Hop & Sting secures shelf space at Albertsons, Tom Thumb

Image credit: Hop & Sting Brewing Co.

Hop & Sting Brewing Co. of Grapevine has announced a new deal which provides the company with valuable retail space for its products at North Texas locations of Albertsons and Tom Thumb.

According to Hop & Sting co-founder Brian Burton, the plan is to start out with placements in seven stores, then add more over time. The first to receive a shipment was the Tom Thumb store on 302 S. Park Blvd. in Grapevine, and another at 4000 William D. Tate Ave. is slated take delivery on Monday.

First placements of Hop & Sting products on shelves at Tom Thumb in Grapevine (Brian Burton).

From there, stores in Colleyville, Coppell, Plano, Dallas and Fort Worth are also in the queue, with orders currently pending from those locales.

As far as what beers will be available, Burton says stores will be able to pick and choose from a mix of year-round and select seasonal brews. From the regular lineup, options include Aluminum Cowboy Light Lager, Masterminds IPA, Miracle Wheat, Northeast Texas IPA and Weisser Time Hefeweizen, while seasonal selections will consist of Local 3113 Oktoberfest Lager, and Christmas Cookie Ale, when those recipes are available.

Grapevine Main Street Fest to offer 'A Taste of Texas'

Image credit: City of Grapevine.

Announced during a special event at Hop & Sting Brewing Co. of Grapevine on Wednesday, the 2023 edition of Grapevine Main Street Fest will present a new option for craft beer fans in attendance.

Sponsored by Gaylord Texan, "A Taste of Texas" is a new tasting experience featuring products exclusively from breweries in the Lone Star State. This attraction is in addition to the "Craft Brew Experience," which has been a standard offering at the event for a number of years, though limited to brands under the Ben E. Keith distribution umbrella.

Hop & Sting, of course, is the City of Grapevine's hometown brewery. According to co-founder Brian Burton, the company has participated in Main Street Fest on a small-scale basis in the past, but this is the first year Hop & Sting has been an official event sponsor.

"We will be sponsoring the Gazebo Stage [for live music]," says Burton. "This will allow us influence on some of the acts, plus we'll have our own booth next to the gazebo with eight Hop & Sting beers on draft."

Upwards of 20 breweries or more from the Lone Star State will
participate in Taste of Texas at Main Street Fest. (City of Grapevine.).

As far as the overall attention being given to Texas breweries at Main Street Fest (many of which appear in the above poster shared during the Taste of Texas unveiling), this aspect has been a focus of Hop & Sting and others in the community for a number of years.

"We worked with the City of Grapevine to add the Taste of Texas event," add Burton, "bringing in over 20 Texas breweries new to the festival."

Main Street Fest will take place in Historic Downtown Grapevine from Friday, May 19 through Sunday, May 21. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the event website at https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/main-street-fest/.

Christmas coming early at Hop & Sting

Image credit: Hop & Sting Brewing Co.

Hop & Sting Brewing Co. of Grapevine is calling for an early Christmas with the release of its seasonal Christmas Cookie Ale. Previously a taproom exclusive, the beer is being packaged for the first time this year.

A press release describes Christmas Cookie Ale as "a tasty treat with sugar, spice, and everything nice." With an ABV of just 5%, the beer is of lower strength compared to other winter ales, making for an "easy drinking delight" you'll want to leave out as a treat for Santa.

“Christmas Cookie is an amber ale blended with cinnamon and vanilla to give you that taste of the holiday season, like a fresh-baked cookie on Christmas morning,” says Jon Powell, co-owner of Hop & Sting. “Our Taproom customers can’t get enough of this beer and actually ask about it year-round, so we’re thrilled to be able to share it across DFW and help get everyone in the holiday spirit.”

Christmas Cookie Ale will be available on draft and in six-packs of 12-ounce cans. Look for it at local bars, restaurants and retailers beginning this weekend, or stop by the brewery's taproom to enjoy it on tap today.

Hop & Sting expanding product range and reach

Image courtesy of Hop & Sting Brewing Co.

Hop & Sting Brewing Co. of Grapevine, an entity striving to be one of the most diverse craft breweries around, is now available all over the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

The 9000-square-mile economic and cultural hub of North Texas is rich with community and generational diversity, and the brewery is a welcoming atmosphere to all who want to drink and learn about the refreshing complexity and science of craft beer. However, D-FW stretches for nearly 100 miles end-to-end, making it a trek for many.

