Tasty to-go options for your holiday beer run

Image credits: Brewers Association, HopFusion Ale Works, Peticolas Brewing Co., Division Brewing, Brutal Beerworks.

Given the current state of affairs due to Covid-19, the 2020 edition of National Independent Beer Run Day couldn't be happening at a more appropriate time. Set for July 3, National Independent Beer Run Day was created by the Brewers Association to encourage consumers to purchase craft beers produced by small and independent brewers ahead of their Independence Day celebrations.

In North Texas alone, products from over 80 local and independent brewing operations are sold at bars and breweries across the area. Many outlets are temporarily closed under orders of the state, meaning beer to-go is the only way to go for these businesses literally fighting to stay afloat.

With that in mind, I've compiled a short list of favorites I've enjoyed over the last few months, each of which was purchased during a local brewery visit for beer to-go. All are still available, should you plan on making a pre-Independence Day beer run for celebratory supplies.


Brutal Beerworks - Hop Drop (New England IPA, 8.0% ABV)

• A single hop hazy IPA brewed with only Mosaic hops, Hop Drop features a full spectrum of fruit flavors, with elements of berry, citrus, stone and tropical fruit.

• Available in single 16-ounce cans.

Division Brewing - Macaroon Morning (Coconut Porter, 6.8% ABV)

• Inspired by a chocolate coconut candy, this is a case where the added flavors actually add to the base beer, as opposed to overpowering it. The balanced interplay of the coconut and underlying porter works to create a coconut macaroon in a can.

• Available in four-packs of 16-ounce cans.

HopFusion Ale Works - Port Wine Barrel-Aged Fur Slipper (Imperial Milk Stout, 10% ABV)

• I've said it before, but for me bourbon barrel beers have become a bit ubiquitous, so finding this available curbside was a treat. As for my overall impression, this slipper is a sipper with ample strength and a noticeable port presence.
• Available in single 16-ounce cans.

Peticolas Brewing Co. - The Duke (Barley Wine, 12.0% ABV)

• The Duke isn't new, but the onset of Covid-19 was a catalyst for putting it in cans. It's fruity and boozy, thanks to a balanced mix of of alcohol and esters, but also entirely too easy to drink considering the ABV of 12%. Plus, it's hard to beat the availability of a barley wine on a daily basis.
• Available in four-packs of 12-ounce cans.

Division Brewing now open in Arlington

Image credit: Division Brewing.

Establishing itself as the first production brewery in Arlington, Division Brewing held its grand opening last Thursday during an event that served as a sort of New Year's Eve pre-game party. Occurring on the same night as the Cotton Bowl going on at nearby AT&T Stadium, game day traffic didn't seem to be a deterrent, as a sizable crowd made its way to see the newest brewing operation in North Texas.

The work of owner Wade Wadlington and brewer Sean Cooley, Division occupies a warehouse just off the tracks of the Union Pacific Railroad in Downtown Arlington. Brewing has been underway for a couple of months, with some beers debuting during North Texas Beer Week in November, but Thursday's event was the public's first opportunity to get an up-close look at the actual brewery.

A 4-burner pilot system, mash-tun and a set of small-scale fermenters make
up Division's production setup (© Brian Brown/Beer In Big D, click to enlarge).

Consisting of just over 3000 square feet, the interior of the building is essentially a unified taproom and brewery. On the production side of things, Division is a nano-brewery, with an equipment inventory made up of a Psycho Brew 4-Burner Pilot System, a 7-barrel mash tun and a group of (no bigger than) 10-barrel conical fermenters. Opposite those items is the bar and tapwall-fronted cold box, with table seating, pallets of grain and a stack of wood barrels taking up additional room. Given all of that, it may not seem like a huge space on the inside, but visitors also have access to a few thousand square feet or more of outdoor area.

Seventeen beers were tapped on opening day, including a grissette called
Fare Thee Well (© Brian Brown/Beer In Big D, click to enlarge).

Of course, as is the case for all breweries, Division's primary attraction is the beer. And, based on what was offered on day one, the brewery plans to make plenty of that available. No fewer than 17 beers were on tap for the opening, with options covering a number of different styles. Included among beers of American, English and Belgian influence were a couple of farmhouse ales, a Berliner weisse and 7 IPAs (of varying ABV & IBU values). Of those I tried, my favorites were Fare Thee Well, a yeasty, funky and fruity grissette, and X-Mas Morning, an even-keeled coconut chocolate porter.

As for distribution, indications are that the brewery won't begin delivering to local accounts for another month or two. That means, at least for now, if you're looking to check out what Division has to offer, you'll have to make the trek to Arlington. Even then, you'll have to exercise a little patience, since the brewery won't be open again until January 30. Based on my initial impressions, though, it's worth the trip, especially if the price of admission stays the same. As brewery tours go, the trip to Division was a relative bargain, considering $15 got you a pint glass (or snifter) and five full pours.


Division Brewing
506 E. Main Street
Arlington