Old Town Brewhouse closing in Lewisville

Image credit: Old Town Brewhouse.

Old Town Brewhouse of Lewisville is closing its doors, with the final day of operations set for Saturday, November 2.

Originally debuting as Cobra Brewing Co. in December 2013, one of the brewery's first beers was the aptly-named Anti-Venom Amber Ale. Over time, brews with a bit more bite were Cobra's signature, with higher ABV options like Dawn of the Dank Double IPA, Klurichaun (barleywine) and The Kitchen Sink (imperial stout) being some of the brewery's most sought-after offerings.

That changed after a re-branding of the business in late 2017. From then on known as Old Town Brewhouse (a reference to its home in Old Town Lewisville), the company took on a classic rock theme. The slogan "craft beer that rocks" adorned a new logo, while more sessionable styles began to emerge from the brewhouse, each bearing the name of a 1970s-era classic rock song.

The brewery celebrate its "Last Call" this weekend, with taproom hours scheduled for Friday from 4-10 p.m., and Saturday from 12 p.m. until midnight.

3 Nations debuts its showy new shed in Carrollton

 (All photos: © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D).

A craft brewery now resides in Carrollton, as 3 Nations Brewing Co. has opened the doors to its new location in the city after relocating from its previous site in Farmers Branch.

Initially debuting in the summer of 2015, 3 Nations got its start after taking over the original space of Grapevine Craft Brewery, following that operation's move to its namesake city. Along the way, 3 Nations has made a name for itself with beers like GPA, Mango Smash IPA and Haze Wizard, along with offerings from its Devout Imperial Milk Stout series.

Now, 3 Nations occupies a former grain warehouse anchoring a corner of Historic Downtown Carrollton. Built in the 1950s, real estate listings for the structure known as the "shed" quote a usable space of just under 12,000 square feet, but the place feels bigger...much bigger. So much so, one wonders if a survey team should be called out to recheck the numbers.

Views from above and below capture the production system at 3 Nations, along with a pilot system
composed of tanks once used at Hoffbrau Steaks & Brewery in the 1990s (click image to enlarge).

In any case, the brewing apparatus from Farmers Branch takes up a good portion of the south end of the building, fronting what's essentially an indoor patio to the north. Along the eastern edge, there's a climate-controlled taproom, an event space, and a second-floor public area with additional seating and expansive views of the brewhouse.

Also of note, 3 Nations has acquired a bit of North Texas brewing history in the form of equipment once used by Hoffbrau Steaks & Brewery in the late 1990s. Visible alongside the array of production fermenters, the set includes a brew kettle and four "tax determination" tanks made of copper and stainless steel. And, they're not just for display either, as the whole lot is expected to be put to use as 3 Nations' pilot system.

Of course, there's plenty of room to mix and mingle outdoors as well, given the overall lot size of 20,000 square feet. On opening day alone, there were multiple food trucks, vendors, a giant dart board and inflatable attractions for the kids, all of which made for a family-friendly atmosphere enjoyed by a large crowd of young and old alike.

It's an impressive setup, to say the least, and given 3 Nations' proximity to shops and restaurants downtown, it's one that makes Carrollton an instant North Texas craft beer destination. As for when to visit, check out the brewery during taproom hours seven days a week, and don't forget to mark your calendar for the official grand opening scheduled for Saturday, November 16.

Rahr & Sons reveals 15th Anniversary details

Image credit: Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. (click image to enlarge).

Set to reach a milestone few brewing operations in North Texas have achieved, Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. of Fort Worth has announced preliminary information related to the company's upcoming 15th Anniversary.

Two consecutive days of festivities will mark the occasion, with events scheduled for Friday and Saturday, November 15-16.

• Friday, November 15 from 7-10 p.m. -- VIP Preview Night featuring an opportunity to rub elbows with Rahr & Sons' owners, employees and staff while getting exclusive first access to rare Rahr brews. Admission includes food and entertainment ($45pp, click here to purchase one of only 100 tickets available online).

• Saturday, November 16 from 12-4 p.m. -- 15th Anniversary Party featuring live music, three food trucks and over 30 beers on tap ($35pp for early entry at 12 p.m., or $25pp for general admission at 1 p.m., click here to purchase tickets).

In addition, Rahr & Sons is teasing a very special announcement, the details of which will be revealed at both celebrations.

Prost!

Maple Branch cultivating new craft brewery in Fort Worth

Maple Branch co-founder Stuart Maples was named 2018 Master Brewer of the Year
by Fort Worth's Cap and Hare Homebrew Club (Maple Branch Craft Brewery).

Up until now, areas to the south and east have been the primary target for breweries planning to open in Fort Worth, but at least one new project is looking to change that by setting down roots near the confluence of the Clear and West Forks of the Trinity River.

Stuart and Allyssa Maples are the founders of Maple Branch Craft Brewery, the husband-and-wife team also being fellow graduates of Texas Christian University (TCU). Together, they've secured a spot for their venture at 2628 Whitmore St. on the city's west side. There, Maple Branch will be located in The Foundry District, joining a developing collective of businesses focused on curating "an entrepreneurial spirit, with a distinctly Fort Worth vibe."

Renderings depict front elevation and aerial views of Maple Branch's location in
The Foundry District of Fort Worth (Maple Branch Craft Brewery/HCC Commercial Contracting). 

Regarding the brewery's space, construction is underway on an existing structure made up of 6,900 square feet. A taproom and small-batch production system will be contained inside, while an expansive beer garden (also 6,900 square feet) will comprise a public area outdoors. Overall, patrons should expect a scene inspired by nature, with greenery and dark wood decor setting the tone for warm, comfortable surroundings.

Once Maple Branch opens, the plan is to offer up a variety of beer styles, some of which will likely be drawn from a portfolio of recipes that have won more than 40 awards at homebrewing competitions across the country. As for when that will occur, the couple is aiming for a debut sometime in spring 2020.

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For more on Maple Branch, follow the brewery on Facebook or visit the company's website at www.maplebranchbrew.com.