Texas Beer: What's On Tap In The Lone Star State?

Texas is known for its beer, and with so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. From Lone Star, the self-proclaimed National Beer of Texas, to the wide range of craft beers on offer, there's something for everyone in the Lone Star State. Whether you're looking for a crisp and refreshing pilsner or a rich and malty porter, Texas has a beer to suit your taste. So, grab a cold one and get ready to explore the world of Texas beers!

Texas Beer Hall of Fame

Texas is among the states with the fewest breweries per capita, but local brewers have still created some standout beers that are iconic in the Lone Star State and beyond. Here is a list of beers that make up the Texas Beer Hall of Fame:

Deep Ellum Dallas Blonde

Deep Ellum Brewing's Dallas Blonde is one of the most iconic Texas beers. The bright, refreshing citrus-floral brew was an instant hit when it was first released in 2012, and its quirky logo is easily recognizable.

Jester King Atrial Rubicite

Jester King's Atrial Rubicite is a real taste of Texas Hill Country. This sophisticated, glowing pink farmhouse ale is made with Central Texas well water, fresh and aged hops, and house and wild native yeasts. It has achieved huge international acclaim for Jester King.

Karbach's Hopadillo

Karbach's Hopadillo has been a favourite among hopheads since the brewery opened in 2011. It is a punchy, resiny, bitter IPA, made with a combination of American, German and English hops, plus heavy dry-hopping.

Live Oak Pilz

When Live Oak Pilz launched in 1997, no one else in America was making a microbrewery Czech-style pilsner. Now, 26 years later, Live Oak Pilz is an award-winning Texas icon with a sterling reputation across the U.S. and internationally.

Pinthouse Electric Jellyfish

The original "Austin IPA", Pinthouse Brewing's Electric Jellyfish, is one of the most renowned IPAs in Texas. Its hazy, tropical juiciness, paired with a hint of floral bitterness, has made it a favourite among Austinites.

Shiner Bock

Spoetzl Brewery's Shiner Bock is the oldest independent brewery in Texas. Their flagship beer has been brewed since 1913 and is a staple in Texas bars and barbecue joints. It is light and easy-drinking with a smooth caramel-malt sweetness.

Saint Arnold Pumpkinator

Saint Arnold's Pumpkinator is a rare vintage-dated beer. Unlike most pumpkin beers, Pumpkinator is made with real pumpkin puree, plus brown sugar, molasses and spice. It is a staple in any Texas beer lover's collection.

Weathered Souls Black Is Beautiful

Weathered Souls Brewery's Black Is Beautiful imperial stout was created in the wake of George Floyd's murder and the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020. It is a world-class stout and one of the most successful collaboration beers ever, with over 1,500 breweries participating and raising money for social justice organizations.

Texas' most popular beers

Texas is known for its beer, and there are many local brews to choose from. Here is a list of some of the most popular beers in the Lone Star State:

Shiner Bock

Spoetzl Brewery's Shiner Bock is one of the most well-known Texas beers, with a smooth caramel-malt sweetness that makes it a popular choice. It has been brewed for over 100 years and can be found in 49 states and a few international locations. Shiner Bock was also the most checked-in beer in Texas over the past 90 days, according to data from the app Untappd.

Lone Star

Lone Star is known as the "National Beer of Texas." Although it is no longer a local craft beer, it has been a refreshing beverage for Texans for nearly 150 years. It is a cheap and frosty beer that is widely consumed in the state.

Deep Ellum Dallas Blonde

Deep Ellum Brewing's Dallas Blonde is an iconic Texas beer with a bright, refreshing citrus-floral flavour. It was first released in 2012 and quickly became a hit, with its quirky and recognisable logo.

Jester King Atrial Rubicite

This beer from Jester King is a taste of Texas Hill Country. It is a fruited farmhouse ale with flavours of Central Texas well water, fresh and aged hops, and native yeasts. It has a glowing pink colour and is considered a sophisticated and glorious taste of Texas terroir.

Karbach's Hopadillo

Hopadillo is a punchy, resiny, bitter IPA from Karbach, which accounts for a large portion of the brewery's output. It combines American, German, and English hops with heavy dry-hopping to make it a big hitter.

