Alright y’all, I made it to Austin, Texas on a mission for the next four days to go deep into Austin’s craft beer scene while doing some good at SXSWedu. I’ve survived Zilker Brewing, Hops & Grain Brewing, so obviously next up is Craft Pride a Texas only beer, beer bar.
A 20 minute walk from my residence, Firehouse Hostel & Lounge, it’s in the trendy part of Austin next to music and dance clubs. Although I missed it’s 4 year anniversary party on Saturday, they had a few left overs that I needed to try. With 54 taps and over 200 bottles in the bottle shop, they have a strong beer pedigree. Oh, and there’s pizza on the back patio from Via 313, that I might have to hit up at the end of the night. Crazy thing, I’ve had more pizza than tacos in Austin. I’ll need to fix that tomorrow.
Tonight Emmanuel got me going with the Buffalo Bayou Cedar Aged More Cowbell. A big malty beer that clocked in at 9.1% ABV. Smooth to a fault but with a strong bitter bite, it was the beginning of a good night. I now know I’m not allergic to cedar. Next up was High Sign Double IPA which kept that feel good momentum going, especially at 9.5% ABV. A well balanced double IPA that was so good goin down. Much props to Hi Sign, a veteran (Marine) owned brewery, on this one. After these two it got real.
Emmanuel then got to pick 4 from the anniversary party this past weekend and the standouts in his crazy beer mind. I don’t know where to begin as it was all off the chain. Deep Ellum Darkest Hour 2015 was first up. Deep dark and a smooth sweetness it brought the power at 9%. Next up was Strange Land Old North Road (8.9% ABV), an English style strong ale with vanilla and aged on rum-soaked oak. An earthiness from the oak complimented the big flavor brought by the malt and vanilla. This was followed by the Real Ale Benedictum a brown ale sour with cherries that gave it a tart punch.
Out of all that goodness my fav was the Blue Owl Lord Admiral Gravitas (9% ABV). I dig big time big sours. It clocked in at 9.0% ABV (i’m gonna brew one of these soon). Tart and oatmeal stout smooth, it is my first barrel aged sour imperial stout. I like, I like it alot. Blue Owl I might have to hit y’all up before I go if you got more of this.
Great night at Craft Pride. A local beer, beer bar done right, style first and foremost. Emmanuel treated a brotha right at Craft Pride. Craft Pride Austin is the must stop Beer Bar.
William
@BTBWilliam