that gives local homebrewers the chance to brew a commercial batch. Barley & Board supplies ingredients for the collaborative effort, while local hobbyists are charged with making the beer. The beer for August is a French saison by Brian Tiensvold. It follows Cole Haley's black IPA, which kicked things off in July.


Steam Theory debuts in Trinity Groves

After roughly four years in development, Steam Theory Brewing Co. is now up and running in Trinity Groves. The brewpub is currently serving culinary offerings from a summer dinner menu alongside a selection of guest beers. House brews are said to be in the works, presumably ready in time for Steam Theory's official grand opening on August 25.


Cans coming from Manhattan Project

Packaged products are on the way from Manhattan Project Beer Co. of Dallas. Set to arrive at retail in September, the brewery will can its three core beers - Half-Life, Hoppenheimer and Plutonium-239, and a seasonal pilsner - Necessary Evil. As for when Manhattan Project's taproom will open at 215 Sulphur St., look for that to occur sometime in Q1 2019.


Celestial receives TABC approval, introduces Space Camp

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has issued a brewpub license for Celestial Beerworks of Dallas. Currently under construction at 2530 Butler St., owner Matt Reynolds is targeting an early fall opening. The company has also introduced Space Camp, a membership program that provides consumers with one free crowler of beer per month, along with swag, taproom discounts and first access to special releases (click here for more information).


Edgewise Wight launches crowdfunding campaign

Looking to raise funds for a brewpub to be located in Weatherford, Edgewise Eight Brewing has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. The company has set an open-ended goal of $5000, with funds earmarked for amenities and other items that will help make Edgewise Eight "the most inviting place to go in Weatherford."


Soul Fire begins work on building in Roanoke

Demolition has begun on a space to be occupied by Soul Fire Brewing Co. in Roanoke. In addition to housing the brewery's production equipment and a taproom, plans for the building at 206 N. Oak St. include facilities for live music and a food hall.

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Image credits (top to bottom): Barley & Board, Steam Theory Brewing Co., Manhattan Project Beer Co., Celestial Beerworks, Edgewise Eight Brewing, Soul Fire Brewing Co.

North Texas Craft Beer Conspectus - July 2, 2018 edition

Image credits: Siren Rock Brewing Co., False Idol Brewing, Pathfinder Brewery.

This edition of the Conspectus features updates on a number of new names to the North Texas scene, including two that readers may be hearing about for the first time.

Cheers!

Outfit obtains TABC approval, targeting late summer opening

In late May, a brewpub license was issued for Outfit Brewing by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). Set to be located at 7135 John Carpenter Freeway in Dallas, owner Jordan Young is targeting mid-August for the brewery's debut. Upwards of eight beers will be on tap for the event, with a Belgian-style blonde ale, a saison, a citra-forward IPA and a red IPA expected to be part of the lineup. Also being considered for opening day are recipes for an additional IPA (or two), a lager and a kölsch.


Krootz Brewing under construction in Gainesville

Residents in Cooke County should take note that an entity to be known as Krootz Brewing Co. has filed an application for a brewpub license with the TABC. Currently under construction at 315 W. Elm St. in Gainesville, CEO Chad Sykora hopes to open the doors of the brewpub-to-be in a few months. Due diligence and the build-out are the primary focus of the company right now (social media and a website are pending), according to Sykora, who says Krootz will serve food from a limited menu alongside a portfolio of small-batch brews.


False Idol scouting locations, plans to contract brew

A name just recently appearing on the scene, False Idol Brewing is a new project in development for North Texas. The group is still looking to nail down a location, preferably in a city that doesn't already have a brewery, which means the opening of a brick and mortar location is probably a year away. That said, founder Dominique Van Ausdall intends to pursue a contract agreement with a local brewery in order to get False Idol products on the market by the end of the year.


Pathfinder breaks ground in Hudson Oaks

It's been over a year since Pathfinder Brewery first announced its intention to build a facility from the ground up in the Parker County community of Hudson Oaks. Progress has been slow, but it appears things are moving along now that ground has been broken on the project's site off Cinema Dr., just north of City Lights Theatre. For a look at how things are shaping up so far, cllick here to see a short video showing the current state of construction.

Siren Rock moving forward in Rockwall

Earlier this month, the Rockwall City Council voted to amend its municipal code to allow a brewery to exist in the city's downtown district. That means Siren Rock Brewing Co. can advance to the next step in the development process, which involves getting a special use permit approved. Along those lines, founders Cory and Eva Cannon are working with the city on a site plan specific to their location off S. Goliad St. near Rockwall's Historic Downtown Square.

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.

North Texas Craft Beer Conspectus - April 20, 2018 edition

A fresh round of North Texas brewery blurbs includes news on four future brewing companies, a new look for an east side operation, and the start of distribution for a barbecuing brewpub.

Cheers!


G Town gets the green light in Greenville

The City of Greenville has approved plans for G Town Brewery, meaning the future brewpub can move on to the construction phase. Since closing on a site at 2824 Lee St., the company had been seeking the waiver of a moratorium on alterations to structures in Greenville's downtown district. That moratorium was rescinded in January, which cleared the way for G Town to initiate the standard permitting process.