Live Oak Pilz

Live Oak Pilz is a Bohemian-style golden lager and an award-winning Texas icon. It has been brewed since 1997 and is known for its crisp, refreshing floral-bitter taste, making it a popular choice for summer in Central Texas.

Other Notable Mentions:

• Pinthouse Brewing's Electric Jellyfish, a hazy IPA and one of the most renowned IPAs in Texas.
• Saint Arnold's Pumpkinator, a vintage-dated beer made with real pumpkin puree, brown sugar, molasses, and spice.
• 512 Brewing's Pecan Porter, an Austin original with a full body and malty sweetness balanced with a subtle pecan aroma and flavour.
• Community Beer's Mosaic IPA, a hop-forward IPA showcasing the Mosaic hop with tropical flavours and aromas of mango, papaya, and blueberry.

Texas' best-selling beers

Texas is among the states with the fewest breweries per capita, but that doesn't mean it lacks standout beers. Here's a list of Texas's best-selling beers:

Shiner Bock

The most popular beer in Texas is Shiner Bock, brewed by the Spoetzl Brewery. Shiner Bock has been brewed since 1913 and was a seasonal beer until 1973 when demand led to year-round production. It's now distributed in 49 states and a few international locations. Shiner Bock is light and easy-drinking with a smooth caramel-malt sweetness, and it's a staple in Texas bars and barbecue joints.

Electric Jellyfish

Electric Jellyfish, an IPA from Pinthouse Brewing, is the second most checked-in beer in Texas. It's hazy, tropical, and juicy, with a hint of floral bitterness.

Hopadillo IPA

Hopadillo, from Karbach Brewing Co., is a punchy, resiny, bitter IPA that's been a favourite among hopheads since the brewery opened in 2011. It combines American, German, and English hops with heavy dry-hopping to make it a big hitter.

Yellow Rose

Yellow Rose, brewed by Lone Pint Brewery, is the top-rated Texas beer on BeerAdvocate.com and RateBeer.com. It's a SMASH IPA (single malt, single hop) and has been ranked the second-best German Hefeweizen in the world by Beer Advocate users.

Lone Star

Lone Star is the self-proclaimed "National Beer of Texas". It's been a refreshing beverage for Texans since 1874, reaching its peak popularity in the 1970s. It's a true Texas classic, and if you're in the state, it's the cheap go-to frosty.

Saint Arnold Pumpkinator

Saint Arnold's Pumpkinator is a rare vintage-dated beer and a staple in any Texas beer nerd's collection. It's made with real pumpkin puree, brown sugar, molasses, and spice, giving it a rich body and authentic flavour. It's released annually in the fall, and beer lovers across Texas head out to grab the latest batch.

In addition to these popular choices, Texas is home to many other iconic beers, such as Deep Ellum Dallas Blonde, Jester King Atrial Rubicite, and Live Oak Pilz. So, if you're looking to explore the world of Texas beers, you'll have plenty of options to choose from!

Texas' craft beer industry

Texas is known for its beer, with Lone Star being named the "National Beer of Texas". The state has a rich craft beer industry, with many local breweries creating unique and iconic beers that have gained significant popularity both within the state and across the wider US. Texas is also home to the Texas Craft Brewers Festival, an annual event celebrating the state's craft beer culture.

The Texas craft beer industry has created over 30,000 full-time jobs, with many local breweries contributing to the state's economy. One of the most well-known craft breweries in Texas is Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Texas' oldest craft brewery, which was established nearly 20 years ago in Houston. Saint Arnold produces 11 styles of beer, including the iconic "Lawnmower" beer, a gateway brew for many Texans, and the "Pumpkinator", a rich and authentic pumpkin beer released annually.

Another notable Texas craft brewery is the Real Ale Brewing Company, a Texas-owned and operated producer of world-class craft beer. Their "Devil's Backbone", a Belgian-style golden ale, is a popular choice, offering an 8.1% ABV that's well-hidden by its smooth and melt-in-your-mouth taste. The brewery is known for its high quality and consistency across all beer styles, using traditional Belgian yeast and boiled candied sugar in its brewing process.