Recognizing that fact, Hop & Sting has been building relationships in Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Garland, Irving, McKinney, Frisco, Denton and Rockwall to ensure their beers reach the diverse audiences they celebrate.

For craft beer fans from baby boomers to Gen Z, Hop & Sting puts out beers of tradition and trend to quench the thirst of those craving new styles as they discover and engage in the diversity of craft beer. The production schedule and expertly-conducted canning days support the brewery’s ability to maintain a variety of brew styles locally-owned shops and growler bars need to keep customers coming back for more.

“We have enough core beers to keep tap lines stocked with a new brew monthly throughout the year.” states co-owner Brian Burton. “It comes down to being deliberate about brewing beers that are approachable by all and enjoyable to people from all walks of life.”

In addition, Hop & Sting's products support various charities providing assistance to those in need ranging from children to animals, public servants to education. It’s important to the brewery team to get their product out as far as possible to support the livelihood of businesses and nonprofits affected by their work.

One Hop & Sting beer produced to that end is Miracle Wheat. This American-style wheat beer benefits The Miracle League of Southlake, an organization which removes barriers keeping children with mental and physical disabilities off the baseball field and lets them experience the joy of America’s favorite pastime.

As for other current and future offerings, available now is the brewery's latest limited release, Weisser Time (5.4% ABV), a beer described as a "clove and banana-balanced hefeweizen." Then later this month, look for Hop & Sting to unveil its version of Black is Beautiful. Created in collaboration with Weathered Souls Brewing Co. of San Antonio, proceeds from the sale of Black is Beautiful will go to Beersgiving, a North Texas group advocating for diversity in the brewing industry.

Quarantine beer to benefit bartenders

Image credit: Quarantine Brewing/Hop & Sting Brewing Co.

A new beer produced at Hop & Sting Brewing Co. of Grapevine is providing beer drinkers an opportunity to serve those who serve us.

According to a press release, Quarantine Bartender Bail Out is an all-American ale brewed with American 2-row barley, American hops and an American yeast strain. In addition, the beer features an infusion of elderberry, "to give it a special sense of doing what's best for you and your friends as we are coming out of isolation and social distancing."

Quarantine Bartender Bail Out goes on sale at Hop & Sting's taproom beginning Saturday, May 23. Limited to only 4000 cans, Quarantine Bartender Bail Out may be purchased in four-packs for $16, or $5 for individual cans.

A portion of proceeds from sales of Quarantine Bartender Bail Out will go to support those in the service industry who have lost their jobs. Merchandise promoting the release is also available at www.quarantinebeer.com. Leave a tip with purchase, and 100% of that money goes directly to servers and bartenders.

Pink Boots NTX releases first canned collaboration

Image credit: Hop & Sting Brewing Co.

Working in collaboration with Hop & Sting Brewing Co. of Grapevine, The Pink Boots Society - NTX Chapter has released its first canned beer for distribution. Aptly named “She’s Intense,” the beer represents the intensity of the group's work to bring more women into the craft beer S.T.E.M. career path throughout North Texas, as well as the beer's intense triple dry hop schedule, which included the 2020 Pink Boots hop blend.

The brew day for She's Intense was led by Betsi Good of Plano's Union Bear Brewing Co., with assistance provided by Danii Oliver of Island to Island Brewery, an area project in development. The session also included educational demonstrations for chapter members Angi Thomas, alcoholic beverage writer of The Undeniable Vixen, and Lorinda Pinto, cellar person at Martin House Brewing Co. of Fort Worth.

Throughout the day the women welcomed young girls into the brewhouse, teaching them about S.T.E.M. aspects involved in the manufacture of fermented beverages. Industry professionals also came by in support of Women’s History Month, and to witness history in the making for women of craft beer in Dallas-Fort Worth.

“This brew day happening at Hop & Sting comes from a personal standpoint for me," says Jeremy Fernald, sales manager at Hop & Sting.  "I have a one-year old daughter, Carden, and recently did a homebrew so she could be a part of what I love to do.  I think it's absolutely vital for her to follow her passion when she's ready to do so and I'll be right there to cheer her on.”

As for the beer itself, She's Intense (8.5% ABV) is described as a delicious and surprisingly easy drinking brew with a smooth mouthfeel and a soft, balanced bitterness. It features an array of fruit flavors, with a tropical aroma and notes of pine.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of She's Intense will be donated to the Pink Boots Society, benefiting women who earn a living from the beer industry.

