This week, in The Brew! We talk about the good, the bad and the ugly side of politics and how it effects local brewers, We see what brewpub is evolving and is doing business under a new name, we talk about a week long celebration towards beers and lastly, we give you the heads up about some great events coming up. We are taking a little vacation this weekend which is well overdue so there will not be an edition of The Brew! next week. We will be back with a new edition of The Brew! on April 1^st so until then, keep drinking local, cheers!

Texas – In the midst of a rapidly expanding craft beer industry in Texas, brewers are working hard to get their name out there and to push their products to the public. Currently, Texas craft brewers are allowed to self-distribute up 40,000 barrels a year but the new proposed House Bill 3389 filed by Texas Rep. Senfronia Thompson is looking to reduce that amount to only 5,000 barrels. It is without saying, local brewers are not happy to hear about the proposed bill. It has been reported that Thompson has received many donations for Texas distributors in the past and it adds speculation to the reason for such a bill. This bill would force small breweries to depend on a distributor to handle the sales of their products. To make a bad situation even worse, breweries that use a distributors do not have control of territorial distribution rights but the distribution companies have the right to sell territorial rights to other distributors for a profit. A lawsuit filed back in December by Live Oak, Peticolas and Revolver brewing against the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is looking to change the distribution rights and regulations. Just last week, State Sen. Kevin Eltife introduced Senate Bill 1386 which would give breweries the right to sell beer to brewery visitors for off-site consumption. While it has not been confirmed, reports on social media have stated that Thompson has planning on backing off of her bill. We will have to stay tuned for any updated. There is a battle between good and evil in Texas and we can only hope to see bills passed that will only progress the sales and distribution of Texas craft beer.

Fort Worth – Big changes are brewing at Zio Carlo Magnolia Brew Pub. The Ft. Worth brewpub has been dropping hints of a big change coming on their Facebook page with a Transformation Complete event coming up on March 21st. On March 9^th, co-owner Adam Gonzales posted on the Cap and Hare message board about the upcoming change and invited everyone out to join them as they transition into something new. On March 13th, co-owner Carlo Galotto announced on his personal Facebook page that it was the last official day could be legally known as Zio Carlo Magnolia Brew Pub and then it all came together, Zio Carlo had officially been changed to Chimera Brewing Company. The third partner of Zio Carlo, Austin Jones left the business at the end of 2014 which was a big reason according to Gonzales’ post that they found it “fitting and reflective to move forward under a new name”. We are very excited to see Adam and Carlo continue to grow and wish them continued success.

San Antonio – It is that time of year again for the San Antonio Beer Week. The weeklong celebration of craft beer kicks off this Saturday at the history Main Plaza in downtown San Antonio with events happening at the local bars and breweries all across town. The SABW will end on the 29^th with closing ceremonies on the grounds of the Pearl Brewery in the style of a small beer festival featuring San Antonio and nearby breweries bringing out some great beers. VIP ticket holders will get a chance to check out the new Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery which is slated to be opening soon. If you are heading to San Antonio be sure to check their website for all of the great events. Also, don’t forget to stop by all of the San Antonio breweries Branchline, Busted Sandal, Ranger Creek, Alamo Beer Co, Freetail, The Granary and Blue Star which will host open houses and special events during this week long event.

Events – With warmer temps comes spring events. It is time to mark your calendars because there are a lot of great events going on over the next week. Don’t forget you can always shoot us an email and we will be sure to add your events to the weekly list.

March 21^st: Real Ale Tenabrae Aeterna Release Party

March 21^st: 8^th Wonder Brewery’s 2^nd Anniversary Celebr8ion

March 28^th: Southern Star Brewing’s 7^th Anniversary Party

March 28^th: Infamous Brewing’s 2yr Anniversary Extravaganza

March 28^th: Houston Firkin Fest

March 28^th: Craft Pride Hot Pepper Beer Party

March 29^th: Historical Katy Crawfish Festival @ No Label Brewing

As always, if you’re looking to get out this weekend we suggest you visit a local brewery, don’t forget that we have a list of all of the breweries near you so head over to the Breweries and Brewpubs page and go support your local brewers.

