Brew is back! We took a little vacation last week and while Vegas was a blast it is seriously lacking in the craft beer scene. Luckily, we’re back in the lone star state where the beer is brewing along. This week the Brew, it’s all about Austin. We let you know where you can gourge on bacon while sampling beer, see where a phoenix is rising from the ashes of a closed brewpub and see who is being the first brewpub to distribute in their beer in the state.  

Austin – Edible Austin is bringing the 1^st annual Bacon and Beer Festival to town on February 22nd. Mixing bacon dishes from restaurants paired with local craft beers, the festival is guaranteed to make for some interesting flavors and some definite funky burps but it’s for a great cause. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas. Just a few of the Texas brewers that will be participating in the event are Infamous Brewing, Rogness Brewing, South Austin Brewing and Saint Arnold. For tickets and more information be sure to visit: http://www.edibleaustin.com/index.php/events/1451-bacon-and-beer-festival

Austin – When Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que opened up shop in the beautiful Oasis complex overlooking Lake Travis, it seemed like the BBQ Brewpub was going to explode. Sadly, the second location for the Austin brewpub didn’t last long. Within two years the money dried up much like the lake below and Uncle Billy’s Oasis location closed their doors. Months after Billy’s closed the tanks and fermenters remained, it left many wondering what would happen to the equipment. Just last week a Facebook page popped up called Oasis Brewing Company and it’s giving the old Billy’s location a second life. There is not much information as of yet but according to their website they plan to brew a series of session beers and plan to be up and running by spring. Keep your eyes peeled for more info but for now check them out at: http://oasistexasbrewingcompany.com/       

Austin – Now that we covered a bad time for Austin BBQ brewpub, Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que, now they have something big to celebrate. Uncle Billy’s will be the first brewpub in the state to distribute their beer to other bars, restaurants and eventually stores. This is big news because they are the first brewpub to take this leap since the beer laws were changed last year. Uncle Billy’s will be debuting their Green Room IPA and Humbucker Helles in 16oz cans this Friday at Little Woodrows on west 6^th Street. They will also have a sample of their delicious BBQ to celebrate this momentous occasion. For more info be sure to check out: https://www.facebook.com/events/517083161738349/        

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.