Sarah Jane - The Beer Thrillers https://thebeerthrillers.com Central PA beer enthusiasts and beer bloggers. Homebrewers, brewery workers, and all around beer lovers. Thu, 25 Jan 2024 15:58:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://i0.wp.com/thebeerthrillers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cropped-The-Beer-Thrillers-December-2022-Logo.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Sarah Jane - The Beer Thrillers https://thebeerthrillers.com 32 32 187558884 Winter Wrap Up: Texas Holiday Craft Beers to Adore and More to Carry you into 2024 https://thebeerthrillers.com/2023/12/27/winter-wrap-uptexas-holiday-craft-beers-to-adore-and-more-to-carry-you-into-2024/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=winter-wrap-uptexas-holiday-craft-beers-to-adore-and-more-to-carry-you-into-2024 Wed, 27 Dec 2023 20:43:12 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=13397 Cheers to the holiday season!! The Texas Brewers have been busy creating a bevy of beautiful beers to celebrate the holiday season – and it’s time to celebrate some of the best and boldest flavors of Winter 2023 Craft Beers.

Festive Favorites


No matter what you celebrate, it’s a time for friends, family, merriment, and exceptional seasonal beers. The Texas breweries are sparkling with tinsel and colored string lights, and almost everyone you walk into right now has a wintery creation on tap, often packaged up and ready for you to take home. Many of our favorite stores are filled with stacks of seasonal offerings from the more extensive brewery operations, prepared to make all of our holidays bright. Let’s raise a glass to some of the Lone Star State’s finest craft brewers, who’ve created a symphony of seasonal sips to delight your taste buds and warm your winter spirit.

This year’s winter beers push the boundaries of festive flavors in fresh new directions. It’s no longer a world of saccharinely sweet pumpkin pie flavor dumped into a brown ale that you drink one and done. This year’s selection of winter brews are sweet, spicy, complex and delightfully surprising. Welcome to a little holiday odyssey deep into the heart of the Lone Star State – from eclectic Austin breweries, rustic Hill Country Taprooms, industrial Houston breweries, and divine Dallas locations. We will acquaint ourselves with bright ales, crisp IPAs, warm ambers, and rich porters spiced with much more than seasonal delight and holiday cheer.  

Experience the Christmas spirit! get a slice of Christmas with nice people and cinnamon spice whatever!

Seasonal Superstars

And no reindeer games are required – these Texas craft brews are the holiday gifts that keep giving well into the new year.  There truly is something for everyone.  Hoppy and Bright IPAs, malty Pub Ales, Rich and complex Porters, a Winter Warmer, and even a brand new Imperial Fruit Sour!  From the cozy warmth of the fireplace to fun evenings with friends and family, each sip promises a festive escape from the chill. 

So raise a glass to cozy fireside evenings, lively potluck gatherings, and quiet moments of wintery reflection.  These seasonal beers are not only fuel for holiday cheer but they are also meant to delight your palate and drive your gatherings until the first Texas bluebonnet peeks through the thawing ground. 

Yule Shoot Your Eye Out
Karbach Brewing | Houston, TX | Red Ale | Festive Favorite

Glass of Karbach's Yule Shoot Your Eye Out. Remember - cinnamon is in season this year and so is orange peel, and cranberry!

This festive red ale throws a snowball straight at your taste buds, just like ol’ Ralphie’s first encounter with his coveted Red Ryder BB gun. As the festive can complete with a bullseye and fra-gee-lay leg lamp indicates, this brew is a true love letter to A Christmas StoryKarbach Brewing’s Yule Shoot Your Eye Out is a festive Red Ale featuring a rich caramel base that will warm your soul like a crackling Yule Log right before a zingy citrus twist kicks in to cut the sweetness. This ale is a little rich and thick, but like many of its cousins at Karbach, it is still easy to drink more than one. Yule Shoot Your Eye Out is delicious on its own and also pairs beautifully with Wild Game, Hearty Stews, Lamb Chop, Spice Cake, Family, and Festive cookies.

