Adventures in Beer: Austin, Texas - Hops & Grain Brewing

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 next up is Hops & Grain Brewing.

This time I took the Metro, $1.25 later and a 2 block walk I ended up at the end of 6th and Calles where I’m meeting new friends at Hops & Grain Brewing. When I walk in the Pink Boots Society of Austin is having a meeting and the ladies turned it out. I learned there is a 2 year old that has visited more breweries than me. I guess I got some splanin to do...

The bar is a classic tiered style and I had give props to the Notorious BIG painting on the wall. Josh Harris opened this place nearly 6 years ago, with a dream of a totally sustainable brewing operation, everything is reused or recycled (spent grain becomes dog biscuits, non-standard beer becomes soap, etc). Hops & Grain is opening a second location in San Marcos in 2017

Michael started me off with their staples, The One They Call Zoe. A pale lager that eases one into the H & G vibe. Clessie (who also knows jiu jitsu fellas) followed that up with A Pale Mosiac, that brought big flavor to this india pale ale. This eased me into the Experimental flight that was a pleasant surprise when I arrived. H & G is working with the University of Oregon on some of their experimental hops! So I got Experimental #1-#4 and it was fun to try the new hops. Alright, to save some time #1 & #2 were lacking in bitterness and hop intensity. #3 was the real beer hop with great aroma, citrusy flavor. and the best of the bunch. #4 was ok, mild hop bitterness, slight juicyness, but lacking overall. All the beer was well made, with great clarity and showed great consistency in quality.

So if you’re ever in the Texas A, Hops & Grain should be on the shortlist of breweries that shouldn’t be missed. There is even a Brett Sour on the way. Y’all keep doing what you’re doing! Big thanks to Michael and Clessie for the love today.

William Teasley
@BTBWilliam

Tour of BSG Craft Brewing Warehouse

Corby and I were fortunate enough to get a tour Brewer's Supply Group (BSG) Craft Brewing Warehouse where we were hosted by Thomas Krepsky and Bernard Copper. The also have RJ Spagns wine kits. Big shout out to Tom and Bernard for taking the time to walk us through their huge warehouse (with around 40 employees) off of Fulton Industrial Boulevard.

Since 2004 BSG has become a dependable source for diverse ingredients from around the world for craft brewing. BSG searches the globe for new and interesting brewing ingredients for American custom. Exclusive specialty malts, in-demand hop varieties, or premium brewing aids BSG has them. 

We got to see some really cool stuff, especially if you are a beer head like us. They had grains, hops, yeasts, extracts, equipment and several items from across the globe. Everything a beer (and wine) maker would need. 

BSG supplies many of the Southeast's regional craft breweries, brewpubs and home brewer supply shops and does not do individual sales, i.e. it only supplies manufacturers and retail outlets, you can't go buy a 50 lbs bag of grain directly from them. BSG also carries a variety of wine making kits that it supplies to wine shops and other interested shops. 

29 Things You Should Know About Beer, For National American Beer Day (INFOGRAPHIC) - Huffington Post

From the Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/25/national-beer-day-american_n_4158683.html

October 27 is National American Beer Day (which sort of begs the question, why would it be anything other than "National," but we digress)! To celebrate we are, of course, going to drink some beer. Perhaps a craft beer, perhaps a beer cocktail, but definitely not a Hello Kitty Beer.

If you, like us, love to celebrate this brilliant invention whenever you get the excuse, it may help to know some little-known facts about beer, to show off. For example: do you know why beer frequently comes in brown bottles? Do you know who was the first American President to brew beer in the White House? Do you know how much beer the average American consumes in a year? Find out the answers to all these questions and more in the infographic below. Happy beering!

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