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 focus on Valentine’s Day and give you the low down on events across the state to enjoy with your loved one. What is better than a romantic day with your significant other over a pint of delicious beer? Forget about the roses and the $200 dinner, this year make Valentine’s a day to remember by checking out one of these great events.

Big Bend Brewing Co. (Valentine) – What better place to spend Valentine’s Day then in Valentine, TX? Big Bend Brewing is hosting their 3^rd annual event to debut their seasonal release of Pasion Peppermint Porter and celebrate the season. They will have the liked of the Joe Ely Band, Mike & the Moonpies and more. The cost to attend this event under the beautiful starry night is only $20 presale or $25 at the gate. Since Valentine is such a small town and Big Bend Brewing doesn’t want you drinking and driving, they will have a shuttle providing transportation to and from the event from Alpine, Marfa, Van Horn and Fort Davis. Click here for more information.

Deep Ellum Brewing Co. (Dallas) – On Friday they will have a French inspired four course meal to pair with their Cherry Chocolate Double Brown Stout. The menu sounds decadent and delicious with a bone-in lamb chop as the main course. For $60 per person, it makes for a great way to enjoy Valentine’s Day together. Click here for more information.

New Braunfels Brewing Co. (New Braunfels) – They say love is in the air on Valentine’s Day but no event is making it more real than New Braunfels Brewing Co. They will be hosting a special event for couples to renew their vows. For only $20 you will receive 2 glasses, 2 beers brewed specially for the event, 2 cupcakes make with their own Shiva’s Tears and lastly, the vow renewal for continued years of love and happiness. Click here for more information.

Oasis, Texas Brewing Co (Austin) – Saturday evening, head to Oasis, Texas Brewing Company for a romantic evening overlooking Lake Travis. They will have a three-course and a la carte menu options from Stuffed Cajun Meat Market & Specialty Foods and life music from Low Rent Rondesvous, featuring their Head Brewer Spencer Tielkemeier. There is no cost for entry, just pay for the food and beer. RSVP is recommended to ensure a table. Click here for more information.

Save the World Brewing (Marble Falls) – This Valentine’s Day, indulge your sweet tooth with a day at Save the World Brewing as they debut their new release “Verbum in Tenebris”, a Belgian Double Milk Chocolate Stout with mint. The event is from noon to 5pm so you will still have time to have a romantic dinner that evening, if you don’t spoil your appetite with pies from Blue Bonnet Café and ice cream from Amy’s Ice Cream which will be selling sweets during the tour. Click here for more information.

Texian Brewing Co. (Richmond) – Friday night, Texian Brewing will bringing the romance to the screen. For $10 per you will score a glass with three beers. Dirty Dancing will be the feature for the evening and will have a local food truck selling dinner. Kids are free and it is only $5 for designated drivers. Sounds like a great night to bundle up to watch a classic movie over some great beer. Click here for more information.

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.