Friday Brew News 7/1/11

Craft beer news from around the state since 6/28/11. I know I said weekly, but there is an abundance of updates around town, and Texas in general, so I had to do it sooner (that’s the best news!).

Everyone have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

New Houston Brewery:
Another new brewery has popped up on the scene, Hey Babe Brewery. I am trying to meet with these guys to get their story, hopefully they have a good reason for their brewery imagery, as people have already voiced concerns about using the rather sexy lady as their image. They are on Facebook, too.

Houston GABF Meet-ups:
If you are joining the Houston crew on the trek to Denver for the Great American Beer Festival (I’m going!!) then you’ll want to join everyone to discuss plans, give tips, etc.
Meet-up #1: Wednesday July 20th at Liberty Station, 6 PM
Meet-up #2: Wednesday August 24th at Taps House of Beer, 6PM
Meet-up #3: TBA

Craft Beer Dinner:
Queen Vic is having a Texas themed craft beer dinner on July 12th at 7 pm. They will feature Jester King Commercial Suicide and Black Metal. Call 713-533-0022 for reservations. Also, check out the my post on their food and awesome craft beer scene.

Charity Beer Dinner:
Rudyard’s Pub is putting on a Saint Arnold craft beer dinner (with Joe Apa of T’afia) to help support Texas Children’s Hospital IBD Center / Gastroenterology Clinic. the dinner is Thursday July 13th at 7pm. Cost is $60/person.

Another beer dinner:
While we’re on the subject of beer dinners, don’t forget about the Vic N Anthony’s Dinner on July 8th at 7 pm. $55/person for four courses and seven beers, call Stacy at 713-228-1111 for reservations. Check out the planned menu here.

Kickstarter goal reached:
Armadillo Ale Works, out of Denton, Texas, has reached their $30,000 goal on Kickstarter, a grassroots approach to funding. Congrats!

Johnson City, Texas gets a Brewpub:
Pecan Street Brewing has officially opened! They serve pizza, burgers and of course, beer, though the house-made beers aren’t available yet.

More Sours!:
Ranger Creek’s head brewer, Rob, tweeted about getting ready to keg a Sour Peach lager, brewed with lactobacillus and Fredericksburg peaches. AND Houston will get some! Watch his feed for more updates. Also, congrats to Rob and Keely on their newborn!

Hops & Grain Update:
The city of Austin has finally approved the construction and building plans and they have received approval for their cans at the state and federal label, expect them in the Austin market by the end of summer. Hopefully the tasting room will be open soon! Check out the Hops & Grain blog, Facebook and Twitter for more updates.

Brewery Expansion:
Real Ale Brewing has broken ground on a new packaging hall, and they mentioned on Facebook that they may be kegging a new beer?!

Seasonal Release:
Rahr & Sons Brewing will be releasing the Gravel Road, a German Altbier, seasonal shortly. Look for it at your favorite craft beer retailer soon.

Awaiting Approval:
Karbach Brewery  has sent off the keg collars and can labels for approval, and are getting construction close to complete on the brewery, according to Facebook. Hopefully we see some of their highly anticipated beers soon.