How Does Texas Beer Compare With Other States?

For many people, beer is the national drink of the United States. Not only is it home to a brand that is arguably the most widely known globally – the mighty Budweiser – it was also instrumental in launching the craft beer phenomenon that has swept the world.

This has led to every single State having its own group of producers ranging from micro-breweries up to larger businesses with aspirations to become national brands.

Texas is a state that has always shown a particular fondness for beer, so it’s no surprise that it’s a front-runner in brewing.

After all, it’s the perfect drink to go with all aspects of the State’s lifestyle. This ranges from cookouts to watching the major league sports teams of Texas. Even a party at home or a game of blackjack with friends wouldn’t be complete without a few cold brewskis to lubricate the social interaction.

The State Of The Brewing Industry In Texas

There may never have been a better time to assess how Texas beers rate with other States. That’s because the dominance of the big national breweries has been considerably challenged by small, local breweries that are producing the beers that they know will go down particularly well with the local population.

Yes, Texas does still have its own major beer brand in the form of Lone Star, and has done ever since 1884. But now it’s increasingly being challenged by other brews like the five that we’re listing here and, even though some are owned by the big breweries, they maintain their independent spirit.

Deep Ellum Dallas Blonde

Back in 2011 the Deep Ellum area of Dallas was a run-down industrial area. Today it’s a magnet for hipsters and a lot of this has to do with the emergence of businesses like Deep Ellum Brewing. Their most popular beer is the Dallas Blonde which was also one of the first that they released in 2012. It has a flowery, citrus flavor that makes it super refreshing on a hot Dallas afternoon, and now it’s reaching out across the States thanks to the brewery’s new owners, Monster.

Karbach Hopadillo

Another Texan brewery that has been making a name for itself since 2011 is Karbach. Its flagship ale is Hopadillo. It includes a special blend of US, English, and German hops that gives it a uniquely dry and bitter flavor. It’s another smaller brewery that was acquired by a big name, in this case, Anheuser-Busch InBev. 

Live Oak Pils

Before Bud became the mega-brand it is, the original brewery was in Czechoslovakia (as it was then). Ever since 1996, Live Oak has been recreating another version of this classic Czech-style pilsner. Over the years it has won many awards for its crisp, refreshing taste created by a special combination of Moravian malt and Saaz hops. It’s a special favorite in the summer served ice-cold alongside a barbecue.

Pinthouse Electric Jellyfish

An IPA, or India Pale Ale, is one of the beer varieties that has become increasingly popular over the last few years. One of the finest examples that you’ll find in Texas is this gem from the Pinthouse brewery in Austin. Originally only available at certain times of the year, its popularity has led to 12-month production. So, whatever the season, you can enjoy its tropical taste which is married to a floral aftertaste. It’s all thanks to the various hop varieties that are added at different stages of the brewing process.

Saint Arnold Pumpkinator

It’s become a kind of tradition that Texas welcomes the arrival of fall with the release of the season’s batch of Pumpkinator. As the name suggests, the beer is made with actual pumpkin purée. This, along with the brown sugar, molasses and spice mix that are used in its production, gives it a unique rich flavor. As well as the seasonally-produced version there are also special editions and barrel-aged releases that are highly sought-after by the State’s biggest beer aficionados. 

The Best Of The Rest

While Texas can undoubtedly claim to be up there with the best of the brewing States in the country, several other places can lay a claim.

For example, the jewel in Oregon’s brewing crown is Portland which claims to have more breweries than any other US city – 52 in all. The biggest names include Hopworks Urban Brewery, Alameda Brewing Company, and Cascade Brewing. Portland Beer Week also attracts beer lovers from all over the world for 10 days across June.

California also boasts a major brewing city in the form of San Francisco where craft breweries cluster around the Bay area and big names include Almanac and the Moonlight Brewing Company.

But, however good they might be, no self-respecting Texan would say any other State can hold a candle to the Lone Star State’s brewing expertise.