This week in, The Brew! We have some very sad news coming out of Abilene, we have our fingers crossed for a bill that is hitting the state capitol, we see who is turning 4 and lastly, we tell you about some events worth checking out during SXSW. Check it out now in this week’s edition of, The Brew!

Before I talk about the news this week, I would like to thank everyone who came out last Sunday to help us rally for Lynn Smith of Fatback Boucherie & Catering. Fatback Boucherie went through an 80lb pig and sold out in just under two hours. We would like to thank Rogness Brewing for allowing us to host this event at their wonderful brewery and thank them for their hospitality. We will continue to rally behind Lynn as she continues her fight against cancer. Thank you again to everyone that come out to make the event a big success.

Courtesy of Cypress Street Station

Abilene– It is with heavy hearts we announce that Brian Green, the owner of Cypress Street Station out in Abilene has passed away at the age of 56. He died of a heart attack while on vacation Thursday. Brian opened the Cypress Street Station in 1993 in downtown Abilene serving new American cuisine. In 2009 Brain introduced craft beer to the restaurant and became the first brewpub in Abilene. Our thoughts are with the family of Brian and his wonderful staff.

Texas – Today news broke from the Texas Craft Brewers Guild that a bill has been filed by State Senator Kevin Eltife of Tyler which would grant Texas craft brewery visitors the right to take home beer purchased at Texas craft breweries. This news is one of the most exciting things for Texas brewers since the bill passed in 2013 which allowed breweries to sell beer for on premise consumption. While there is still a long battle to go, it is exciting to see this new bill on the table. The following comes directly from the Texas Craft Brewers Guild.

“Texas State Senator Kevin Eltife (R-Tyler) introduced Senate Bill 1386, which grants Texas craft brewery visitors the right to take home beer purchased at Texas craft breweries. Along with a companion bill (House Bill 3086) introduced in the Texas State House of Representatives by Rep. Jim Keffer (R-Eastland), this legislation is expected to further enhance the national recognition Texas craft beer brings to the state, encourage craft beer fans to travel to Texas, and bolster Texas’ reputation as a craft beer destination.

Building on legislation introduced by Senator Eltife in 2013 allowing breweries to sell beer to guests for consumption in their tap rooms, this legislation enables those same breweries to sell beer in cans, bottles or growlers for visitors to take home. As beer tourism grows, the ability for brewery visitors to purchase souvenir beers enhances the experience for these customers. This modernization of the Texas alcoholic beverage code is seen as a great step toward making Texas a leading craft beer state.

The bills allow breweries that produce less than 225,000 barrels of beer per year (a barrel is equivalent to two kegs of beer) to sell beer directly to the ultimate consumer. The consumer can purchase up to 576 fluid ounces, or the equivalent of two cases of beer, once a month from a Texas brewery.

“Texas craft brewers continue to bring economic growth, jobs, and national recognition to the state,” said Senator Eltife. “This legislation is designed to finish what we started last session and bring people from around the country to this state which is rapidly becoming the epicenter of craft brewing quality.”

Representative Keffer commented “This gives Texas breweries the same rights already enjoyed by wineries, distilleries and many of their out-of-state competitors. Most important, it gives consumers greater access to Texas-made beer.”

Texas craft beer is on a recent tear with 44% growth in production by breweries impacted by this legislation, delivering an economic impact of $2.3 billion in 2013, and by bringing home 16 medals at the most recent Great American Beer Festival. Only three other states brought home more awards.”

This is a story we will be following closely so stay tuned and we will bring you all of the news as it develops. We are keeping our fingers crossed and hoping to see this bill get approved.

Austin – Time sure has flown by quick for the guys at Circle Brewing Company who will be celebrating four years in business this weekend. While the madness of SXSW will be taking over downtown, Circle Brewing will be celebrating with all of their fans at their brewery in north central Austin. Along with the celebration, Circle will also be serving their latest beer, “Devil’s Envy” which is an amber ale that has been aged in whiskey barrels. They also have food vendors available and live music to keep the crowd entertained. You better get there early if you want to snag one of their 1000 4^th Anniversary souvenir glasses. We would like to congratulate the guys of Circle a happy four year and wish you many more brewing years to come.

