Raise a glass at these unique breweries.
By Saba Ghaffari, Photos courtesy of Jester King Brewery and Springbox
Blue Owl Brewing
Miles from downtown: 2.6
The rundown: If sour-mash beers are your favorite, you must check out Blue Owl Brewing. The brewery has applied its unique process to many styles and flavors of beer, resulting in light, wheat-sour and hoppy-sour varieties. If you decide to go on a tour, you’re in for a treat and will get a look into exactly how Blue Owl adds its sour twist.
When: The tasting room is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. Brewery tours are offered Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m.
(512) Brewing Company
Miles from downtown: 3.9
The rundown: Established in 2008, when there were very few breweries in the city, (512) Brewing Company brought one of the first India pale ales to Austin. Now the pecan porter and the whiskey-barrel-aged double pecan porter are among the most popular the brewery produces. Lunch can be brought in during a brewery visit or food can be purchased from an on-site food truck when available.
When: Visit during open-house hours Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. Brewery tours begin at 1 p.m.
Jester King Brewery
Miles from downtown: 18.2
The rundown: Head to the beautiful Texas Hill Country for a brewery experience done right. Founded in 2010, this unique brewery is housed in a rustic farmhouse on part of a 200-acre ranch. After a brewery tour, grab a pint and share a pie from Stanley’s Farmhouse Pizza, located on-site.
When: Brewery tours are available Fridays at 6 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Austin Beerworks
Miles from downtown: 9.9
The rundown: Austin Beerworks is most famous for its Core Four beers: Peacemaker, an anytime ale; Pearl-Snap, a German-style pils; Flavor Country, a hoppy pale ale; and Fire Eagle, and American IPA. If that isn’t enough to convince you to visit, Austin Beerworks hosts some of the city’s most popular food trucks on a rotating basis.
When: The tasting room is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 7 p.m.