New Brews {Oddwood Ales}

Words by Hannah J. Phillips & Sam Lauron Photos by Shelby Bella

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.  

 “All of our favorite bars around Austin and across the country are tucked into neighborhoods,” Taylor notes, “so we really wanted to create that cozy setting, and what really sets us apart is the selection of beers we keep at any given time. We run the gamut from clean, well-aged lagers to hoppy pale ales and sour beers. It’s cool to keep all that under one roof.”

The variety and novelty of Oddwood’s selection definitely caters to the full spectrum of consumers, from craft beer connoisseurs to beer novices and beyond. With two ciders on tap, plus wine available by the glass, there really is something for everyone. 

“We don’t really beat you over the head with the fact that we’re a brewery,” says Taylor, who wants both the menu and the space to be inviting to all. A small window displays a few fermentation tanks and wooden vessels, but the brewpub otherwise feels like a cozy neighborhood hangout. 

Like Southern Heights, the Eastside chose the Ziebarth brothers, who looked at different spaces around Austin before landing in their current home on Manor Road. Originally a taqueria, the space became a night club and served as a film set for Robert Rodriguez’s Machete before housing a local design firm. Sandwiched between Mueller and MLK, the brewery has already become a neighborhood favorite in its first year. 

“We have an incredible group of regulars, and it’s awesome getting to know people from different walks of life,” Taylor says. Their hope for the future is to build on those relationships and know the community’s needs in order to begin donating more locally. 

After the success of their first can release for their one year anniversary, the duo plans to work on packaging. They’re also looking into bottling sour beers and have their sights on distribution later in 2019. However, the main focus will always be on the beer itself. “We are always trying to refine both the beer and the food,” says Taylor, “just making the best stuff we can.” 

Highlights
Dog-friendly deck and more open space in the works for 2019. Open late (11pm) on Friday and Saturday nights as an alternative for a night on the town.

Tasting Notes
If you’re not sure where to begin, Oddwood Ales is a great place for beer 101. Start somewhere in the middle with the lagers, and let your savvy bartender (which will likely be Brett or Taylor) be your guide.

Game Night
What would drinking be without a little entertainment? If a spirited round of games sounds like fun, then visit Oddwood Ales to enjoy classic arcade and board games like Pac Man, Galaga, and Battleship, to name a few. Gamers can also partake in one of Hops & Grain’s monthly game nights. On the second Wednesday of every month, the brewery hosts a meet up for a casual evening of playing board games. 

Contact:
oddwoodales.com
3108 Manor Rd.