Nocturna
Equal Parts Brewing | Houston, TX | Porter | Cozy Winter

Christmas ale is the perfect drink to stock in your home for the upcoming Christmas celebration! Be sure to add Equal Parts Brewing's Nocturna to your collection.

Equal Parts Brewing’s Nocturna Porter is the perfect companion when you are curled up by a toasty crackling fire and the wind and snow swirl outside your window. This robust porter brewed with chocolate and roasted oats is a delicious warm hug of a beer reminiscent of gooey brownies by the campfire but smoother and 100% less sticky. This dark and delightful porter is a soft, full-bodied brew with fruity aromatics thanks to toasted chocolate and caramel notes that are sweetened and balanced by the oats. It’s the perfect beer for a cozy night under starlit skies, bonding with friends, and simply sinking into a good book. Nocturna is a standalone champion on a cold, dark night, but if you feel peckish, Nocturna pairs perfectly grilled or smoked meats, sharp and tangy cheeses, chocolate, fruit, and gingersnaps.

Where’s my Flannel?
Southern Heights Brewing | Austin, TX | Bodacious Pub Ale | Cozy Winter

Cranberry, cinnamon, or mint?  This is the question to ask when deciding the flavor profile for your upcoming Christmas celebration meal! Make sure Southern Heights Brewing's Where's my Flannel is included!

Where’s my Flannel is a popular question this time of year, and Southern Heights’ Bodacious Pub Ale is the perfect answer. This amber-hued is a light, easy-drinking ale that strikes the perfect balance between slightly malty and slightly bitter. Upon first sip, you get the familiar toasty, nutty backbone of an English Bitter, but it quickly takes a fun new turn with a kiss of caramel and a slightly hoppy edge. Boadicea hops add earthy, floral notes and a touch of grapefruit flavor. Like your favorite flannel, this Southern Heights delight reminds you that the autumn spirit lives on through the holidays and into the new year! Where’s my Flannel? It is a super versatile pub ale that pairs well with our favorite comfort foods, including barbeque, burgers, chili, pizza, macaroni and cheese, and shepherd’s pie.

You, Nature, Trees
Turning Point Beer | Bedford, TX | New England IPA | Bright New Year

Home is where Turing Point Beer Belongs! Be kind and share with nice people!

After a busy holiday season, get back to the basics and fall in love with nature with Turning Point Beer’s You, Nature, Trees. This double dry-hopped New England Indian Pale Ale made from Idaho 7 and Chinook hops is a smooth sunshine color that is essentially forest bathing in a can. Its earthy flavor is elevated by a citrus explosion of grapefruit and tangerine combined with mango and guava, all swirling around a mossy whisper of pine. The finish is delicate, almost reminiscent of chamomile – making it the ideal companion for winter hikes or simply sitting still in a park full of tall trees. You, Me, Trees is a versatile IPA that can tango with various foods – including grilled vegetable skewers, grilled romaine salad, creamy cheeses, spicy Korean barbeque, or salted caramel treats.

Ye Olde Christmas Ale
Saint Arnold Brewing | Houston, TX | Ale | Festive Favorite

Can of Saint Arnold's Christmas Ale posed on a table.

Like the fun uncle at your holiday party, Saint Arnold’s Christmas Ale is sweet and spicy with a high alcohol content. This copper-hued beer ale is created with five different malts, resulting in a rich, malty flavor and 7% alcohol content. Two different Northwest hops keep it from getting overly sweet by swooping in with a pinch of cinnamon spice and floral pine notes. This ale can pack quite a punch, so it’s ideal to enjoy it with a snack or meal: roasted meats, smoky Texas chili, savory quiche, meat pies, and even classic holiday desserts like fruitcake, gingerbread, and pecan pie pair perfectly with this malty, toasty, spicy masterpiece.