“It's part of our business to share a part of ourselves and our product to help or advocate for our community," says Brian Burton, co-founder of Hop & Sting. "We also understand how hard it is to break into the brewing industry. When we meet people who are willing to work hard to do what we do, we are happy to give advice or act as mentors. We don't care who you are, who you know, or what you look like. If you have the right work ethic, we'll find a place for you. That place may be with us, or with a brewery we know and respect.

“[Co-founder] Jon Powell and I have trained, hired, or mentored quite a few people in the industry.  Specifically, we've done so with quite a few women. Most recently, we have mentored Betsi on multiple systems and standards. Even though we are at different breweries, we don't stop being mentors.”

She's Intense is available now in six-packs of 12-ounce cans at Hop & Sting's location in Grapevine. The beer will also be sold at retail, with deliveries expected to begin soon.

---

Join members of the Pink Boots Society -NTX Chapter, Hop & Sting Brewing Co., and others for a She's Intense Digital Release Event, taking place live at Denton County Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 19 (click here for more information).

Hop & Sting adds Sir William's to NTX Strong series

Image credit: Hop & Sting Brewing Co.

Hop & Sting Brewing Co. of Grapevine is expanding its charity beer offerings with the addition of a recipe inherited from the Grapevine Craft Brewery brand.

Sir William's English Brown Ale is now one of four full-time beers making up what Hop & Sting calls its NTX Strong lineup of charity beers. A core brand at Grapevine Craft Brewery (acquired by Hop & Sting in June 2018), Sir William's was awarded a gold medal at the 2014 Great American Beer Festival, as well as a silver medal at the 2016 event.

“Before starting Hop & Sting, my co-founder Jon Powell and I were part of the team that brewed the gold medal winning batch of Sir William's," says Brian Burton, co-founder of Hop & Sting. "Sir William's is a wonderful beer and we wanted to keep it in our lineup. It is still the same great recipe that we all loved, and it is a natural fit for our NTX Strong lineup."

Regarding the choice of charity for Sir William's, Powell says adding a beer to benefit local law enforcement officers was a no-brainer.

“Our first responders and their families serve our communities," explains Powell. "It is a small token of our immense appreciation to dedicate another beer to give back to those heroes."

As of today, the NTX Strong series at Hop & Sting looks like this:

• Fire Engine Red/3113 Oktoberfest Lager - benefits Local 3113 Firefighters Benevolent Fund.
• Miracle Wheat - benefits Miracle League of Southlake.
• Dixon's Series - benefits Dallas Pets Alive.
• Sir William's - benefits Texas Peace Officers Benevolent Fund.

The NTX Strong program also includes a rotating tap that gives to a new local charity every month, and events like the brewery's Charity Bingo Night are used to help pitch in as well. Groups besides those mentioned above who benefit from Hop & Sting's efforts include Grapevine AMBUCS, Pro Players Foundation, Lupus Foundation of America, Pink Boots Society NTX Chapter, Second Chance SPCA, Gallant Few and more.

Fifty cents of every pint, $1 of every six-pack sold in the taproom and 5% of offsite beer sales go to those sponsored. In its first year after acquiring the facility in Grapevine, Hop & Sting gave over 1% of their overall revenue to charity. And, it's notable that the company considers its charity commitment as overhead, since rather than only giving a percentage of profits, Hop & Sting writes donation checks before the owners pay their own salaries.

“I’m truly happy we are able to give back through our NTX Strong program," adds Lane Joseph, co-owner and CTO at Hop & Sting. "Drinking beer and helping people, it doesn’t get any better than that!"

Look for NTX Strong beers on draft at select retailers and in the taproom at Hop & Sting. Miracle Wheat is currently the only NTX Strong beer available in cans, but Sir William's (March), Fire Engine Red (Summer) and 3113 Oktoberfest (August) are expected to be packaged in the months ahead.

Hop and Sting launching beer to benefit Dallas Pets Alive

When not taking time to admire his namesake beer, Dixon enjoys meeting new friends, giving
friends his toys and carrying around blankets, especially blue ones (Hop & Sting Brewing Co.)

Created in honor of a dog adopted from Dallas Pets Alive, Hop & Sting Brewing Co. of Grapevine has announced the release of Dixon's Pale Ale, with a launch event set to occur on National Beer Lovers Day.

