Austin’s New Brew
Pouring out new flavors
Words by Hannah J. Phillips & Sam Lauron Photos by Shelby Bella
No area of Austin has changed more dramatically over the last decade than East Austin. More and more restaurants and businesses have migrated across I-35, along with artist communities and live-work spaces. With the national craft beer movement creeping into town at the same time, it’s no surprise that the last few years have brought thriving new micro-breweries to the neighborhood. From the dog-friendly lawn at Hi-Sign to the intimate neighborhood brewpub at Oddwood Ales, there’s a variety of must-visit tap rooms to check off this summer’s bucket list.
Oddwood Ales
For Taylor Ziebarth, co-founder and brewmaster at Oddwood Ales, one of the best advantages of being the new kid on the block is the opportunity to experiment. “We’re always trying to learn, so we’re tapping a different beer every week or week and a half,” he says, arguing that bigger breweries don’t often have the same freedoms. For inspiration, Taylor traveled the country with his brother and co-founder, Brett, visiting small micro-breweries before opening Oddwood in March 2018.
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Southern Heights Brewing Co.
“We didn’t choose the Eastside, the Eastside chose us,” says Chris Rich, who co-founded Southern Heights Brewery with his former Dell coworker, Austin Russell. The concept started ten years ago this summer, when the pair took a work trip to Fort Collins, Colorado.
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Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches
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.
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Hi-Sign Brewing
Since opening near Austin Bergstrom Airport in 2017, the mission hasn’t changed, though Mark tweaks the formula from time to time. “Our approach is not to be satisfied with where things are. We’re always striving to make high quality beer, source the best possible ingredients, and develop the best recipes we can. It’s absolutely a passion play.”
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Beer 101
By the Numbers
79 different styles
15 style families
5.9% average ABV
Alcohol by Volume (ABV) can reach more than 20% in some beers. However, 5.9% is average for U.S. craft beers.
Where to start?
The Brewer’s Association provides an extensive A-Z guide published on CraftBeer.com, complete with pictures and examples. However, most brewers would agree that the best way to study beer is simply to drink more of it. Opt for a flight to sample smaller portions of several beers, and ask your bartender for help selecting from a few different styles.
Lager vs. Ale
The main difference between these two is the type of yeast used during fermentation, which alters the color, smell, and taste of the final product. Within these two families, endless variety exists, so next step might be to identify which types of beer from both families you prefer for different occasions.
Summertime Sips
As temperatures rise, reach for a light Pilsner (lager) or sour beer (American wild ale). Where as a pecan pie after a barbecue feast may necessitate a dark porter (ale).
Further Afield
Brick Vault Brewery and Barbecue
Even though Big Bend Brewing ceased operations earlier this year, West Texas locals and visitors can still access excellent craft beer thanks to Brewmaster Brodie Pierce at the Brick Vault in Marathon, Texas. A certified cicerone, Brodie works to align his beers with both the barbecue menu and local history. The Captain Shepard’s Pecan Porter, for example, is named after the town’s founder, and its roasted malts and pecans pair perfectly with the delectable homemade pecan pie. Set in the converted old town mercantile-turned-gas station, the charming patio is the perfect place to unwind after a day in Big Bend National Park.
Marathon, Texas
Lorelei Brewing Company
Named for a deceptively beautiful but deadly feminine water spirit, Lorelei Brewing Company is one of the best lures to the Coastal Bend for craft beer drinkers. The dog- friendly patio is a great alternative or chaser to a day at the beach, and the brewery became the first in Corpus Christi to can craft beer, offering the Khryseis Blonde Ale and Ephyra Double IPA at H-E-B’s across the state.
loreleibrewing.beer | Corpus Christi, Texas
Pubs & Pups
Looking for a watering hole to bring your furry companion along? In a city as pet-friendly as Austin, it’s hard to find a space that isn’t as welcoming to dogs as it is to people. Several breweries around town offer comfortable patio areas for dogs to enjoy: Lazarus, Zilker, Oddwood Ales, Hi-Sign, Hops & Grain, Friends & Allies, Southern Heights, or Blue Owl.