Mentality
Spindle Tap Brewing | Houston, TX | Winter Warmer | Cozy Winter

Can of Spindle Tap Brewery's Mentality beer posed on a table.

Like a cozy fireplace in a can, Mentality Winter Warmer from SpindleTap Brewery is an enticing winter warmer here to chase away the winter chill. This rich, malty, Wassail-style beer is similar to an English Brown Ale and features a subtle symphony of warm spices – orange peel, ginger, clove, and a whisper of nutmeg. It’s the perfect seasonal sipper for reading by the fire or sharing a cozy evening with friends. Mentality embodies the season’s joy and warms your soul from the inside out. Mentality pairs perfectly with Spindletap’s legendary queso if you are enjoying it at the brewery. It also pairs perfectly with smoked meats, spicy Cajun dishes, Thai curry, spiced nuts, and dark chocolate desserts.

Coffee Porter
Real Ale Brewing Co. | Blanco, TX | Porter | Cozy Winter

Can of Real Ale Brewing Co.'s Coffee Porter on a table.

Coffee lovers rejoice!  Real Ale Brewing Company’s Coffee Porter is the perfect way to enjoy your coffee anytime. The brewery’s most popular seasonal release, this rich, robust ale with a dry finish, is the happy result of Owner Brad Frabstein’s homebrewing experiments in college. Each batch receives its coffee kick from an infusion of Houston’s own fresh, cold-brewed organic fair trade Katz Coffee just before packaging – ensuring that each batch has the most delightful notes of our favorite cup of Joe. This porter is perfect on its own… but it does pair well with smoked meats, rich stews, chili, sharp cheeses, and chocolate and coffee desserts.

Kama Citra
Turning Point Beer | Bedford, TX | Indian Pale Ale | Bright New Year

Glass of Turning Point Beer's Kama Citra posed on a table.

Saddle up for a citrus joy ride with Turning Point Beer’s Kama Citra! This double dry-hopped IPA is made with 100% Citra Hops, known for its strong and smooth floral and citrus notes that include grapefruit, citrus, peach, melon, lime, gooseberry, passion fruit, and lychee. Turning Point transforms this into a lighter-than-air creamy, hazy IPA that reminds you of a fluffy cloud floating down a stream of citrus. Kama Citra is the perfect beer to add a little citrus kick to your New Year’s Eve Celebration, and it is light and refreshing to keep you focused on all your healthy resolutions in the new year. Thanks to its citrusy explosion of flavor, Kama Citra is a bright and fresh complement to spicy hot wings, Thai curry, light seafood, salads, charcuterie boards filled with cured meats and creamy cheeses, and light and fruity desserts.

Shiner Holiday Cheer
Shiner Brewing | Shiner, TX | Dunkelweizen | Festive Favorite

Six pack of Shiner Brewing's Shiner Holiday Cheer posed on a table.

Forget the sugarplum fairies and fruitcake.  Shiner Holiday Cheer is Texas Christmas in a pint glass.  This highly anticipated seasonal offering from the OG Texas brewery in Shiner, Texas, is sweet, spicy, and addictive. Brewed from real local peaches and roasted pecans, this seasonal dunkelweizen has a rich chestnut hue and a flavor as unique as a bluebonnet in December. The first taste of the caramelized malts is initially sweet, then gives way to an extraordinary and crave-able complexity thanks to a unique mix of warm autumn spices. Shiner Cheer’s unique flavor profile pairs well with a wide range of holiday favorites, including sweet and salty charcuterie boards, smoked salmon, spicy sausage and sweet potato hash, honey glazed ham, peach cobbler, pecan pie, and gingerbread cookies.

Not your Nanna’s Fruit Cake
Zilker Brewing | Austin, TX | Imperial Fruited Kettle Sour | Festive Favorite

Glass of Zilker Brewing Company's Not Your Nana's Fruit Cake posed on a silver table.