Hop & Sting co-owner, Brian Burton, rescued Dixon "the brewery dog" from Dallas Pets Alive on October 20, 2014. The next day, Dixon accompanied Burton to work at a local brewery, and he has continued to do so almost every day for the first two years of his life.

As for the beer, Dixon's Pale Ale is described as "an American pale ale with intense hop flavor and aroma, balanced with a light caramel finish. It is hoppy enough for hopheads to enjoy, while approachable enough for everyone else. It is a great all-around beer to drink alongside a great all-around dog like Dixon."

Dixon's Pale Ale is on tap now in Hop & Sting's taproom at Grapevine Craft Brewery, and it's also available in kegs for delivery to draft accounts. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the beer will benefit Dallas Pets Alive, with fifty cents from each taproom sale and five percent of all off-site sales going directly to the rescue organization.

Festivities celebrating the debut of the beer will take place at the brewery on Friday, September 7. After that, look for Dixon's Pale Ale to be packaged in cans for sale this fall at independent beer stores around North Texas, as well as at area locations of Total Wine and Whole Foods Market.

Hop & Sting purchases Grapevine facility

Image courtesy of
Hop & Sting Brewing Co.

Effective June 1, Hop and Sting Brewing Co. has signed a contract to purchase assets of Grapevine Craft Brewery.

Talks between the two companies were originally focused on allowing Hop & Sting to contract brew at the facility in Grapevine, but discussions eventually morphed into something more. Now, with an agreement in place, Hop & Sting will have a place to call home, while brewing in one of the area's best brewing facilities.

It's a coming home of sorts for the Hop & Sting team, which consists of Brian Burton, Jon Powell and Lane Joseph, all of whom worked at Grapevine Craft Brewery in the past.

"It has been a long road starting Hop & Sting, but we finally have a home in a great community," says Burton."I am also excited to get back into a facility that I helped commission."

“I’m especially stoked to be brewing some of the same beers that were developed in my parents barn, less than 10 miles away," adds Powell. "It feels good to be back home again."

“It’s been a very exciting process getting Hop and Sting off the ground," says Joseph. "I am thrilled to be back in the Grapevine facility doing what I love!”

Taproom staff will be maintained through the transition, and there are no plans to make significant changes to the name of the facility. It will simply be referred to as Hop and Sting at Grapevine Craft Brewery. Popular Grapevine brands will also continue to be brewed and made available alongside new and exciting Hop and Sting brands like Northeast Texas IPA, Remedio Southwest Wit and Galactic Haze Belgian White IPA.

On the question of contract brewing, Burton says that aspect of Grapevine's business will continue on a small scale. The focus there will be on up-and-coming brewing companies looking to get their brand out in the market, just like Hop & Sting was when it got started.

---

Hop & Sting at Grapevine Craft Brewery is located at 906 Jean St. in Grapevine. For more information on the companies, visit their websites at hopandsting.com and www.grapevineontap.com.

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.

---

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.

Hop & Sting begins production in Farmers Branch

Images courtesy of Hop & Sting Brewing Co.

Looking to get the company's first commercial beer into the hands of consumers by the end of the month, Hop & Sting Brewing Co. has begun production, with the inaugural brew day in the books as of November 3.

As previously reported, Hop & Sting founders Brian Burton and Jon Powell will launch their brand while operating under an alternating proprietorship agreement with 3 Nations Brewing Co. in Farmers Branch. The move allows Hop & Sting to brew at an established facility while continuing to look for a permanent location for its future brewpub.

“It has been a long road starting Hop and Sting Brewing Co.," says Burton. "We still have a long way to go to get our own facility, but we are excited to get brewing now.”

Galactic Haze IPA features a mix of Ariana, Ekuanot and Mosaic hops.

The first beer to emerge from the fermenters will be a white IPA called Galactic Haze (7.2% ABV, 45 IBU). Beyond that, consumers can expect Hop & Sting's initial line of offerings to include a witbier, infused with lavender and sage, and a Belgian-style dubbel, brewed with ancho and chipotle chili peppers.

“Our main focus is on the beer and making it the best we know how," adds Powell. "Sharing a facility allows us to focus on our product and our customers, the way craft brewing is suppose to be!”

