This week in the brew, the Texas craft beer scene is exploding this big news. As we enter the middle of January the outlook for 2014 seems to be a roiling boil of activity. First we receive news from Pflugerville about who has a new distributor and word about their upcoming new beer releases. From Houston we find out about what is expected to be one of the largest craft beer events in the state and lastly we see what infamous Houston pub owner is finally bringing his brewery where is belongs.
Pflugerville – Rogness Brewing announced this week that they have struck a deal with Austin distributors Keg 1 Central Texas. This will help get Rogness on shelves and establishments throughout Austin and the surrounding counties. As of now Rogness will continue to self-distribute to Houston and San Antonio. Rogness has also announced this week the upcoming release of two new beers. The Titanoboa named after a large prehistoric snake, it is a Triple IPA that is expected to be a shock to the taste buds while their new Sophina is going to make you pucker up with delight. Sophina will be the 2nd release in the Rogness Reserve Series and is infused with caramelized pineapples to add a refreshing fruitiness. The beers are still pending label approval but are expected to be released within the first quarter of the year.
Houston – In what looks to be one of the biggest craft beer events to hit the state, the Big Brew Destination is coming to Houston. The week-long event will take place Oct 20-26th and culminate around the George R Brown Convention center for the main events. One event will feature 40 Houston chefs will pair dishes to sample with 40 craft beers in what sounds like a symphony of flavors. For those looking to support the local scene they will also have an event dedicated solely to the Texas brewed beer. The week will end with two grand tasting sessions which will offer over a thousand beers to sample. The event is put together by Food and Vine Time Productions which put together the very successful BrewMasters Craft Beer Festival in Galveston. It has many wondering if this event could steal some attention away from the well know Great American Beer Festival which will be Oct 10-12th. This is a big move for Texas and the craft beer scene as a whole so we can only hope that that the first year goes off without a flaw. Tickets go on sale in February so be sure to check out http://www.bigbrewhouston.com/Home.aspx for all of events and information.
Houston – If you are a craft beer fan from Houston then I am sure you have spent more than your fair share of days drinking beer at Petrol Station and chowing down on their Rancor burgers. The Petrol Station has been a craft beer destination for both locals and visitors alike and has just once again been named as one of the “Best Bars in America” by Draft Magazine. Owner Ben Fullelove had always dreamed of opening his own brewery but due to the strict TABC laws he wasn’t allowed to own a bar and a brewery at the same time. Fullelove, though a series of connections saw an opportunity and bailed to Massachusetts to contract brew through Mercury Brewing Co. where he formed Brash Brewing Co. Since the beer hit shelves it made a big splash but unfortunately it wasn’t distributed in Texas. Last year with the change in Texas laws it gave Fullelove the opportunity to bring Brash Brewing to Houston and now that’s exactly what he is doing. Brash Brewing will be setting up shop in a 13,000 sqft warehouse with a 30-barrel brewhouse and canning system which is expecting to be up and brewing by the middle of this year. I know I’m not the only one that is excited to finally have access to the great beer. We wish Ben and his crew all the best of luck as they get setup and ready to put more beer into the hands of craft beer fans.
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.
