American Craft Beer The Best Craft Beer, Breweries, Bars, Brewpubs, Beer Stores, And Restaurants Serving Serious Beer.
You don’t have to be a hipster to know about SXSW nowadays . . . It’s a big, big deal, and it’s gone mainstream. It’s happening now in Austin and the world’s come to visit for the music, for the media, for the tech and for the fun. Not only is Austin the place to be right now – It’s the place to drink right now, because Austin is the craft beer capital of Texas!
According to Lee Nichols’ writing for The Austin Chronicle, “Austin has more breweries than any other city in the state.” It’s a great place for beer, and we both have some serious suggestions for SXSW visitors!
1. Live Oak Brewing
Live Oak Brewing is Nichols’ first choice, and we agree it’s a good one. It’s one of the oldest breweries in Austin, and it’s known for its traditional techniques. If you need a break from the madness that is SXSW, we recommend that you schedule a tour of their brewery – it’s a trip!
2. Independence Brewing Company
Independence Brewing Company, which launched in 2004, is another Austin favorite. Mr. Mr. Nichols recommends the Convict Hill Stout and the double IPA they call Stash. We recommend that you look out for their just released “tap-only” seasonal that they call Lupulust. Lupulust is a traditional Belgian-style Tripel with a hop soul. This is a big-ass Trippel that doesn’t want for buzz, clocking in at an aggressive 9% ABV!
3. (512) Brewing Company
(512) Brewing Company is located in the heart of Austin and named after its area code. Mr. Nichols likes their Pecan Porter, and we agree it’s worth searching out. They also make a decent Wit, which is perfect for daytime drinking!
4. Twisted X Brewing Company
Twisted Brewing is all about its Tex-Mex-ness, and everyone agrees that Fuego, their jalapeño pilsner, is a “must try” while you’re in town!
5. Jester King Craft Brewing
Jester King Craft Brewing is fairly new to the scene. It’s a Hill Country brewery and is known for its awesome artisan ales! Mr. Nichols thinks that both the Wytchmaker Rye IPA and the Black Metal Imperial Stout are world-class, and we couldn’t agree more!
6. Thirsty Planet Brewing
Thirsty Planet Brewing is Jester King’s neighbor and also a worthy visit if you’re out that way. The tasting room reminds Mr. Nichols of a California winery, and he like their Buckethead IPA.
7. Circle Brewing Company
Circle Brewing Company has been around just short of a year, and their reputation is growing! We’re big fans of their German wheat beer, Blur.
8. Austin Beerworks
Austin Beerworks is known for their canned craft beers. This brewery is new to us, and we’ve not yet sampled their wares, but Mr. Nichols seems psyched about all of them!
So, have a great time down at SXSW. We hear the music’s good this year, and we know the beer is awesome!
