Bars and Crafts

That IPA you prefer may be local, but stop calling it a “micro.” The suds formerly known as “microbrews” have officially evolved into “craft beers,” a lexical shift that reflects the exploding popularity of independent breweries (there are currently 2,500 nationwide, the most since the 1880’s). In Texas this means that more awesome beer is flowing than ever before. Lately, the state’s craft brewers have emerged as a force to be reckoned with, winning taste tests against top brewers from historically beer-proud regions like the Pacific Northwest and New England. At the 2013 Great American Beer Festival, in Denver, a kind of craft-brewing Super Bowl, Texas brewmasters brought home an impressive ten medals.

What’s more, new laws passed during the 2013 legislative session will make it easier for smaller, independent brewpubs, formerly restricted to on-premises sales, to package and distribute their beers, so there’s no doubt this trend will continue. The new rules also pave the way for larger breweries to add shops and barrooms. In other words, Texas craft beer is poised to get even bigger. “It’s more change than we’ve seen in Texas beer laws in a very long time,” says Tony Drewry, of the Texas Tavern League, a trade association. Austin and Dallas have the most diverse selection of breweries, but well-curated tap walls can be found from Houston to El Paso. We turned to some barkeeps and industry insiders for local recommendations.

Hefeweizen

Big Bend Brewing Company
In far-flung West Texas, Beto Longoria, of El Paso’s celebrated gastropub the Hoppy Monk, swears by the Alpine-based Big Bend Brewing Company. To beat the desert heat he suggests their crisp Hefeweizen, a Bavarian-style wheat beer with a bright lemony nose and moderate alcohol (5.6 percent). 3401 U.S. 90 W., Alpine (432-837-3700). Open Mon–Fri 2–4. bigbendbrewing.com