Regarding distribution, the company's beers will be available on draft and in cans. It should be noted, however, that due to certain regulations, Hop & Sting-branded beers will not be served in 3 Nations' taproom. Despite that, visitors to the brewery can still get a taste of what Hop & Sting is all about, by way of beers brewed in collaboration with 3 Nations that are expected to be tapped on a regular basis.

North Texas Craft Beer Conspectus - October 25, 2017 edition

With the start of North Texas Beer Week looming on the horizon, it makes sense to slip in another edition of the Craft Beer Conspectus. This time around, coverage includes news on three new brewing operations, and two local brews now available in cans.

Cheers!


Landon Winery now offering house beers

 

 Image credit: Landon Winery. 

Sliding in somewhat under the radar, Landon Winery of Greenville began serving its own brand of beer in August. The beers, which up to now have included a blonde ale, a bock and a kölsch, are a collaborative effort between Landon and Good Neighbor Brews of Wylie. Wort for each beer is prepped by the brewers at Good Neighbor prior to being passed on to the winery, where fermentation takes place on site.

  

   Image credit: Martin House Brewing Co. 

A new hefe from Martin House

Martin House Brewing Co. launched its latest beer, Martin House Hefeweizen, during an event at its Fort Worth brewery on Thursday. Release notes indicate the beer is brewed in the traditional German style, with flavors of banana, clove and a hint of bubblegum sweetness leading the way. Look for it in six-packs of 12-ounce cans for a limited time.

Wild Acre cans Texas Blonde Ale

Image credit: Wild Acre Brewing Co.

Wild Acre Brewing Co. of Fort Worth has packaged its Texas Blonde Ale in cans, with six-packs rolling out to retail locations this week. The beer, which debuted over the summer as a draft offering, is said to feature a tropical essence brought on by the use of Azacca hops.


Hop & Sting receives TABC license

Image credit: Hop & Sting Brewing Co.

After receiving approval from the TABC on Tuesday, Hop & Sting Brewing Co. is now officially licensed. For those unaware, Hop & Sting has entered into an alternating proprietorship agreement with 3 Nations Brewing Co., which means both entities will operate out of the same facility in Farmers Branch. As for when consumers can expect the first production brews, founders Brian Burton and Jon Powell suggested a late-November time frame as a best-guess estimate.

Image credit: TKO Libations.

Production begins at TKO Libations

According to co-founder Ty Sefton, production is underway at TKO Libations in Lewisville. The company's first beer, a batch of blueberry blonde, was brewed Tuesday night, and a breakfast stout is next on the agenda. An official grand opening is still a few weeks away, but TKO is now up-an-running on a soft basis during weekends. Check the brewery's social media channels (Facebook, Twitter) for details on that, as well as information on what guest beers the brewery is currently featuring on its tapwall.

3 Nations to debut taproom, partner with Hop & Sting

Image credit: 3 Nations Brewing Co.

Nearly two years after establishing itself in Farmers Branch, 3 Nations Brewing Co. has announced the opening of an onsite taproom.

Up until now, 3 Nations had only been open for monthly tours, but that will change beginning this weekend with a grand opening bash to be held on Saturday. The event, which runs from 12-8 p.m., will feature food, live music and 11 beers on tap.

Regarding the beer, in addition to 3 Nations standards like American Wit, GPA, Mango Smash IPA and Texas Gold, the lineup for the party will include two brews created in collaboration with Hop & Sting Brewing Co. One of these will be Double GPA, a self-explanatory offering, while the other will be a saison infused with whole tamarind called Sobra La Cima (i.e. Over the Top).

On that note, some may not be aware that the two companies recently entered into an alternating proprietorship agreement. Pending the issuance of a license from the TABC, this will allow Hop & Sting to brew part time at the facility currently occupied by 3 Nations. It's a pact that makes sense in more way than one, if you consider the history behind the building and those involved.

The assets, of course, were once owned by Grapevine Craft Brewery. However, once that company shifted operations to Grapevine, 3 Nations owner Gavin Secchi took over the building and its equipment prior to debuting his brand in July 2015. Now, Secchi will be sharing space with Hop & Sting founders Brian Burton and Jon Powell, both of whom worked at Grapevine prior to its move from Farmers Branch. In other words, Burton and Powell have prior experience working with the system currently in place at 3 Nations.

As for the taproom, according to a press release, operating hours will be as follows: Thursday 5-9 p.m., Friday 5-10 p.m. and Saturday 12-8 p.m.