Lakewood saddles up Pony Pils, a new SMU-inspired brew

Image credit: Lakewood Brewing Co.

Lakewood Brewing Co. of Garland has released a new beer inspired by the alma matter of Wim Bens, founder and president of the brewery. Bens graduated from Southern Methodist University of Dallas (a.k.a. SMU) in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in advertising.

As for the beer, Pony Pils is an America golden lager being billed as "The Beer of Mustang Nation." With an ABV of 4.5%, Pony Pils is "designed for a fun tailgate and game-day experience."

“I’ve been wanting to do a Pony beer for years, and I think that craft beer fans are ready to embrace the crispy bois (beer lingo for light and crisp craft lagers),” says Bens. “As a Mustang, I can’t wait to be on the boulevard on game day with a Pony Pils in hand.”

Pony Pils will also support Lakewood's first scholarship offering, with $1 from every case purchase going to the LBC Future Brewer STEM Scholarship. This initiative strives to "inspire the passions of the next generation of craft brewers.”

Regarding availability, Pony Pils is being delivered to limited draft accounts in July, with cans set to hit shelves in August. The goal, of course, is to hand-off Pony Pils to SMU fans in time for opening day on the gridiron, when the Mustangs meet Louisiana Tech at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on Saturday, September 2.

Take note, though, that while Pony Pils is being launched to kick-off football season, the beer will be available year-round.

Lakewood introduces The Lion's Den limited membership club

Image courtesy of Lakewood Brewing Co.

For the first time in its 11-year history, Lakewood Brewing Co. of Garland is instituting a new exclusive membership club. Limited to only the first 100 members, The Lion's Den will offer enrollees a wide range of membership perks, including a complimentary beer per visit - with no annual limit.

Members will also receive two Lion’s Den Member chalices – one for home and another that will “live” at the Lakewood Taproom. There's also a Lion’s Den Black and Gold Numbered Member Card which is good for 10% off Lakewood gear, food, beer-to-go and event space rentals; as well as early access to brewery event tickets.

On top of all that, privileges include a complimentary pack of Lakewood’s annual Bourbon Barrel Temptress and Lion’s Share releases, and a personal invite to the annual Lion’s Den Members Only “Den Party,” which will serve up an exclusive beer voted on by members.

“We’ve grown a dedicated fandom across Texas over the last decade,” says Wim Bens, founder and president Lakewood. “The Lion’s Den will offer our most devoted and die-hard fans access, fellowship, and a chance to delve deeper into the Lakewood experience. It’s a big deal for us and a smokin’ deal for members.”

Open for enrollment now through July 30, dues for The Lion’s Den are $80 down and $20 per month (plus tax) with benefits kicking in immediately, and membership can be cancelled at any time.

As for the official debut, a Lion's Den Launch Party is set for deadline day on Sunday, July 30. During the event, members can start enjoying their benefits while picking up their swag.

After that, the next open enrollment period will be in December.

Bourbon-n-Branch Brewing to close in Hudson Oaks

Image credit: Bourbon-n-Branch Brewing.

Bourbon-n-Branch Brewing has announced its intention to close in Hudson Oaks.

Founded by Brian Lixey and Joshua Tarbay, Bourbon-n-Branch had just celebrated its one-year anniversary after originally opening in July 2022.Tarbay, incidentally, joined the project after helping co-found Parker County Brewing Co. of Willow Park in 2017.

Regarding the name, Bourbon-n-Branch was a cocktail enjoyed by J.R. Ewing, a character played by Larry Hagman on the long-running television series Dallas. The drink and other infusions were a featured attraction at the brewpub, along with the occasional house beer brewed on a one-barrel system.

Community involvement was central to the concept as well, evidenced by a "Neighborhood Series" of beers calling attention to local landmarks, personalities, and neighboring businesses. Bourbon-n-Branch also offered a "Brewers Experience," which allowed participants the opportunity to design, produce and brand personalized beers. 

As for its final day, Bourbon-n-Branch will cease operations at the end of business on Saturday, July 22.

Area breweries win 11 medals at 2023 U.S. Open Beer Championship

Image credit: U.S. Open Beer Championship.

The U.S. Open Beer Championship has announced the winners from its fifteenth annual competition.

For the 2023 event, breweries submitted over 9000 beers representing 160 different categories. Incidentally, the U.S. Open now lays claim to judging more beers styles than any competition in the world.

As far as our local showing, eight breweries from North Texas were awarded 11 medals combined (6 silver, 5 bronze). First time U.S. Open medalists for 2023 include Celestial Beerworks of Dallas, Odd Muse Brewing Co. of Farmers Branch, Union Bear Brewing Co. of Plano, and the yet-to-open Armor Brewing Co. of Allen.

A rundown of winning beers from North Texas is provided below. You can also click here for a complete competition summary.

Armor Brewing Co., Allen

• Silver for R&D Sticke Altbier in the Historical Beer category.

Bankhead Brewing Co., Rowlett

• Bronze for Classy Chassis in the French/Belgian Ale - Belgian-Style Blonde Ale category.

Celestial Beerworks, Dallas

• Silver for Ground Control in the Mixed Culture Brett Beer category.
• Bronze for Mailer Daemon in the New England/Juicy DIPA category.

Maple Branch Craft Brewery, Fort Worth

• Silver for Raspberry Field in the American Berry/Fruit Beer - Raspberry category.
• Bronze for Bavarian Classic in the Münchner Dunkel category.

Oak Highlands Brewery, Dallas

• Bronze for Barrel-Aged Vanilla Porter with Tart Cherries in the Barrel-Aged Fruit Beer category.

Odd Muse Brewing Co., Farmers Branch

• Silver for Fun Tolerance Grapefruit IPA in the American Berry/Fruit Beer - Grapefruit category.

Union Bear Brewing Co., Plano

• Silver for Union Bear Bock in the Bock category.
• Silver for Union Bear Foeder Saison in the Foeder and Cask-Aged Beer category.

White Rock Alehouse & Brewery, Dallas

• Bronze for Dreamsicle Kayak Specialty/Anything Goes category.

Cheers and congratulations to all!