New Brews {Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches}
Words byHannah J. Phillips & Sam LauronPhotos byShelby Bella
Just down the road from Oddwood, Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches celebrates its two-year anniversary this August. Opened by brothers Noah and Josh Lit, Batch has already carved out a niche for itself with its house-made kolaches and a carefully curated beer menu ranging from local to international craft brews.
Expanding into 2000 square feet of a new space next door, the pair have plans to release their own beers under the wizardry of head brewer, John Snyder. An artist by trade with two BFA’s from the University of North Texas, John started home brewing twelve years ago in response to the then sparse selection of local craft beer. His creativity frames his approach toward brewing. “So it might start with an aesthetic aspect, but ultimately, making something that can give people a shared experience is what drives me to create new flavors and tastes,” he explains. John’s goal is to eventually produce an art-inspired series for some of their East Austin regulars.
This imaginative flare is part of what will set Batch’s new offerings apart, along with an eventual focus on mixed cultures. John used to work in the tasting room at Jester King and plans to start with more dry hop faster-fermenting IPA’s before moving to barrels and spontaneous fermentation.
Something that already sets them apart, however, is the huge collection of bottled beer beckoning from the glass case; many of which are priced under $2 during happy hour. Josh came from a job as a beer buyer, so offering that variety is really about letting people learn what they love. The selections need not be overwhelming to beer novices either. The staff are both equipped and eager to guide that education, and that shared experience is really the end goal.
“My favorite part is just watching someone drink a beer and see it tingling their senses,” says John. “That’s what it’s all about.”
Highlights
Swing night on Tuesdays, Jazz night on Thursdays, modular synth meetups on Sundays. And don’t forget to try the delicious house-made kolaches – sweet and savory – made with Micklethwait Craft Meats.
Tasting Notes
The menu already features several mixed- culture heroes like the blackberry and lime- infused Lil’ Nap from Prairie Artisan Ales, but Batch soon will be one of the only local breweries sourcing spontaneous yeast from other countries for its limited batch brews.
Contact
batchatx.com
3220 Manor Rd.