Photo credits – Zilker Brewing Company

A refreshing new release by Zilker Brewing makes a late entrance into the last spot on our list. This is definitely Not your Nanna’s Fruit Cake; it is a delightful Imperial fruited Kettle Sour bursting with blueberry, pineapple, and passionfruit goodness. Although they may not be the most complex beers, tart and acidic sours like this lift your spirits and soothe your soul. The vibrant acidity and diverse fruit notes of Not Your Nana’s Fruit Cake offers an open playground for playful food pairings, including grilled salmon, duck confit, grilled shrimp, fresh fruit, funky cheeses, and sweet treats like lemon meringue pie.

Celebrate the Season with Texas Craft Beers!

Embrace the magic of the season and raise a toast to fresh new beginnings with these delightful seasonal Texas Craft beers.  With a range of styles and flavors as big as the State of Texas, there is truly something for everyone, from the crisp and refreshing Kama Citra IPA to the sweet and spicy Ye Olde Holiday Ale to the rich and complex Mentality Porter.  

So ditch the predictable, the bland, the boring brews this winter.  Whether you are out on the town or snuggling up next to the fire, embrace the spirit of Texas craft brewing, where innovation spills with every pour and the holidays sing in every sip.   Even if the holidays have passed, many of these beers can still be found in stores – so you can keep the holiday vibe going strong!  Fortunately, a good portion of these beers are meant to be enjoyed well into 2024 – so pick up a six-pack or a growler and pencil in a new resolution for 2024 – drink more delicious Texas Craft Beer!  Cheers from the Lone Star State. 

Sarah is a lifestyle author, designer, and lover of craft beers. She has been touring and supporting Austin Craft Breweries for years and works with a company directly sponsoring the Texas Craft Brewers Guild. You can find more of Sarah’s insight into the Austin brewery scene at sarahjanestyle.com. Cheers!

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Circle of Life – A Fond Farewell to North Austin’s Oldest Brewery https://thebeerthrillers.com/2023/10/17/circle-of-life-a-fond-farewell-to-north-austins-oldest-brewery/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=circle-of-life-a-fond-farewell-to-north-austins-oldest-brewery Tue, 17 Oct 2023 13:27:56 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=12697 Photo Courtesy of sarahjanestyle.com

Cheers to Circle Brewing Company – thank you for all the good times and great beer!

After a remarkable 15-year run, one of North Austin’s oldest breweries shut down its original facility on Braker Lane AND its new 23-acre property in Elgin. Circle Brewing Company has been an integral part of the Austin Brewery Community since its inception and has fully embraced Austin’s colorful vibe, supporting a long list of local charities, sporting events, and even politics. Like many businesses, Circle endured and survived numerous financial ups and downs but always found creative ways to make it through and not only survive but thrive. The team at Circle always created fun new ways to bring in crowds – from locally inspired beers to lively community events. Circle was even expanding with a new 23-acre facility in Elgin, and after a successful grand opening, it was a shock to us all that Circle would indeed be closing all its doors for good.

Enjoying the vibrant Austin craft beer scene at Austin Beer Garden Brewing in North Austin, where the passion for craft beer and the art of brewing converge, featuring a delightful batch crafted with care

Image Courtesy of Circle Brewing Company

The Early Days

The Circle Brewing Company founders, Ben Sabel and Judson Mulherin are childhood friends and Purdue alumni who had a lifelong love of beer and experimental home brewing. They moved to Austin in 2008 to try to join the small but growing Austin brewing community. Early on, financial issues were a challenge — In their closing letter to the community, Ben and Judson reminisce about their rough financial beginnings, but we love the fact that they did not let this stop them:

“We embarked upon this journey back in 2008, when we started raising money two weeks into the financial crisis. As became a recurring motif for us, this was the first major example of our flawless business timing. With far too much optimism and not nearly enough money, we opened our doors with two draft beers (Blur Texas Hefe and Envy Amber) and barely a dozen draft accounts.”