Other popular Texas craft beers include the "Dallas Blonde" from Deep Ellum Brewing, a bright and refreshing citrus-floral brew with a quirky logo; and "Atrial Rubicite" from Jester King, a fruity farmhouse ale that showcases the flavours of Central Texas with its use of local well water, hops, and native yeasts.

The Texas craft beer industry is vibrant and diverse, with many breweries showcasing their passion for brewing and their local communities. From Austin to Houston, these breweries have become an integral part of the state's culture and continue to gain recognition for their innovative and delicious beers.

Texas' iconic beers

Texas is known for its distinctive beer culture, and the state offers a wide range of iconic beers that embody the spirit and diversity of the Lone Star State. Here are some of the most famous Texas beers:

Lone Star

Lone Star is the self-proclaimed "National Beer of Texas," and it has been a staple in the state for nearly 150 years. Its roots go back to 1874, and it has changed hands multiple times. Originally brewed in San Marcos, it later moved to San Antonio and became the first large-scale mechanised brewery in Texas. It is now owned by the Pabst Brewing Company and brewed in Fort Worth. Lone Star is a classic American lager known for its light and crisp profile, making it a versatile beer that pairs well with various dishes. Its iconic packaging featuring the Lone Star, the symbol of Texas, has become a symbol of Texan pride.

Shiner Bock

Shiner Bock is brewed by the Spoetzl Brewery, Texas's oldest independent brewery, which has been in operation since 1909. Shiner Bock, their flagship beer, was first introduced in 1913 and became a year-round brew in 1973 due to high demand. It is a rich, full-flavoured dark lager with a smooth, nutty sweetness and no bitter aftertaste. Shiner Bock is a beloved and iconic beer, not just in Texas but across the United States, and it has won several awards for its quality and craftsmanship.

Deep Ellum Dallas Blonde

Deep Ellum Brewing, Dallas' first craft brewery, launched in 2011 in the city's industrial Deep Ellum neighbourhood. Their flagship beer, Dallas Blonde, was released in 2012 and quickly became a hit. It is a bright, refreshing citrus-floral brew with a distinctive logo. The brewery was acquired by the energy drink company Monster in 2022, and Dallas Blonde is now distributed outside of Texas as well.

Jester King Atrial Rubicite

Jester King's Atrial Rubicite is a highly acclaimed fruited farmhouse ale that showcases the flavours of Texas Hill Country. It was first brewed in 2013 and is now on its 12th batch. This sophisticated pink beer is characterised by the minerality of Central Texas well water, fresh and aged hops, and native yeasts. The beer is barrel-aged and refermented with bright, fresh raspberries, resulting in a succulent, zingy taste. It is a bucket-list beer for fans worldwide.

Karbach's Hopadillo

Karbach Brewing Co., based in Houston, is a prominent craft brewery known for its diverse range of beers. Their IPA, Hopadillo, has been a favourite among hopheads since the brewery opened in 2011. It is a punchy, resiny, bitter IPA that combines American, German, and English hops with heavy dry-hopping. In 2016, Karbach was acquired by Anheuser-Busch InBev, expanding its distribution beyond Texas. The beer's logo, featuring a growling armadillo-hop-hybrid creature, can be spotted at sports grounds and music venues across the region.

Live Oak Pilz

Live Oak Pilz, introduced in 1997, is a Bohemian-style golden lager brewed by Live Oak Brewery. It is unique as, at the time of its launch, no other microbrewery in America was producing a Czech-style pilsner. This award-winning Texas icon is brewed with heirloom Moravian malt and Saaz hops, resulting in a crisp, refreshing floral-bitter taste that is perfect for a hot Texas summer.

In addition to these iconic beers, Texas offers a multitude of other notable brews, such as Saint Arnold's Pumpkinator, Pinthouse Brewing's Electric Jellyfish, and many more. The state's vibrant beer culture is a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of its brewers, and these iconic beers have become an integral part of Texas culture and hospitality.

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