Thirsty Bro debuts new logo, can designs

Things continue to be busy over at Thirsty Bro Brewing Co. of Royse City. In addition to signing on as a founding partner of the Royse City Griffins, an independent league baseball team set to begin play in 2019, the brewery recently debuted a new logo and initial packaging designs for two of its beers. Cans of Southern Belle Porter and Bro'd Trip English Style IPA are expected to hit retail later this year.


Brutal Beerworks raising funds via Indiegogo

Brutal Beerworks is the latest entity to turn to crowdfunding as a way to raise funds for its proposed project. The company, which hopes to set up shop in North Richland Hills, has established an open-ended goal of $75,000. Funds would go towards closing and construction on a location, equipment and the required permits. Click here to visit the campaign page, where you can learn more about the group and its plans.


Intrinsic begins North Texas distribution

After signing with Austin-based Flood Independent Distribution, the beers of Intrinsic Smokehouse and Brewery are now available at draft accounts around North Texas. The agreement took effect in April, after which a launch event was held at Opa Greek Taverna, the Garland brewpub's first outside account.


TABC approves two new North Texas operations

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) issued licenses for Flix Brewhouse Little Elm and Oak Cliff Brewing Co. of Dallas on back-to-back days earlier this month. Both operations are currently under construction, with Flix Little Elm slated to open at the end of April, and Oak Cliff Brewing targeting the end of May at the earliest.

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Image credits (top to bottom, click to enlarge): G Town Brewery, Thirsty Bro Brewing Co., Brutal Beerworks, Intrinsic Smokehouse & Brewery, Flix Brewhouse, Oak Cliff Brewing Co.

North Texas Craft Beer Conspectus - March 9, 2018 edition

The Conspectus returns after a month-long hiatus with news on two recently-opened entities, three breweries in development, and an update on what's new in cans.

Cheers!


New Main now pouring guest taps in Pantego

New Main Brewing Co. officially debuted in Pantego with a grand opening event on February 24. Currently operating as a taproom, the company hopes to purchase equipment and initiate brewing operations later this year. In the meantime, visitors to New Main can expect to find a selection of 20 predominantly Texas-based craft beverages on tap during regular business hours occurring six days a week (Tue-Sun).


Brewing operations underway at Parker County

Announced in a Facebook post, Parker County Brewing Co. of Willow Park completed its first commercial brew day on March 3. Presumably fermenting away, the inaugural offering is said to be an American-style stout brewed with four types of malt and a mix of Cascade and Centennial hops.


Turning Point brewing in Bedford

Production is underway at Turning Point Beer in Bedford, as the company looks to build up stock ahead of its grand opening on March 17. Over a dozen house beers are expected to be available to those attending the event, and judging by posts appearing on Turning Point's Facebook page, a handful of hazy IPAs are sure to be a part of the proceedings.


Steam Theory receives TABC license

Steam Theory Brewing Co. of Dallas is now officially licensed, after its permit was approved and issued by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) on February 28. Construction on the company's site in Trinity Groves is ongoing, but an official opening is still a few months away.


Happy Hippie launches crowdfunding campaign

Looking to establish a brewery on the north side of town, Happy Hippie Brewing Co. has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. Founder Michael Frederick has set an open-ended goal of $75,000, an amount he hopes to use for construction costs and the purchase of equipment. Currently, Happy Hippie is still looking for a home, but at last report Frederick was targeting a spot in the City of Richardson.


Candemonium

A fresh round-up of year-round (Pegasus offerings) and seasonal beers (all the others) being sold in cans for the first time...

• Legal Draft Bock Trial (7.0% ABV):  Doppelbock, available in 12-ounce six-packs.
• 903 Friday Slide (10.47% ABV): Irish car bomb milk stout, available in 12-ounce six-packs.
• Panther Island Sweet Fang (5.0% ABV): Chocolate peanut butter milk stout, available in 12-ounce six-packs.
• Rabbit Hole Jabberbock (6.56% ABV): Maibock, available in 12-ounce six-packs
• Martin House The Morrigan (12.28% ABV): Barrel-aged blonde barleywine, available in 12-ounce two-packs.
• Tupps Full Grown Scallywag (12.1% ABV): Coconut vanilla imperial stout, available in 12-ounce four-packs.
• Pegasus City Cannoneer (7.43% ABV): Bold amber, available in 12-ounce six-packs.
• Pegasus City Sixth Floor (5.4% ABV): Easy porter, available in 12-ounce six-packs.

(click to enlarge)

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Image credits (top to bottom): Brian Brown/Beer in Big D, Parker County Brewing Co., Turning Point Beer, Steam Theory Brewing Co., Happy Hippie Brewing Co., Legal Draft Beer Co., Panther Island Brewing Co., 903 Brewers, Rabbit Hole Brewing, Martin House Brewing Co., Tupps Brewery, Pegasus City Brewery.