Savor the rich array of batch craft beers in Austin, where the craft beer scene thrives with award-winning brews that exemplify the excellence of breweries throughout the city.

Image Courtesy of Circle Brewing Company

The beers were amazing. 

Like all small businesses, Ben and Judson had to lean on their community members for a bit of advice and sometimes ingredients – but they brewed and bottled a fantastic collection of beers with bold flavors that continued to expand and win the hearts of Austinites. During the first four years of business, selling beer directly to the public in Austin was illegal. Ben and Judson could focus solely on brewing, working on a 100% distribution model out of their unairconditioned warehouse on Braker Lane. 

As time passed, laws changed, and the Circle Brewing Company evolved a thousandfold. Circle stepped away from bottles, began canning their beer, and opened their first taproom. Although Ben and Judson were not terribly excited about opening and staffing a bar, the tiny industrial taproom soon became an Austin favorite. Customers would pack into the tiny industrial space lit by string lights and furnished with shiny red patent stools and a massive blackboard listing the beer offerings to enjoy Circle’s delightful drafts and pick up a few six-packs of brightly colored cans for the road

A Celebration of the Beers

Embark on a memorable brewery visit in Austin, where you can relish award-winning beers at some of the best breweries. Whether you're a connoisseur seeking good beer or looking to unwind in a large brewpub atmosphere, Austin's diverse brewery scene has something for every beer enthusiast to drink in and enjoy.

Image Courtesy of Circle Brewing Company

Although they started with just two beers – the Blue Texas Hefe and Envy Amber (both Delicious) – the team at Circle Brewery created a strong family of delicious beers through the years. Let’s take a moment to reflect upon some of their greatest hits, including:

OG Beers

  • Blur – REFRESHING, CITRUS, WHEAT – THE OG Texas Hefe – A Crisp German Wheat with a citrus aroma and a Texas twist of Caramel.
  • Envy Amber – BOLD, SMOOTH, MOLASSES – The OG – A perfectly well-rounded, full-bodied Amber derived its complex flavor from the dried fruit notes in earthy British Malts.
Discover a vibrant and fun place where many breweries come together, offering a perfect blend of beer, good food, and the charm of German beer styles. With a soccer field for entertainment, multiple food trucks serving delectable dishes, and inviting outdoor seating, this destination promises a delightful experience for all.

Image Courtesy of Circle Brewing Company

Second Wave Celebrating Austin:

  • Austin Anthem Ale – LIGHT. CITRUSY, CRUSHABLE – Created for the Austin Anthem – this crisp light beer is light, easy, and refreshing for everyone to enjoy during the heat of an Austin FC Game!
  • Alibi Blonde – CRISP, MALTY, CLEAN – The smooth and delicious pairing of an American Blonde with a German Malbock.
  • Ladybird – TROPICAL, DANK, FLORAL – Inspired by the endless fields of Bluebonnets throughout the Texas Hill Country, this American IPA features dank, tropical hop notes with a floral finish on a background of malty perfection.
  • Elgin Premium – CLASSIC SMOOTH, CRISP – Cheers to the new guy – may he RIP
A single, meticulously poured glass of Circle Brewing Company beer, capturing the essence of craftsmanship and the rich, golden hue of the brew. A delightful representation of the brewery's dedication to quality in every sip.

Image Courtesy of Circle Brewing Company

SPECTACULAR SUMMERTIME BREWS

  • Fanny Pack – RAD, REFRESHING, MELON – A crisp, refreshing Kolsch bursting with Huell Melon Hops packaged in one of Circle Brewing Company’s most iconic cans.
  • Epic Playlist – CRISP, HOPPY, ON REPEAT – This crisp, light pale ale is packaged in a perfectly 90’s can and accompanied by its own Spotify playlist with every release.
  • Pacific Jade – BRIGHT JUICY, PINEAPPLE – A classic Belgian beer with jade hops, pineapple

