Texas takes its beer pretty seriously. In fact, no other state has a beer named specifically after their flag. (Looking at you, Lone Star!) The number of craft breweries in Texas has been, and continues to grow, at an astonishing rate. Currently there are upwards of 257 breweries across the state. So, if you’ve got a hankering for a local brew, you’ve got some options!
According to BevSpot, the most ordered beer brands in Texas are as follows in descending order: Bud Light, Michelob, Miller, Dos Equis, Coors, Shiner, Karbach.
Completely ignoring the larger corporate breweries, you’ll notice Shiner and Karbach made the list! And seeing as all we’re talking about are the craft breweries, those two certainly have spots on our list of the five most popular breweries in Texas.
(In no particular order!)
1. Spoetzl Brewery
Located in Shiner, Texas it’s the oldest independent brewery in the state. They produce the diverse line of Shiner beers with the most popular being Shiner Bock. They also have a wonderful selection of highly-anticipated seasonal beers they release throughout the year such as their Ruby Red Bird and Shiner Cheer.
2. Karbach Brewing Company
Located in Houston, Texas, Karbach was a microbrewery until they partnered with Anheuser-Busch InBev. in 2016 and are now considered a macrobrewery. According to their facebook page, “We’re still a Texas brewery, with Texas employees, making great Texas beer on Karbach Street.” A few of their popular beers are their Weekend Warrior Pale Ale, Hopadillo IPA, and Love Street Kolsch Style Blonde.
3. Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Located in Houston and named after the patron saint of brewing, Saint Arnulf of Metz. They are the oldest craft brewery in Texas and offer several styles of year-round beers. The most popular are their Amber Ale, Fancy Lawnmower, and while it’s not a beer, their Saint Arnold Root Beer is one of the best around!
4. Real Ale Brewing Company
Located in Blanco, Texas, where the owner credits the local Blanco River as “some of the best brewing water for the styles of beer that we make,” making Blanco an ideal location for the brewery. They’re known for their wildly popular Fireman’s #4 Blonde Ale, Hans’ Pils German-Style Pilsner, and Devil’s Backbone Belgian-Style Tripel.
5. Live Oak Brewing Company
Located in Austin and offering four year-round beers as well as nearly 20 seasonal or limited release beers. They pride themselves on their old-world style of brewing rarely found in America but practiced extensively throughout central Europe. Their four year-round beers are Live Oak HefeWeizen, Live Oak Pilz, Live Oak Big Bark Amber Lager, and Live Oak Gold a North German-Style pilsner.
Hop over to your nearest Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods and check out the local brews we carry. Any one of our beer experts would love to show you the best that Texas craft beer has to offer.
