The Rise of Texas Craft Beer Clubs
Texas has a long history of brewing beer, with the first official brewery being William A. Mengers Western Brewery established in San Antonio in 1855, although records of pre-Civil War breweries are scarce. However, small breweries struggled to compete with national chains after Prohibition, and it wasn't until recent years that the number of craft breweries in Texas has increased dramatically. As of December 2016, there were 257 licensed craft breweries in Texas, with many breweries producing unique and delicious flavors of beer.
The rise of craft beer in Texas has led to the creation of many beer clubs that allow beer enthusiasts to discover and enjoy new and unique brews. In this article, we will explore the history of craft beer in Texas, the best Texas craft breweries, and the different craft beer clubs available to join. Whether you are a seasoned beer enthusiast or a novice, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the world of Texas craft beer clubs.
The Rise of Craft Beer in Texas
Craft beer has grown in popularity in Texas over the years, with many breweries producing unique and delicious flavors of beer. In this section, we will explore the history of craft beer in Texas and how it has grown into a thriving industry.
The First Official Texan Brewery
According to craftbeerclub.com, William A. Mengers Western Brewery was the first official Texan brewery established in San Antonio in 1855. However, records of pre-Civil War breweries are scarce.
Struggle of Small Breweries After Prohibition
After Prohibition ended, small breweries struggled to compete with national chains. However, in recent years, the number of craft breweries in Texas has increased dramatically, providing a much-needed boost to the industry.
Increase of Craft Breweries in Recent Years
As of December 2016, there were 257 licensed craft breweries in Texas, according to craftbeerclub.com. This is a significant increase from the early days of craft brewing in Texas and shows the growing popularity of craft beer in the state.
The Oldest Texas Craft Brewery
The oldest Texas craft brewery is Spoetzl, according to craftbeerclub.com. Spoetzl has been operating for over 110 years and is located in Shiner, Texas. It is known for its unique and flavorful beers, including the popular Shiner Bock.
The Best Texas Craft Breweries
Texas is home to many craft breweries, each with their own unique take on beer. In this section, we will explore some of the best Texas craft breweries that you should definitely check out.
Jester King
Jester King is a farmhouse brewery located in Austin, Texas. They are known for their unique and creative beers, many of which are brewed with wild yeast and local ingredients. Jester King has won numerous awards for their beers, including the Great American Beer Festival.
Lone Pint Brewery
Lone Pint Brewery is located in Magnolia, Texas, and is known for their Hoppy American Ales. Their most popular beer is the Yellow Rose, an American IPA that is brewed with a single hop variety. Lone Pint Brewery has won many awards for their beers, including the World Beer Cup.
Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Saint Arnold Brewing Company is located in Houston, Texas and is the oldest craft brewery in Texas. They are known for their flavorful and creative beers, including their popular Amber Ale and Fancy Lawnmower. Saint Arnold Brewing Company has won many awards over the years, including the Great American Beer Festival.
Other Notable Players
Other notable Texas craft breweries include:
- Real Ale Brewing Company in Blanco, Texas
- Deep Ellum Brewing Company in Dallas, Texas
- Karbach Brewing Company in Houston, Texas
Each of these breweries offers a unique experience and delicious beers that are worth trying.
Texas Craft Beer Clubs
Texas craft beer clubs are a great way to discover and enjoy new and unique brews. In this section, we will explore some of the best Texas craft beer clubs that you can join to experience the best that Texas has to offer.
The Hops Collective Beer of the Month Clubs
The Hops Collective Beer of the Month Clubs offer a variety of different beer clubs to choose from, including a Texas craft beer club. According to their website, the Texas Craft Beer Club features a selection of beers from the best craft breweries in the state. Each shipment contains 12 beers from four different breweries, and the club offers free delivery in the USA and Canada.
The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club
The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club offers a subscription box membership to receive a monthly shipment of beer from breweries across the country, including many Texas breweries. According to beermonthclub.com, Texas has a thriving craft brewery and microbrewery scene, with notable players including Jester King, Magnolias Lone Pint Brewery, and Saint Arnold Brewing Company. The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club has featured many beers from Texas breweries in the past, making it a great way to discover new and unique brews from the state.
Texas Craft Beer Club
The Texas Craft Beer Club is a new of-the-month club sending Texas craft beer out across the state to members who are interested in regional beers they can't find anywhere else. According to Dallas Observer, the Texas Craft Beer Club was started by friends Marc Atnipp and Rob Banzhaf. The club seeks to put those hard-to-find local beers in the hands of beer drinkers across the state. The club is also donating a portion of its profits to The Will Herndon Fund for Juvenile Batten Disease Research. Currently, the Texas Craft Beer Club is offering three- and six-month membership packages, starting at $150.
Benefits of Joining a Texas Craft Beer Club
By joining a Texas craft beer club, you can discover new and unique brews that you might not be able to find anywhere else. Beer clubs offer a variety of different beers from different breweries, allowing you to try a wide range of flavors and styles. Additionally, many beer clubs offer free delivery, making it easy and convenient to enjoy new beers from the comfort of your own home. Finally, by supporting local Texas breweries through a beer club, you are helping to support the local economy and the craft beer industry in the state.
Conclusion
Texas is a great state for beer lovers, with a rich history of brewing and a growing craft beer scene. Whether you are a local Texan or a visitor to the state, there are many great Texas craft breweries and beer clubs to explore and enjoy.
By trying new and unique beers from local Texas breweries, you can discover new flavors and styles that you might not be able to find anywhere else. Additionally, by supporting local breweries through beer clubs and other means, you are helping to support the local economy and the craft beer industry in Texas.
So why not raise a glass to Texas and all of the great craft beer that it has to offer? Cheers!
Thanks for Reading! Check out Our Other Great Content
We hope that you enjoyed this article about Texas craft beer clubs and breweries. If you are interested in learning more about craft beer or other related topics, be sure to check out some of our other great content:
- 10 Best Craft Beer Clubs That You Should Join Today
- The Ultimate Guide to Craft Beer Styles
- The Top 5 Craft Breweries in the USA
Thanks for reading, and cheers to great beer!
Questions
Who can join a Texas craft beer club?
Anyone who is of legal drinking age can join a Texas craft beer club.
What types of beer are included in a Texas craft beer club membership?
A Texas craft beer club membership typically includes a variety of different beers from local Texas breweries.
How does a Texas craft beer club membership work?
A Texas craft beer club membership typically works by providing monthly shipments of beer to members.
What if I don't like the beer I receive from a Texas craft beer club?
Many Texas craft beer clubs offer a satisfaction guarantee or a way to exchange beers that you do not like.
How much does it cost to join a Texas craft beer club?
The cost of joining a Texas craft beer club can vary depending on the club, but typically ranges from $30 to $150 per month.
What if I don't live in Texas? Can I still join a Texas craft beer club?
Many Texas craft beer clubs offer shipping to other states, so you can still enjoy the unique flavors of Texas craft beer no matter where you live.