FUN FOR FALL

  • Doppel Blur – SWEET BANANA CREAM – Kicking up the Blur Texas Hefe with Citrus, Banana, and cloves notes – this beer is a luscious treat!
  • Das Bier – CREAMY, TOASTY, ELEGANT – A true celebration of the traditional rich and toasty Octoberfest Lager.
  • Tuxedo T-Shirt – HOPPY, ROASTED, CLASSY – A crisp, uber-hoppy IPA that feels a little fancy and stands out in a crowd.
  • Party Pig – CHOCOLATEY, VELVET, UNRULY – deep chocolate notes pair perfectly with malty delights in this velvety, decadent Imperial Porter.
  • Perfekt Pils – TRADITIONAL, VIBRANT, UNDENIABLE – This light-colored pilsner infuses delicate noble hop citrus flavors and elevates any event.

PLAYFUL PERSONALITIES

  • Beto Beer – BOLD, REFRESHING, PROGRESSIVE  – Inspired by the nominee’s platform of inclusivity and positivity, Circle Brewing created this American Pale Ale to galvanize Texas to participate in the voting process.
  • Pink Velvet – Hazy IPA in Collaboration with the Pink Boots Society. Circle had never experimented with the style, so it was a true original.

AWARD-WINNING ARCHIVES

  • Archetype – HISTORICAL, ENGLISH, SMOOTH – This beer embodies and celebrates everything that went into the early IPA style with historical accuracy – the brewers at Circle recreated the journey of this beer along the trade routes from Britain to Indian Shores – starting with British East Kent Golding hops, mirroring hop rates, and aging four months in white oak barrels – then adding a final inoculation of Brettanomyces. The final result was on point, winning Circle Brewing numerous awards!
  • Devils Night – DIABOLICAL, ROASTED, WHISKEY – Aged in Tennessee Whiskey Barrels, Rick Molasses, and smooth vanilla notes meld with dark roasted malts to create an award-winning beer that tastes out of this world.
A group of women gracefully practicing yoga in the vibrant ambiance of a brewery, creating a harmonious blend of relaxation and social enjoyment. The serene setting captures the essence of wellness and community in a unique brewery experience.

Image Courtesy of Circle Brewing Company

BREWERY EVENTS

Although the beers were epic, it was not just the brews that drew people to Circle Brewing Company. This small but mighty tap room was in an industrial park walking distance from the Metrorail and Austin FC Stadium. Circle Brewing filled their parking lots with picnic tables, string lights, sun sails, and their calendars with fun community events. Events started with your typical collection of Austin brewery activities – 0.5K beer runs, yoga classes, and plant swaps – but soon, things got even bigger and better. Local food trucks were always onsite, and small local festivals and philanthropic events bloomed. 

Comprehensive List of Austin Breweries

Image Courtesy of Divine Canines

BARKS FOR BEERS

Circle became an early partner with Divine Canines and joined dozens of local brewers to raise money for therapy dogs as a highly anticipated stop during the annual Barks for Beer event in May. Barks for Beers is one of the best ways to discover new breweries in Austin! They celebrate the event every May with a new” Pawsport” that you buy and then get stamped (and a free beer!) at local breweries. The pawsport features breweries across the greater Austin area – making fun local happy hours and further away weekend destination Brewery trips out the Austin Hill Country.

Photo taken at an Austin FC game

Image Courtesy of Circle Brewing Company

AUSTIN FC 

When Austin FC took the city by storm, Circle began hosting massive watch parties for the Austin FC games that rivaled the electric enthusiasm of the stadium itself. Fans hopped off the Metro Rail line and either stopped by Circle Brewing on their way to the match, or simply stayed and cheered on the Verde at the brewery.   

LENDING A HELPING HAND

And when Austinites needed help – Circle was to help. When COVID-19 hit, Circle Brewing set up a safe “drive thru” to serve thirsty Austinites.  Then during the epic Austin Freeze of 2021, Circle provided water to residents who had lost power and water during the ice storm.