Austin – Texas Beer Guide officially launched during SXSW in 2012 because we found that to be the best place to interact with people from across the world and promote Texas craft beer. It is that time of year again when Austin becomes overrun with film, tech and music fans for this year’s SXSW festival. For many that descend on Austin for the festival, they don’t tend to stray far away from downtown but fear not there is plenty of places to get a taste of Texas brewed beers. If you are here for a good time, we have a few events worth checking out that will feature Texas beer.

3/14 – Circle Brewing 4yr Anniversary

While this Austin brewery is not located in downtown, it is just a short train ride north. Jump on the train at the convention center and get off at the Kramer stop. The event will take place from 1-5pm and feature live music and food vendors. 2340 W Braker Ln, Austin, TX 78758

3/17 – The Feast of Saint Patrick @ Hops & Grain Brewery

Let’s not forget that next Tuesday is Saint Patrick’s Day and while many will be drinking green colored fizzy water, you can head east on 6^th St until it dead ends into the Hops & Grain Brewery to get a taste of fine Texas craft beer. The event is from 5pm-11pm so you have plenty of time to celebrate. 507 Calles St., Austin, TX 78702

3/20 – Mother of Pearl Vinyl 2015 Unofficial SXSW Showcase w/ Big Bend Brewing Co.

This event is big news for everyone in Texas that hasn’t had the chance to try beers from Big Bend Brewing Company. They will be showcasing their Tejas Lager and La Frontera IPA at Stay Gold in East Austin from 12pm-7pm and this will be just a teaser before their beers arrive in the Austin market in the summer. This is a free event but you must RSVP to: RSVP@MotherofPearlVinyl.com. 1910 E Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78702

As always, if you’re looking to get out this weekend we suggest you visit a local brewery, don’t forget that we have a list of all of the breweries near you so head over to the Breweries and Brewpubs page and go support your local brewers.

This week in, The Brew! We talk about a grand opening of a brewing company that has been in business for over 13yrs, we see what north Texas brewpub opened their doors on Texas Independence Day and we remind you about a big event we are helping out with this weekend. Next weekend we get busy so have your calendars ready. There is a lot going on across the state and you are not going to want to miss these great events. Until then, enjoy this week’s edition of The Brew!

San Antonio – The day has finally come for Alamo Beer Company. Alamo Beer Company was established in 2003 by founder Eugene Simor in San Antonio. Eugene started the company by working out a contract brewing deal with Real Ale Brewing Company in Blanco where the beer has been brewed until now. This weekend, Alamo Beer Company’s brewery has finally been built and it will open to the public starting Friday March 6^th which will also commemorate the 179^th anniversary of the fall of the Alamo. To celebrate the grand opening of the brewery, a cannon will be fired and the first keg will be tapped at noon which will kick off the opening celebrations. Along with the new brewery opening to the public, Alamo will be serving and showing off their new beers an Amber, Pilsner and a German Pale Ale. Above is a list of the events going on at the brewery this weekend to celebrate this momentous arrival. Best of luck to Eugene and his crew and wishing continued success.

Dallas- The long awaited Braindead Brewing Company opened its doors this weekend in the Deep Ellum neighborhood of Dallas. Braindead Brewing is the creation of Sam Wynne, Andrew Huerter and Jeff Fryman with Chef David Peña running the kitchen. With the brewpub now fully open, the kitchen is cranking out a full menu for lunch and dinner with a late night menu after 10pm, while head brewer Andrew Huerter will be keeping a handful of house beers on tap along with many other local and regional favorites on the guest taps. Currently, their house beers are not available just yet but be sure to check them out next time you are in Dallas.

Austin – This weekend I would like to personally invite you all out to Rogness Brewing on Sunday from 11-3pm. We are proud to be a part of a very special event to support Lynn Smith of Fatback Boucherie & Catering who is currently battling breast cancer which has spread to her liver. Fatback Boucherie will be selling delicious plates for this very special event for only $12 and Rogness Brewing will be selling pints of their great beer. Please note that Rogness Brewing is a family friendly brewery so feel free to bring the whole family for this great event! Please help of spread the word and come out as we rally for Lynn. Click here for more info.

As always, if you’re looking to get out this weekend we suggest you visit a local brewery, don’t forget that we have a list of all of the breweries near you so head over to the Breweries and Brewpubs page and go support your local brewers.