Image Courtesy of Circle Brewing Company

THE ELGIN FARM + BREWERY

Like many Austin Breweries, including Nomadic Brewing, Vista Brewing, and Beereburg Brewing, Circle Brewing Company was deeply committed to quality ingredients and sustainable processes.  Circle Brewing announced exciting plans to open a new Farm and Brewery in 2019 on a 23-acre in Elgin, TX, where they would grow many of their ingredients and offer a destination brewery experience celebrating both the beers and outdoors. Elgin is a growing town right outside of Austin, so this would also be a tremendous economic boost for the community. Unfortunately, due to the events of COVID-19, construction lagged, costs rose astronomically, and Circle Brewing Company had to postpone the opening of their Elgin Farm and Brewery to 2023.]

Then COVID[-19] came along to ensure the buildout took forever and cost twice as much,” they said. “Our biggest regret is not having the time to see our vision through and fulfilling the enormous potential we know would have paid off enormously. We’re sorry we didn’t have the time to see it to the end.”

THE AUSTIN BREWING COMMUNITY

At the time of Circle Brewing Company’s inception, the Texas Craft Brewing community was a small but mighty group of individuals from every walk of life. This tight group of growing craft brewers met monthly to share a beer and discuss their business. They were even there to lend a helping hand in the time of need. 

Ben and Judson shared:

“In our first two years of operation, we were so broke that we couldn’t even afford to buy yeast. But the Austin brewing community and the real spirit of camaraderie was such that we just had to drive out to Blanco and fill up a few corny kegs from our friends at Real Ale.”

These friendships remain intact for years, and the spirit of camaraderie is evident today not only in the support our local brewers give each other but also in the way they all band together to support the Austin Community. Circle Brewing has been an active supporter of Austin charities and community groups. They supported local healthy living, emerging artists, small businesses, fledgling sports teams, active politics, and brewing collaborations. Have you tasted the amazing Pink Velvet Hazy IPA they created with the Pink Boots Society

Honestly, so many people in Austin are such wild fans of Circle Brewing Company and their delicious beers that we were always excited for our next visit – even if no special events were happening.

FAREWELL CIRCLE BREWING COMPANY

Unfortunately, recent financial setbacks have hurt a few local breweries – and Circle Brewing is the third Austin Brewery to shut down over the past year, following in the footsteps of Fourth Tap, which shut down in t July 2022, and Adelberts, which shut its doors in October 2022.

“Our biggest regret is not having the time to see our vision through and fulfilling the enormous potential we know would have paid off enormously. It was a one-of-a-kind concept, a beautifully constructed facility located on a plot of land with limitless potential and a wonderfully supportive community. It was so close to becoming reality. We’re sorry we didn’t have the time to see it to the end.” Ben and Judson

Thank you, Ben and Judson, for all the amazing beers and fantastic times at Circle Brewing. We are super sad to see y’all shut your doors – but know you will have the strength and experience to create an exciting next adventure! We will save a seat, bar the bar, and keep our pint glasses open for what you plan to pour next.

RIP Circle Brewing Company – Cheers – thanks for the fun and great beers – You will be missed!

Sarah is a lifestyle author, designer, and lover of craft beers. She has been touring and supporting Austin Craft Breweries for years and works with a company directly sponsoring the Texas Craft Brewers Guild. You can find more of Sarah’s insight into the Austin brewery scene at sarahjanestyle.com. Cheers!

Sarah Jane

Post Script: (Sarah Jane recently reached out to us asking to be a guest writer on The Beer Thrillers. You can look forward to seeing more of her articles here on the blog, covering the Austin area of Texas. We would like to thank her for her submissions and adding a voice from a different part of the country to our beer blog. It is great to get unique perspectives from around the country, and around the world, to add to the wonderful mix we have here at The Beer Thrillers. You can visit her site at sarahjanestyle.com.)

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Cheers.

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